Addressable Smart Lighting Fault Detection Under Dynamic Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor lighting systems face issues with fault detection due to degradation, which can cause color changes or wiring faults, leading to inefficient manual inspections and potential damage from excessive current/power exposure, and protective devices failing to adapt to dynamic loads.
Innovation Solution
A controller communicatively coupled to smart lights and a power supply automatically detects faults by comparing parameter levels to threshold values, transmitting messages for remote notification, and adjusting protective levels to accommodate dynamic loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual visual inspection is used to detect faults, then the system can identify lighting issues, but the inspection process is time-consuming and requires operator travel to the site
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own operational parameters (current, power, color temperature) and detecting faults without external intervention. The controller continuously compares actual parameters against expected ranges and identifies deviations indicating faults, eliminating the need for manual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual inspection process with an automated electronic monitoring system. Instead of an operator physically visiting the site to visually inspect lights, the system uses electronic sensors and controllers to automatically detect and report faults, substituting human labor with automated electronic detection.
2Reliability
If a statically set protective device is used, then the device can protect lights at higher loads, but it fails to protect lights at lower loads from dangerous current levels
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device transitions from a static, fixed threshold approach to a dynamic adaptation mechanism. The controller continuously monitors actual lighting load conditions and adjusts the protective thresholds accordingly, enabling the system to adapt its protection levels to match real-time operational demands rather than relying on predetermined static settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protective parameters dynamically based on actual operating conditions. Instead of using fixed current or power thresholds, the system adjusts protective thresholds as parameters of the lighting load change, allowing the protective device to effectively protect against faults across varying load conditions from low to high power consumption.
3Reliability
If in-person visual inspection is performed, then faults can be detected, but the operator needs access to the main controller and time to travel to the installation site
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously performs fault detection and reporting without requiring operator presence or interaction with the main controller. The controller automatically monitors lighting parameters, detects faults, and can communicate fault information remotely, eliminating the need for operators to physically access the installation site or manipulate controller interfaces during inspection.
4Extent of automation
If continuous monitoring of lighting parameters is implemented, then automatic fault detection is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions using the same hardware infrastructure: it manages lighting operation, monitors electrical parameters (current, power), detects faults, and communicates system status. By making the controller multi-functional, the system achieves automated fault detection without proportionally increasing hardware complexity, as existing controller resources are utilized for monitoring purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a detection circuit and a controller. The detection circuit may detect a parameter of smart lights. The controller may transmit a lighting signal addressed to a portion of the smart lights. The lighting signal may cause particular channels of the portion of the smart lights to turn on. The controller may receive a parameter message from the detection circuit indicating a level of the parameter of the smart lights when the particular channels of the portion of the smart lights are on. The controller may compare the level of the parameter to a threshold value range. The controller, responsive to the level of the parameter being outside of the threshold value range, may transmit a message to a remote device. The message may indicate that the particular channels of the portion of the smart lights are not operating in accordance with a pre-determined profile.