RF Lighting Control System with Master-Slave Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrical control systems for lighting lack a centralized and user-friendly method to manage and control multiple lighting devices, leading to complexity in installation, configuration, and operation.

Innovation Solution

A control system comprising master and slave nodes connected via RF communication, with a hand-held RF controller that allows users to install, associate, control, and configure devices, create scenes, and manage events, providing a centralized interface for lighting management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a centralized control system with multiple nodes is implemented, then lighting management capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting management capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into master nodes and slave nodes, each with specific functions. Master nodes handle control and coordination, while slave nodes execute lighting control locally. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple lighting devices across different locations without requiring a single complex centralized controller, thereby improving lighting management capability while keeping individual node complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to be location-independent and protocol-agnostic, allowing the same master node architecture to control slave nodes in various locations using different communication protocols. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to different installation scenarios and expand lighting management capability without redesigning the entire system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If location-independent control is implemented, then system adaptability is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically detects and configures slave nodes when they are added to the network. The master node performs self-testing and automatic configuration of communication parameters, eliminating the need for manual setup by installers. This self-service capability allows the system to be location-independent and highly adaptable while keeping installation simple and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration and testing automatically during the initial setup phase. Communication parameters, node addresses, and control protocols are pre-configured through automatic detection and pairing processes, so that when the system is installed in different locations, no additional manual configuration is needed, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automatic configuration and self-testing are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic configuration process is implemented partially - only the essential parameters such as node identification, communication protocol selection, and basic control settings are automatically configured and tested. More advanced or location-specific parameters can be configured manually later if needed. This partial automation provides sufficient ease of operation for standard installations while minimizing the time consumed by automatic processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Simplifies the installation, configuration, and operation of lighting systems by enabling users to control multiple devices through a single interface, enhancing user experience and system efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a RF transceiver (404) that the controller (402) is adapted to control and monitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7589639B2Electrical control system
Publication Date: 2009.09.15 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • US7589639B2 patent drawing
  • US7589639B2 patent drawing
  • US7589639B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrical control system.