Retrofit Adapter for Smart Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures, especially those installed before recent technological advancements, often lack remote control capabilities and sensors, making them less efficient and difficult to upgrade, which can be costly and not economically justified.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit adapter is introduced that includes a controller and transceiver, allowing existing light fixtures to be transformed into smart fixtures with remote control and sensor capabilities by coupling between the existing power supply and power source, enhancing their functionality without requiring full replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing light fixtures are replaced with new smart light fixtures, then remote control capabilities and sensor functionality are improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module is nested within the existing light fixture structure, containing the controller and transceiver components inside a compact housing that integrates with the fixture's existing housing, allowing smart functionality to be added without replacing the entire fixture
Solution Approach 2:
The upgrade system is segmented into modular components: the existing light fixture remains separate from the new adapter module, which contains the controller and transceiver. This segmentation allows partial replacement rather than full fixture replacement, reducing installation complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing light fixtures are replaced with new smart light fixtures, then remote control capabilities and sensor functionality are improved, but economic benefit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing light fixture housing and structural components are retained and recovered, while only the necessary electronic control components (controller, transceiver) are discarded and replaced with the adapter module, reducing material waste and upgrade costs
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter module is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of existing light fixtures, allowing a single product design to provide smart functionality across different fixture types, thereby reducing development and manufacturing costs
3Device complexity
If manual control is used in existing light fixtures, then device simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the light sources, enabling automated control functions while the transceiver serves as an intermediary for wireless communication, allowing remote operation without complicating the physical fixture structure
Data Source
AI summary
A retrofitted light fixture can include an existing power supply of an existing light fixture that receives, when in a retrofitted state, AC mains power directly from a power source and delivers primary power to one or more existing light fixture components of the existing light fixture. The retrofitted light fixture can also include an adapter coupled to and disposed between the existing power supply and the power source, where the adapter provides the AC mains power to the power supply, where the adapter includes at least one retrofit component lacking from the existing light fixture, where the at least one retrofit component comprises a controller and a transceiver.