Under cabinet light interface device and lighting device interface device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Under cabinet lights often occupy power outlets, limiting their placement due to wiring constraints, and connecting dimmers to systems with incompatible devices can damage appliances and dimmers.
Innovation Solution
An under cabinet light interface device with a power input interface, dimmer detection module, and switch to disconnect power when a dimmer is detected, along with an alarm and overload protection to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the under cabinet light is connected to a power outlet, then the under cabinet light can be powered, but the number of available power outlets is reduced and the layout is limited by power line length
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution function is segmented into multiple independent interface devices that can be distributed along the cabinet. Each interface device can independently provide power to multiple appliances, allowing flexible placement without being constrained by a single centralized power outlet location.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device acts as an intermediary between the power source and multiple appliances. It receives power from one power outlet and distributes it to multiple appliances through multiple output interfaces, eliminating the need for multiple separate power outlets and enabling flexible appliance placement.
2Ease of operation
If the dimmer is connected to the power input interface, then the under cabinet light brightness can be adjusted, but incompatible appliances connected to the same circuit may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into separate isolated circuits: one circuit for the dimmer and under cabinet light, and another circuit for power output to appliances. This segmentation prevents the dimmer's control signals from affecting appliances connected to the power output interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device serves as an intermediary that electrically isolates the dimmer control circuit from the appliance power circuit. The dimmer detection module detects dimmer connection and the switch device blocks dimmer control signals from reaching the power output module, protecting incompatible appliances while still allowing dimmer functionality for the light.
3Device complexity
If multiple appliances are connected to the same power outlet, then power distribution is simplified, but the power outlet location is constrained by wiring limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple interface devices that can be placed at different locations. Each interface device provides multiple output interfaces for connecting appliances, allowing appliances to be distributed flexibly along the cabinet while maintaining simple power distribution through the interface device network.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can provide power to multiple different types of appliances through multiple output interfaces. This universal design allows the same interface device to serve various appliances at different locations without requiring different wiring configurations.
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
Prevents damage to appliances and dimmers by disconnecting power when a dimmer is connected and provides safe, selective power delivery to connected devices.
Implementation Method 1
a power output module, configured to receive, by means of a circuit, the input alternating current from the power input interface, convert the input alternating current into an output current, and output the output current to one or more appliances connected to the power output module
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an under cabinet light interface device and lighting device interface device, the under cabinet light interface device includes: a power input interface, configured to be connected to an under cabinet light power source, so as to acquire an input alternating current from the under cabinet light power source; a power output module, configured to receive, by means of a circuit, the input alternating current from the power input interface, convert the input alternating current into an output current, and output the output current to appliances connected to the power output module; a dimmer detection module, provided between the power input interface and the power output module, and is configured to detect whether a dimmer is connected to the power input interface; and a first switch device, provided between the power input interface and the power output module, and configured to: disconnect a circuit connection between the power input interface and the power output module if the dimmer detection module detects that a dimmer is connected to the power input interface, and conduct the circuit connection between the power input interface and the power output module if the dimmer detection module detects that no dimmer is connected to the power input interface.