Wireless Beaconing for Coordinated Lighting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED lighting systems lack the ability to operate independently of wired power sources, limiting their installation flexibility and efficiency, especially during power outages, and do not effectively manage energy consumption to address peak demand and cost concerns.

Innovation Solution

The integration of wireless control and power systems in LED lighting devices, allowing them to operate autonomously with internal power sources, such as rechargeable batteries, and communicate through networks for coordinated power management, enabling installation without wired connections and efficient energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LED lighting systems use wired power connections, then power supply stability is improved, but installation flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired power connection system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The lighting device receives power wirelessly through a power receiver that converts electromagnetic energy to electrical energy, eliminating the need for physical power cables while maintaining reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless power transmission intermediary system consisting of a power transmitter and power receiver. The transmitter converts electrical energy to electromagnetic energy, which is then received and converted back to electrical energy by the receiver, serving as an intermediary medium to transfer power without direct physical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If LED lighting systems use internal power sources for wireless operation, then installation flexibility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic wireless power transmission where the power transmitter sends power in scheduled intervals or on-demand basis. The system can transmit power during off-peak hours or when lighting is not immediately needed, allowing the internal battery to charge gradually rather than requiring large capacity for continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a hybrid power system that dynamically switches between wireless power reception and internal battery power. The system can adaptively choose the power source based on availability, demand, and battery charge level, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple lighting devices operate independently during power outages, then reliability is improved, but coordinated power management and energy efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation during power outagesVSAvoidenergy consumption during peak demand
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based power management system where the central controller receives status information from multiple lighting devices and sends coordinated control commands. The system monitors power availability, battery charge levels, and lighting demands to optimize power distribution and minimize energy consumption during peak demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal wireless power management network that can operate in multiple modes: coordinated group operation for energy efficiency, independent operation for reliability during outages, and hybrid modes. The system adapts its behavior based on environmental conditions and power availability, providing multi-functional power management.

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

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

This solution provides increased installation flexibility, energy efficiency, cost savings, and continued operation during power outages, reducing energy consumption during peak demand times and enhancing user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless beacon (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) coupled to a power source, such as a battery) may be provided on the power source device and adapted to transmit a beacon signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11438989B1Beaconing wireless transmitter for coordinated lighting system control
Publication Date: 2022.09.06 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US11438989B1 patent drawing
  • US11438989B1 patent drawing
  • US11438989B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the presently disclosed embodiments may include a wireless power outage lighting system comprising one or more power change detection apparatuses and one or more wireless lighting modules where the system is implemented to allow management of multiple groups in the same area such that interference may be avoided when there are multiple transmissions in the same area. A power change detection apparatus may be configured to transmit to avoid interference with another power change detection apparatus. A power change detection apparatus may also be configured through the user input method to operate different groups of wireless lighting modules such that lighting zones may be created. Multiple lighting zone allow a user to configure lighting provided by the wireless power outage lighting system based on their preference.