Swimming Pool Lighting Fixture With 2-Wire PLC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool lighting systems require costly cable replacement to enable independent control of multiple light sources due to the use of 4-wire power supply cables, deterring installation of more advanced lighting fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device designed for connection to a common 2-wire power supply line using Powerline Communication (PLC) to transmit control signals, allowing independent control of light sources without replacing existing 2-wire cables, with a transmitter in the technical room and a receiver pre-mounted on the fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 4-wire power supply cables are used to enable independent control of multiple light sources, then control flexibility is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to cable replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Powerline Communication (PLC) technology as an intermediary mechanism that enables control signal transmission through the existing 2-wire power supply cable. The control unit includes a transmitting device connected to the power supply line and a receiving device in the lighting fixture, allowing control signals to be modulated onto and demodulated from the power line, thus eliminating the need for separate control wiring while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing 2-wire power supply cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a power supply conductor and as a control signal transmission medium. The PLC technology allows the same physical infrastructure to carry both electrical power and digital control signals, thereby achieving universal usage of the existing wiring infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If 4-wire power supply cables are used for independent control, then light source control capability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
PLC technology acts as an intermediary that enables control functionality through the existing power line infrastructure, avoiding the need for expensive cable replacement while maintaining full control capability over multiple light sources
Solution Approach 2:
The existing power supply cable serves dual purposes by simultaneously providing both power delivery and control signal transmission, making the infrastructure self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional dedicated control wiring
3Ease of operation
If conventional lighting fixtures with single light source are installed, then installation effort is reduced, but lighting variability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture is segmented into multiple independently controllable light sources, each with its own circuit board and receiving device. This segmentation allows each light source to be controlled individually through PLC technology on the existing 2-wire power line, providing lighting variability while maintaining easy installation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical/wiring-based control system is replaced with electromagnetic field-based PLC communication. Instead of using separate physical control wires, control signals are transmitted through electromagnetic modulation of the power line, enabling multiple light sources to be controlled independently without increased installation complexity
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 easy installation and independent control of light sources for varied ambient lighting effects, reducing installation effort and cost while maintaining control flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the control device has a transmitting device which is designed to modulate control signals onto the 2-wire power supply line
Implementation Method 2
the control device has a receiving device which is mounted on the lighting fixture side and is designed to receive, demodulate and forward the control signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (100), in particular for swimming pools (11) and whirlpools, comprising a lighting body (13) and a control device (14), wherein the lighting body (13) has a built-in housing (15) with at least two light sources (161, 162) which can be controlled independently of one another by means of the control device (14).According to the invention, it is provided that the lighting fixture (13) and the control device (14) are designed for connection to a common 2-wire power supply line (17), the control device (14) has a transmitting device (20) which is designed to modulate control signals onto the 2-wire power supply line (17), and the control device (14) has a receiving device (21) which is mounted on the lighting fixture side and is designed to receive, demodulate and forward the control signals, so that the light sources (161, 162) can be controlled independently of one another in response to the control signals.