Signal Generator Module for Luminaire Dimming

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminaire dimming systems require large and costly components due to the need for isolating buttons or switches that loop AC mains voltage, leading to increased component sizes and costs.

Innovation Solution

A signal generator module that generates a digital output signal with a mains frequency, mimicking AC mains voltage, eliminating the need for mains voltage and reducing isolation requirements, using input and output terminals to supply low-DC voltage and control commands to an LED driver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If AC mains voltage is looped at the driver interface for dimming control, then dimming functionality is achieved, but component size and cost increase due to isolation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimming control functionalityVSAvoidcomponent size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a low-voltage copy of the AC mains voltage signal using a microcontroller and timing circuitry. Instead of directly processing high-voltage AC mains signals, the system generates a replicated voltage pattern at low voltage levels, eliminating the need for costly isolation components while preserving the dimming control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical isolation system with a digital signal processing approach. A microcontroller generates timing signals that replicate the AC mains voltage pattern, substituting physical voltage isolation with electronic signal generation and comparison.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If AC mains voltage is looped at the driver interface for dimming control, then dimming functionality is achieved, but component cost increases due to isolation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimming control functionalityVSAvoidcomponent cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a low-voltage copy of the AC mains voltage signal using a microcontroller and timing circuitry. Instead of directly processing high-voltage AC mains signals, the system generates a replicated voltage pattern at low voltage levels, eliminating the need for costly isolation components while preserving the dimming control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical isolation system with a digital signal processing approach. A microcontroller generates timing signals that replicate the AC mains voltage pattern, substituting physical voltage isolation with electronic signal generation and comparison.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If a digital output signal mimics AC mains voltage is used instead of actual mains voltage, then isolation requirements are reduced and component size decreases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent sizeVSAvoidsignal generation circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it generates the timing signals, replicates the AC mains voltage pattern, and interfaces with the existing driver circuitry. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the added signal generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter from high-voltage AC mains to low-voltage digital signals. By operating at standardized low voltage levels, the system eliminates isolation requirements while the microcontroller's software handles the complexity of signal generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250212306A1Signal generator module for dimming of a luminaire

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a signal generator module, comprising: input terminals for supplying a low-DC voltage from a LED driver, an interface for manually or electronically supplying a signal generator control command, a circuitry for generating a digital output signal preferably with a mains frequency during a defined state of the signal generator control command, and output terminals configured to supply the digital output signal to at least one input terminal of the LED driver.