Universal Lighting Dimmer Adapting to Serial and Parallel Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting dimmers are designed for specific wiring configurations and are not easily adaptable for use in different configurations, leading to the need for multiple dimmer types and complex installations, which increases costs and complexity for installers.
Innovation Solution
A lighting dimmer that can automatically adapt to either serial or parallel installation without modification, using either one or two active input wires, and can be wired for various switch configurations, including two-way and three-way switches, with an internal power supply that charges symmetrically in both half cycles and prevents DC current flow through the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dimmer is designed for a specific wiring configuration (serial or parallel), then it can operate reliably in that configuration, but it cannot be adapted to other configurations without modification
Solution Approach 1:
The dimmer device is designed with multiple input terminals (first input terminal, second input terminal, third input terminal) that can accommodate different wiring configurations. The device can be connected in serial mode using the first and second input terminals, or in parallel mode using the first, second, and third input terminals, making a single dimmer model suitable for multiple installation scenarios without requiring different dimmer types for each configuration.
2Reliability
If multiple dimmer types are provided for different wiring configurations, then each dimmer can be optimized for its specific configuration, but the complexity of installation and inventory management increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing separate dimmer types for serial and parallel installations, the invention uses a single dimmer model with multiple input terminals that can be configured for different wiring arrangements. The dimmer includes a first input terminal, second input terminal, and third input terminal that can be connected according to the specific installation requirements, eliminating the need for multiple dimmer types while maintaining configuration-specific performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimmer device incorporates dynamic configuration capability through its terminal arrangement, allowing the wiring configuration to be changed based on installation needs. The device can transition between serial and parallel modes by connecting different combinations of terminals, providing flexible adaptability without requiring physical reconfiguration of the entire system or replacement of the dimmer unit.
3Reliability
If installers must use specific dimmer types for specific configurations, then correct operation is ensured, but the risk of faulty operations due to incorrect jumper connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dimmer eliminates the need for jumper wires by providing dedicated input terminals for different wiring configurations. The first input terminal, second input terminal, and third input terminal are designed to accommodate serial and parallel connections directly, removing the complexity of jumper wire installation while ensuring correct operation. This direct terminal connection approach reduces installation errors and simplifies the overall installation process.
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
The dimmer simplifies installations by allowing a single type to be used across multiple configurations, reducing the need for multiple dimmer types and minimizing the risk of faulty operations due to incorrect jumper connections, while ensuring efficient charging and operation across different lighting loads.
Implementation Method 1
The first full-wave rectifier converts an alternating current input voltage present between the AC line hot (H) connection and the AC line neutral (N) connection into DC voltage to charge the energy storage device (C1)
Implementation Method 2
The second full-wave rectifier converts the alternating current input voltage present between the AC line hot (H) connection and the first dimmer hot (DH1) connection into DC voltage to charge the energy storage device (C1)
Implementation Method 3
The third full wave rectifier converts the alternating current input voltage present between the AC line hot (H) connection and the second dimmer hot (DH2) connection into DC voltage to charge the energy storage device (C1)
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting dimmer (52) adaptable to four wiring configurations is capable of use in serial or parallel lighting circuits and in place of two-way or three-way switches. The dimmer operates in series when one active input wire (H) is connected and in parallel when two active input wires (H, N) are connected. The dimmer is operated in place of a two-way switch by connecting one output wire (DH1) and in place of a three-way switch by connecting two output wires (DH1, DH2).