Smart Light Bulb Base for Advanced Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light bulb sockets, such as the Edison screw, lack the necessary infrastructure to support advanced lighting technologies like LED lighting, which require control functions like dimming, color changing, and remote operation, necessitating complex and costly installations of electrical hardware.
Innovation Solution
A modular light bulb base system with a power source interface, bulb-coupling interface, and user interface mechanism that allows for the control of lighting functions, including remote operation, using inductive coupling and conductive magnetic systems to transfer power and data signals, enabling easy integration of advanced lighting features without extensive hardware installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional Edison screw sockets are used, then compatibility with existing installations is maintained, but advanced lighting control functions (dimming, color changing, remote operation) cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery, data communication, and control functions into a single integrated base unit that interfaces with the existing Edison screw socket. This merging eliminates the need for separate control wiring while enabling advanced lighting functions through wireless communication and inductive coupling between the base and bulb assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed to work with multiple types of bulb assemblies (LED, incandescent, flexible lighting sheets) while providing universal control capabilities including dimming, color changing, and remote operation. The system uses standardized Edison screw interface combined with multi-protocol wireless communication to achieve broad compatibility and functionality.
2Ease of operation
If centralized control lighting systems are installed, then remote control capability is achieved, but complex electrical hardware (switches, transmitters, receivers) must be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control electronics from the bulb itself and places them in the base unit, which remains permanently installed in the socket. This allows the bulb to be simple and replaceable while the intelligence and control hardware stay in the base, eliminating the need for complex wiring throughout the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves as an intermediary between the power source and the bulb assembly, handling all control signal processing and wireless communication. This intermediary approach allows existing sockets to be upgraded with smart functionality without modifying the building's electrical infrastructure or installing additional control hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LED lighting with multiple circuits is used, then highly customizable lighting solutions are achieved, but standard Edison-screw sockets cannot provide the necessary control infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is pre-configured with multiple output channels and control circuits before the bulb assembly is installed. This preliminary preparation allows the system to immediately support complex LED configurations with multiple color temperatures, brightness levels, and lighting patterns without requiring additional installation work or reconfiguration.
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
Enables the integration of advanced lighting features like remote control, dimming, and color changing in LED lighting systems without the need for complex electrical installations, reducing costs and enhancing user flexibility and control.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductive coupling element operable to conduct a current and to generate a first corresponding current in a first corresponding inductive coupling element in the bulb assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A light bulb base includes a power source interface configured to couple the light bulb base to a light bulb socket. It also includes a bulb-coupling interface configured to removably couple the light bulb base to a bulb assembly. A user interface mechanism is also included in the light bulb base, and is operable to control a function of the bulb assembly or the base when the base is coupled to the bulb assembly. The light bulb base may also include a receiver for receiving a signal from a remote control source and/or a controller configured to perform the function.