Zero-Power Motion Sensor Lighting Control With Latching Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems continuously draw current from load circuits to power motion sensors and load controllers even when lights are off, leading to unnecessary energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control system with a motion sensor unit that powers down to zero current after a time delay when motion is no longer detected, using a latching relay or load controller, and is reactivated through a switch device, incorporating control circuits to manage power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motion sensors and load controllers continuously draw current from load circuits to maintain functionality, then the system can respond immediately to motion events, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily when lights are off
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor unit operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active monitoring and powered-down states. During the powered-down state, the unit draws zero current from the load circuit. When motion is detected during the active state, the system immediately responds by closing the load circuit. This periodic operation maintains system responsiveness while eliminating continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the motion sensing functionality from the load circuit by using a latching relay that maintains its state without continuous power. The motion sensor unit can be completely powered down (draw zero current) when not actively monitoring, while the latching relay preserves the last known state, allowing the system to respond appropriately when power is restored or motion is detected.
2Loss of energy
If the motion sensor unit is powered down to draw zero current after time delay, then energy conservation is achieved, but the system requires additional control circuits to manage reactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically manages the reactivation of the motion sensor unit without requiring external intervention. When the load circuit is closed (lights turned on), the control circuit automatically powers back on the motion sensor unit through the latching relay. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual control while maintaining low energy consumption during off-states.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching relay is pre-configured to maintain its state without continuous power input. When power is restored to the motion sensor unit, the relay is already in the appropriate state to immediately close the load circuit if motion was previously detected, eliminating the need for additional control logic to manage the transition states.
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
Achieves significant energy conservation by minimizing power draw when lights are off, while maintaining functionality for automatic or manual reactivation.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more sensors include, for example, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensor, image recognition sensors (CCD cameras), acoustic sensor
Implementation Method 2
The one or more sensors include, for example, ultrasonic sensors
Implementation Method 3
The control signals are received by a sensor circuit and the sensor circuit instructs the latch relay or load controller to control the load circuits
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a lighting control system with a motion sensor unit that electrically couples to a load circuit through a latching relay or load controller for turning on and off lights. The motion sensor unit is configured to power down to draw zero power after a time delay, when motion is longer detected within the work space by the motion sensor unit. The lighting control system further includes a control circuit that reinitiates or turns the motion sensor back on through a switch device.