Lighting Control System Using Single Pair Ethernet and Pulsed Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting control systems are hindered by high initial costs and resource-intensive installations due to the need for new infrastructure and complex programming, making them cumbersome and expensive to implement and upgrade.

Innovation Solution

The proposed lighting control system employs Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) protocol and pulsed power technology to enable cost-effective retrofit installations, eliminating the need for separate power and control infrastructure by using a single two-conductor cable for both data and power transmission, and includes a conversion device for integrating with existing systems without requiring new lighting fixture replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lighting control systems are installed, then lighting control functionality is achieved, but installation costs and resource usage increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control functionalityVSAvoidinfrastructure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single cable infrastructure using Power over Ethernet (POE) technology. The Ethernet cable simultaneously carries electrical power to illuminate LEDs and data signals for control commands, eliminating the need for separate power wiring and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The Ethernet cable is used for multiple functions: it provides both power delivery and data communication. The POE switch and controller can operate in multiple modes (DC mode for power delivery, Ethernet mode for data communication), making the system adaptable to different installation scenarios and reducing the need for specialized infrastructure.

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

2Power

If separate power and control infrastructure are used, then reliable power delivery is achieved, but installation complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power delivery and control communication into a single Ethernet cable system. The POE technology enables the cable to carry both high-voltage power for illumination and low-voltage data signals for control, simplifying installation while maintaining reliability through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The POE switch acts as an intermediary device that converts standard Ethernet data signals into high-voltage DC power suitable for driving LED arrays. This mediator enables reliable power delivery through existing Ethernet infrastructure without requiring separate power wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11889607B2Lighting control system using pulsed power and single pair ethernet
Publication Date: 2024.01.30 PANDUIT CORP
  • US11889607B2 patent drawing
  • US11889607B2 patent drawing
  • US11889607B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An enhanced lighting control system is provided that utilizes updated communications technology to provide a cost and resource efficient lighting control system that allows for a retrofit installation into existing lighting systems. The lighting control system utilizes single pair ethernet connection protocols, as well as a pulsed power source, to enable the efficiencies.