Solid-State Lamp Wireless Dimming via Infrared Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems, particularly those using incandescent and metal halide lamps, face challenges in efficiently adjusting output intensity across multiple lighting devices without requiring extensive wiring and labor, as well as ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness in maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly adjustable lighting system utilizing solid-state light sources and a sensor responsive to line-of-sight wireless signals, which allows for remote control of light output intensity with security features to validate instructions and prevent unauthorized adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual electronic wall-mounted dimmer modules are wired to each lighting device, then individual output intensity adjustment is achieved, but wiring complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring-based dimming control system with an optical wireless communication system. The handheld transmitter sends infrared signals to the receiver in each lighting device, eliminating the need for additional dimmer wiring while enabling individual device control. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining individual adjustment capability without increasing wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical signal (infrared transmission) as an intermediary medium to transfer control commands from the handheld transmitter to the lighting device receiver. This intermediary enables wireless communication between the user and individual lighting devices, achieving individual control without physical wiring connections for dimming purposes.
2Productivity
If lighting devices are mounted at high locations, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance and adjustment become time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for physical access to high-mounted lighting devices with wireless optical control. Users can adjust lighting intensity from ground level using a handheld transmitter, eliminating the need for bucket trucks or scissor lifts. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high mounting positions for space utilization while eliminating the time loss associated with safe access equipment and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device receiver automatically processes incoming infrared signals and adjusts its own output intensity without requiring physical intervention. The system enables users to perform maintenance and adjustment functions remotely from a safe position, making the high-mounted devices effectively self-adjustable without human exposure to hazardous heights.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metal halide ballasts with extensive wiring and control systems are used, then dimming capability is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electrical control system of metal halide ballasts with a simple optical wireless control system. The handheld transmitter and receiver architecture provides dimming capability through infrared signals, eliminating the need for extensive wiring and complex ballast electronics while maintaining adaptability for individual device control.
4Ease of operation
If neutral density filters are installed within lighting devices, then output intensity adjustment is achieved, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive optical filtering method (neutral density filters) with an active electrical control method through wireless communication. The handheld transmitter sends signals that electronically adjust the lighting device output through the receiver and driver circuitry, enabling intensity control without energy-wasting filters and maintaining energy efficiency while providing ease of operation.
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 convenient, cost-effective, and safe adjustment of lighting intensity across multiple devices, reducing the need for extensive wiring and labor, while ensuring secure operation and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor produces output signals in response to line-of-sight wireless signals
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a remotely adjustable lighting system with security features. The lighting system includes a lamp (e.g., luminaire) which carries solid-state light sources and a sensor. The solid-state light sources emit visible light at an adjustable output intensity. The sensor is responsive to line-of-sight wireless signals, and the lamp increases and decreases the output intensity of the light sources in response to output signals of the sensor. The lamp provides security features by selectively accepting and rejecting instructions carried by the line-of-sight wireless signals to vary the output intensity of the light sources.