Switch-Based Control for Integrated Lighting Auxiliary Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lighting fixtures with integrated devices often lack accessible controls, making it difficult to power on, power off, or configure these devices, which is becoming increasingly important as more devices are integrated into fixtures.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system that includes a control device capable of detecting switch toggles to control the availability of power to integrated auxiliary devices, such as sensors or smart speakers, allowing users to manage their operation modes through a light switch, including options to turn them on, off, or change modes based on toggle sequences and threshold time periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices are integrated into lighting fixtures, then functionality is improved, but controllability deteriorates due to lack of accessible controls

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcontrollability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the existing light switch as an intermediary device to control integrated auxiliary devices. The control device detects switch toggles and translates them into control signals for the auxiliary devices, allowing users to control integrated devices through a familiar external interface rather than requiring physical access to the fixture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for physical mechanical controls on the fixture with an electronic detection system. The control device electronically detects the state of the light switch and automatically controls the auxiliary devices based on detected toggle patterns, eliminating the need for physical buttons or switches on the fixture itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If no accessible control structure is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol structureVSAvoidcontrollability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically detects switch toggles and autonomously determines when to power on/off or change modes of the auxiliary devices based on the detected toggle patterns. This self-service approach eliminates the need for physical controls while maintaining ease of operation through automated response to simple switch actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If physical access to integrated devices is required for control, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of repair and configuration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol architectureVSAvoidconfiguration accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The light switch serves as an intermediary that allows users to configure and control integrated devices without physical access to the fixture. The control device translates simple switch interactions into meaningful configuration commands for the auxiliary devices, making repair and configuration accessible from a distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10930455B2Switch based control of lighting fixture integrated device

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

A lighting device includes a light source, an auxiliary device, and a control device configured to detect toggles of a switch that controls availability of an input power to the lighting device including the light source. The control device is configured to change an operation mode of the auxiliary device based on the toggles of the switch.