Series-Parallel Dimmer System with Multi-Functional AC Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dimmer systems with multiple user interfaces for controlling AC power to LED light sources require additional inputs for signaling between slave and master dimmers, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A dimmer system with multiple dimmers connected in series and parallel, where each dimmer has a user interface and a controller that determines and adjusts the conduction angle of AC power based on user input, allowing for multi-way control by detecting zero-crossings and tracking conduction angles to synchronize switching states across all dimmers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional inputs (RF or low voltage wire) are added for signaling between slave and master dimmers, then multi-way control capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing AC input terminals of the dimmer are made multi-functional by detecting both power AC signals and control AC signals on the same terminals. The dimmer circuit can distinguish between power AC (for driving the load) and control AC (for receiving dimming commands from slave dimmers) based on signal characteristics, eliminating the need for separate signaling inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The AC switch serves dual purposes: it switches power AC to the load and also switches control AC signals received from slave dimmers. By controlling the switching timing and detecting signal characteristics, the system enables master-slave communication through the existing power AC terminals without requiring additional wiring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dimmers are connected in series and parallel configuration, then multi-way control is enabled, but synchronization of conduction angle across dimmers becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Slave dimmers detect the control AC signal emitted by the master dimmer and use it as a reference for synchronization. The slave dimmers adjust their conduction angle based on the detected control signal timing, ensuring all dimmers switch in unison. This feedback mechanism maintains synchronization across multiple dimmers without requiring complex communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic AC cycling as the basis for synchronization. The master dimmer emits control signals at specific points in the AC cycle, and slave dimmers detect and respond to these periodic signals, ensuring all dimmers operate in sync with the same reference timing throughout the AC waveform.
3Use of energy by moving object
If phase control dimming is used to adjust brightness, then energy efficiency is improved, but control precision and synchronization across multiple dimmers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or electronic communication mechanisms with AC signal detection and timing analysis. By detecting zero-crossings and measuring time intervals of AC waveforms, the system achieves precise conduction angle control through electrical timing rather than mechanical adjustment or complex digital communication.
Solution Approach 2:
Slave dimmers copy the control signal timing and conduction angle settings from the master dimmer by detecting its AC control signals. This allows all dimmers to operate with identical precision without requiring independent control circuits or complex synchronization protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Dimming system with parallel dimmers each with user interface and dimmer circuit are connected in series with a load and AC source. AC switch in dimmer circuit switches AC to the load at a conduction angle, the AC conducted in ON state and not OFF state; a controller determines the conduction angle to control turn-ON at each half cycle to control switching of ON and OFF states based on user control signal; controller detects zero-crossing of the AC and track conduction angle by detecting change in conduction angle based on zero-crossing of the AC. If the controller of an initiating dimmer determines a new conduction angle based on user signal this controller uses the new conduction angle. The controller of each dimmer except the initiating one detects a change in the conduction angle of the load in response to the new angle and the controller of each dimmer except the initiating one adopts that angle.