RF Lighting Control System with Segmented Master-Slave Nodes
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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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized control system with multiple nodes is implemented, then device control capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into master nodes and slave nodes, where master nodes handle control functions and slave nodes handle execution functions. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple lighting devices through a distributed architecture, improving control capability while keeping individual node complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
A hand-held RF controller serves as an intermediary device between the user and the control system nodes. It provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies installation, configuration, and operation, allowing users to manage the complex multi-node system without dealing with its underlying complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If RF communication is used for node connection, then installation ease is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic node discovery and association mechanisms where master nodes and slave nodes automatically detect and pair with each other via RF communication. This self-service approach simplifies installation by eliminating manual configuration steps, though the underlying association protocol adds to the system's configuration complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions are integrated, then operational capability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hand-held RF controller is designed as a universal control device that can perform multiple functions including installing new nodes, configuring existing nodes, controlling lighting scenes, and managing system settings. This multi-functionality improves operational capability but requires a comprehensive interface that may complicate operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held controller acts as an intermediary that consolidates multiple control functions into a single user-friendly device. It mediates between the user and the complex multi-node system, providing a unified interface for installation, configuration, and operation that simplifies user interaction despite the system's inherent complexity.
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 manage multiple devices through a single interface, enhancing user control and automation of lighting scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The master nodes 102 and the slave nodes 104 are operably coupled by one or more communication interfaces 106 that may, for example, include one or more of the following: radio frequency (RF), Internet Protocol (IP), power line, or other conventional communication interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical control system includes one or more master devices that are adapted to control the operation of one of more slave devices. The master and the slave devices are operably coupled by at least one radio frequency communication interface. The master devices are adapted to assign the slave devices to a delayed off mode of operation, define a time delay associated with each slave device, and activate the delayed off mode of operation. The slave devices include manually operated switches and are operably coupled to corresponding loads. During the delayed mode of operation, each slave device is adapted to delay a transition for the corresponding load from on to off by the time delay associated with the particular slave device.