Wireless Relay Retrofit for Lighting Energy Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional wired lighting controls are expensive, inflexible, and unable to respond to daylight or occupancy, while existing wireless systems lack the flexibility needed for commercial applications and require replacing existing ballasts, leading to high costs and limited market adoption.

Innovation Solution

A wireless radio network system that includes a radio-controlled relay device installed between lighting fixtures and power supplies, equipped with sensors to monitor power consumption and respond to daylight and occupancy, allowing for flexible control and integration with existing fixtures without the need for new ballasts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional wired switches are installed, then lighting control is provided, but installation cost is high and flexibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting controlVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical switching systems with a wireless control system using radio frequency communication. The wireless relay controller and remote controls communicate via radio signals, eliminating the need for complex wired installations while providing the same lighting control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless relay controller is designed to be universally compatible with existing lighting fixtures and ballasts without requiring replacement. It can be installed on various types of fluorescent lighting systems and works with different remote controls, providing broad applicability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional wired switches are installed, then lighting control is provided, but ability to respond to daylight or occupancy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting controlVSAvoidresponse to environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect environmental conditions (daylight levels, occupancy) and provide feedback to the wireless relay controller. The controller automatically adjusts lighting based on this feedback, turning lights off when sufficient daylight is available or when no occupancy is detected, enabling adaptive response to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system becomes self-regulating through automatic sensor-based control. The system monitors its own operational conditions and adjusts lighting automatically without requiring manual intervention, optimizing energy usage based on actual needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If existing wireless lighting controls are used, then wireless control is achieved, but flexibility for commercial applications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless controlVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides control into independent addressable units, where each wireless relay controller can be individually programmed and controlled. This segmentation allows flexible configuration for different commercial spaces and enables granular control of individual fixtures or groups of fixtures according to specific operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless relay controller is designed with universal compatibility for commercial lighting applications, working with existing fluorescent ballasts and fixtures. It provides multiple control modes and can be configured for various commercial settings, offering the flexibility needed for diverse commercial applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If existing wireless lighting controls are used, then wireless control is achieved, but replacement of existing ballasts is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless controlVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless relay controller serves as an intermediary device that interfaces between the existing ballast and the wireless control system. It connects to the existing lighting circuit and communicates wirelessly with remote controls, eliminating the need to replace ballasts while enabling wireless functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to work with existing ballasts and lighting infrastructure before any replacement is needed. The wireless relay controller is installed on existing fixtures and configured to work with the current ballast type, preserving existing investments while adding wireless control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7623042B2Wireless network control for building lighting system

Publication Date: 2009.11.24 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

Wireless control of lighting fixtures via a wireless radio network using a radio-controlled relay device located between a lighting fixture or a ballast of a fluorescent fixture and its power supply. The radio-controlled device receives signals from remote controllers or via a computer interface. The wireless device is also configured to monitor the power consumption of a lighting fixture (or ballast) and send that information to the network. In the wireless control network, light level sensors and motion sensors also send information to the network to allow lights to respond to daylight levels or occupancy.