Wireless RF Lighting Control with Remote Occupancy Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupancy and vacancy sensors face challenges in detecting user presence due to obstructions and directional limitations when mounted in standard electrical wallboxes, requiring advanced system components and configuration procedures for optimal operation.
Innovation Solution
A load control system with a dimmer switch and remote occupancy sensors that use wireless RF signals to control lighting loads, where sensors on movable and fixed structures detect occupancy and vacancy conditions, allowing for optimal placement and simplified installation, and the dimmer switch manages power delivery based on received signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If occupancy sensors are mounted in standard electrical wallboxes, then installation is simplified, but detection reliability deteriorates due to obstructions and directional limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function into two separate components: a wall-mounted load control device that provides simplified installation, and remote occupancy sensors that can be optimally positioned for detection. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its function without compromise - the wallbox device handles power control while remote sensors handle reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless RF communication as an intermediary between the wall-mounted load control device and remote occupancy sensors. This wireless intermediary eliminates the need for complex wired connections while enabling the sensors to be positioned optimally for detection without being constrained by wiring routes.
2Reliability
If occupancy sensors are positioned optimally for detection, then detection reliability improves, but system complexity increases due to advanced components and configuration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The occupancy sensors automatically transmit their detection status via wireless RF signals to the load control device without requiring manual configuration or complex system setup. The sensors self-configure into the system by simply being within wireless range, eliminating the need for advanced configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from wired low-voltage control to wireless RF communication, fundamentally changing the control link parameter from physical connection to electromagnetic transmission. This parameter change simplifies the system architecture and eliminates complex wiring and configuration requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wall-mounted load control devices use PIR detectors, then occupancy detection is enabled, but detection precision deteriorates due to directional limitations and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the PIR detector in the wallbox and hoping it can detect occupants through obstacles, the patent inverts the approach by placing the PIR detector in a remote sensor that has an unobstructed view of the space. The detection function is inverted from being constrained by the wallbox location to being optimized by the sensor location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the occupancy detection function from the two-dimensional wall plane to three-dimensional space by mounting remote sensors on ceilings or walls at optimal positions. This dimensional change allows the sensors to detect occupants from multiple angles and without obstruction, significantly improving detection precision.
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 system effectively controls lighting loads by optimizing sensor placement and simplifying installation, ensuring reliable detection of occupancy and vacancy conditions without the need for complex configurations, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pyroelectric infrared (PIR) detector for detecting the presence of the user in the space
Implementation Method 2
an RF transmitter for transmitting a digital message representative of the present state of the occupancy sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system controls an electrical load provided in a space and comprises a load control device and a first occupancy sensor mounted to a movable structure (e.g., a door) and a second occupancy sensor mounted to a fixed surface (e.g., a wall or a ceiling). The load control device controls the load in response to the wireless control signals received from the occupancy sensors. The first occupancy sensor transmits an occupied wireless control signal to the load control device in response to detecting the movement of the movable structure. The second occupancy sensor transmits an occupied wireless control signal to the load control device in response to detecting the occupancy condition. The load control device turns on the load in response to receiving the occupied control signal from the first occupancy sensor, and turns off the load in response to receiving vacant control signals from both of the occupancy sensors.