Wireless Sensor Network for Lighting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting systems require manual operation or complex wiring for control, limiting flexibility and requiring rewiring for modifications, and lack wireless networking capabilities between sensors and light sources.

Innovation Solution

A wireless networking system that enables a sensor to create and expand a network with light sources without additional gateways, using wireless communication technologies like ZigBee or Bluetooth, allowing for autonomous operation and flexible network expansion without physical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual switching is used to control light sources, then the system is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates as manual intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidmanual operation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor automatically detects occupancy and controls the light sources without manual intervention. The system serves itself by having the sensor monitor the environment and autonomously switch lights on or off based on detected presence, eliminating the need for users to manually operate switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If wired connections are used for sensor and switch control, then the system is reliable, but the adaptability deteriorates as rewiring is required for modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal transmissionVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The sensor and light sources communicate control signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wiring. This substitution maintains reliable control signal transmission while dramatically improving system flexibility, as devices can be added, removed, or repositioned without rewiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional gateways are used for wireless communication, then the networking capability is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless networking capabilityVSAvoidgateway requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wireless communication functionality directly into the sensor device itself, merging what would traditionally be separate components (sensor and gateway) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for additional gateway devices while maintaining wireless networking capability, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the detection device and as the wireless communication gateway. By making the sensor universal - capable of both sensing environmental conditions and managing wireless communication with light sources - the system eliminates the need for separate gateway hardware, reducing device complexity while preserving networking capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3358910B1Lighting system, light source, sensor and method for creating and/or expanding a network

Publication Date: 2023.03.01 LEDVANCE GMBH

Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary

A lighting system is provided, comprising at least one light source and a sensor, wherein the sensor is adapted for creating and/or expanding a wireless network between the sensor and each light source.