Retrofit Adapter for Smart Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures, many of which were installed before recent technological advancements, are often expensive to replace and lack remote control capabilities, making it impractical to upgrade them to modern, smart systems.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit adapter that couples to the power source and power supply of existing light fixtures, incorporating a controller to enable remote and wireless control, thereby transforming 'dumb' light fixtures into 'smart' ones without the need for extensive replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing light fixtures are replaced with modern smart systems, then remote control capabilities and technological advancements are improved, but replacement cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: the existing light fixture component (bulb, socket, housing) and the new adapter module. This segmentation allows only the adapter to be replaced rather than the entire fixture, significantly reducing replacement cost while adding smart control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component that interfaces between the existing light fixture and modern control systems. It receives power from the original fixture's power source and provides controlled power to the bulb while enabling wireless communication and remote control features without replacing the entire fixture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing light fixtures are replaced with modern smart systems, then remote control capabilities are improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into an adapter module and existing fixture, the installation complexity is reduced to only replacing the adapter rather than the entire fixture. The adapter is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated power conversion and communication components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with universal compatibility to work with various existing light fixture types and bulb configurations. It provides multiple functions including power conversion, wireless communication, remote control, and maintains compatibility with different bulb types, simplifying installation decisions.
3Power
If adapter receives primary power from power source, then power delivery to light fixture component is enabled, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter manages power by changing electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) to match the requirements of the light bulb. It converts primary power from the power source into appropriate parameters for the bulb, handling power management through parameter transformation rather than complex control circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A retrofitted light fixture can include a power source that delivers primary power. The retrofitted light fixture can also include at least one light fixture component of an existing light fixture, where the at least one light fixture component, as part of the existing light fixture, was directly coupled to the power source. The retrofitted light fixture can further include an adapter coupled to the power supply and the at least one light source, where the adapter comprises a controller, where the adapter receives the primary power from the power source, where the controller delivers power to the at least one light fixture component based on instructions.