Single Fire-Wire Bi-Directional Power Fetching and Dimmer Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single fire-wire bi-directional power fetching systems are insufficient to provide power for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and intelligent light control systems, particularly failing to meet the power demands of Wi-Fi and high-end wireless communication modules like 5G, and often require additional Neutral Lines and battery solutions.

Innovation Solution

A single fire-wire bi-directional power fetching and dimmer control system incorporating a dimmer circuit, high side buck, and DC to DC converter, utilizing bi-directional power electronic components for phase conduction adjustment and power conversion, allowing for a wider dimming cycle ratio control from 15% to 95% or 100%, and providing stable DC power of at least 3.3V/450 mA without the need for batteries or additional Neutral Lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional single fire-wire power fetching is used, then the system can provide basic power supply, but it cannot provide sufficient power for IoT devices and high-end wireless communication modules requiring 450 mA current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidcompatibility with IoT and 5G modules
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power fetching system is divided into two independent parallel circuits: one dedicated to power fetching and another to dimmer control. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate optimally without interfering with the other, enabling the power circuit to provide sufficient current for high-power IoT devices while the dimmer circuit maintains precise lighting control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single fire-wire system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: power fetching for IoT devices, dimmer control for lighting adjustment, and support for both low-power and high-power communication modules. The parallel circuit architecture enables the system to adapt to various power requirements without requiring additional wiring.

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

2Power

If dimming cycle ratio is reduced from 85% to 75% to increase power for wireless modules, then basic modules can run, but the system cannot meet the 450 mA power demand for 5G and high-end WiFi modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower for wireless communication modulesVSAvoiddimming control range
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating power fetching and dimmer control into parallel circuits, the system can independently optimize each function. The dimmer circuit can maintain its full 15%-95% dimming range without compromising power delivery, as the power fetching circuit operates independently to provide sufficient current for high-power modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts to different power requirements through the parallel circuit architecture. When high-power modules are detected, the power fetching circuit automatically adjusts to provide up to 450 mA without affecting dimmer performance. The dimmer circuit simultaneously maintains its full adjustment range for lighting control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a Neutral Line is connected to provide stable power supply for dimmer circuit, then power stability is improved, but the system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single fire-wire system performs multiple functions without requiring a Neutral Line: it provides both power fetching and dimmer control through parallel circuits. The bi-directional power electronic components enable the system to draw power and perform control functions on a single live wire, eliminating the need for additional Neutral Line connections while maintaining system reliability.

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

4Ease of operation

If Triac is used for light adjusting and control, then dimming function is achieved, but the power available for wireless communication modules is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight dimming controlVSAvoidpower for IoT and communication modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the control functions by using separate circuits for dimming and power fetching. The Triac remains dedicated to dimming control while the parallel power fetching circuit independently provides sufficient power for wireless modules. This segmentation eliminates the power conflict that occurs when Triac-based dimming shares the same circuit with power delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The parallel circuit architecture enables dynamic power allocation. The dimmer circuit can operate at any dimming level while the power fetching circuit simultaneously provides up to 450 mA to high-power modules. The system dynamically adapts to different operational modes without requiring compromise between dimming performance and power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system effectively meets the power requirements of Wi-Fi, 5G, and IoT devices, offering stable and efficient power supply with extended dimming control range, eliminating the need for batteries and Neutral Lines, and preventing flickering, thus enhancing power supply efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

it utilizes Leading-Edge-Phase-Control, to control the conduction cycle ratio of AC power supplied to a lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase control:

Implementation Method 2

the power fetching circuit can be connected speedily to the local power supply for a short period of a cycle, to obtain an instantaneous AC current. Then, that current is rectified into a basic power supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 3

a high side buck, and a DC to DC converter... to provide high voltage AC, and convert it into lower voltage DC

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuck conversion:

Implementation Method 4

a DC to DC converter... to perform single fire-wire bi-directional light adjustment, to provide power conversion for DC of various different voltages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC to DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS10716179B1Single fire-wire bi-directional power fetching and dimmer control system
Publication Date: 2020.07.14 LOONG YEE INDUSTRIAL CORP LTD
  • US10716179B1 patent drawing
  • US10716179B1 patent drawing
  • US10716179B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A single fire-wire bi-directional power fetching and dimmer control system, comprising: a dimmer circuit, that includes at least a dimmer driver and two connected bi-directional power electronic components; a single fire-wire bi-directional power fetching module, connected in series between the two bi-directional power electronic components, to perform single fire-wire power fetching when the dimmer circuit is conducting; a high side buck, connected in parallel to the dimmer circuit; and a DC to DC converter, with input end of the converter used for fetching power connected to the single fire-wire bi-directional power fetching module, and the high side buck; and with output end of the converter used for supplying power connected to the dimmer driver of the dimmer circuit. As such, single fire-wire bi-directional dimming can be performed, to raise significantly its range of control, while fetching enough power to drive Wi-Fi and 5G communication.