U.S. patent application number 14/444997 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for lighting control systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Enigma Universal Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to George Erik McMillan.
Application Number | 20150028776 14/444997 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52389917 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150028776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McMillan; George Erik |
January 29, 2015 |
LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
A circuit includes a dimming controller, an adjustable resistor
connected downstream of and in series connection with the dimming
controller, a driver connected downstream and in series with the
adjustable resistor, and a light connected downstream and in series
with the driver. Related methods are also provided. A light
emitting diode (LED) light fixture has a wide adjustment range of
wattage and lumen outputs. A variable output LED light fixture has
adjustable lumen output. An adjustable LED light fixture is
adaptable to multiple lighting environments and needs, including
outdoor and indoor applications. A LED light fixture includes a LED
driver with a device adjusting the maximum wattage and lumen output
of LED array(s). The adjustment is not permanent and can be
adjusted multiple times to tune the wattage and lumen output or as
required due to changes at the installation environment.
Inventors: |
McMillan; George Erik;
(Newton, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Enigma Universal Technologies, LLC |
Newton |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52389917 |
Appl. No.: |
14/444997 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61859031 |
Jul 26, 2013 |
|
|
|
61951480 |
Mar 11, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
315/307 ;
315/291 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 8/026 20130101;
H05B 47/19 20200101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; H05B 45/10 20200101;
F21V 3/00 20130101; H05B 45/37 20200101; F21V 23/04 20130101; H05B
47/11 20200101; F21S 8/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
315/307 ;
315/291 |
International
Class: |
H05B 37/02 20060101
H05B037/02 |
Claims
1. A circuit comprising: a dimming controller; an adjustable
resistor connected downstream of and in series connection with the
dimming controller; a driver connected downstream and in series
with the adjustable resistor; and a light connected downstream and
in series with the driver.
2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the adjustable resistor
comprises a slide resistor.
3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the adjustable resistor
comprises a linear potentiometer.
4. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the dimming controller comprises
a 0-10V dimmer.
5. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the dimming controller comprises
a PWM.
6. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the light comprises an LED.
7. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the light comprises a
fluorescent light.
8. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the light comprises an
incandescent light.
9. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the light comprises an HID.
10. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the dimming controller is
selectively adjustable.
11. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the adjustable resistor is
selectively adjustable.
12. A method comprising: adjusting an adjustable resistor to a
desired wattage output, wherein the adjustable resistor is in
series connection with a driver of a light; and adjusting a dimming
control to a desired luminosity output, wherein the dimming control
is in series connection with the adjustable resistor.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the adjustable resistor
comprises a slide resistor.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the adjustable resistor
comprises a linear potentiometer.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the dimming controller
comprises a 0-10V dimmer.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the dimming controller
comprises a PWM.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the light comprises an LED.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the light comprises a
fluorescent light.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein the light comprises an
incandescent light.
20. A method comprising: determining a maximum wattage output for a
given light fixture; and adjusting an adjustable resistor to the
maximum wattage output for the given light fixture, wherein the
adjustable resistor is in series connection with a driver of a
light, wherein the light fixture is further adjustable by adjusting
a dimming control to a desired luminosity output, wherein the
dimming control is in series connection with the adjustable
resistor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 61/859,031, titled "VARIABLE
OUTPUT LED LIGHTING FIXTURES," filed on Jul. 26, 3013, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. This
application also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional
patent application No. 61/951,480, titled "HYBRID LIGHTING CONTROL
SYSTEM," filed on Mar. 11, 2014, which is incorporated herein in
its entirety by this reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] These descriptions relate generally toward energy efficiency
lighting systems targeted at minimizing energy consumption and
maximizing/tailoring lumen output. These descriptions are also
directed toward light emitting diode (LED) light fixtures that are
capable of a wide adjustment range of wattage and lumen outputs,
and therefore are capable of being adapted to any indoor or outdoor
lighting need.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the lighting industry, the goal of energy efficiency
precipitates a turning away from energy demanding incandescent
lighting to more efficient light systems, like High Intensity
Discharge (HID/HPS, MV, MH) and fluorescent (CFL, T12, T8, T5,
etc.) lights, and even more energy frugal systems such as Light
Emitting Diodes (LED). These light systems are difficult or, in
some cases, impossible to dim with standard line dimmable systems.
New dimming systems have been created to dim specialized ballast or
driver powered light systems such as fluorescent and LED light
fixtures. These new systems include Pulse Width Modulation (PWM),
0-10V and secondary resistive type controls. Instead of dimming by
lowering the voltage going to the light fixture, as with common
line dimming, these new dimming systems utilize a dedicated set of
control wires which regulate the Ballast or Driver Output.
[0004] A new industry has originated to help commercial entities to
improve their energy efficiency: Energy Services Companies
(ESCo's). ESCo's are hired to actively seek the most effective way
for a client to save energy and, to become more eco-friendly in
every aspect possible. A major area in which energy savings can be
maximized is in lighting.
[0005] ESCo's integrate high efficiency lighting into commercial
campus "retrofits", generating savings of 25-85%. But achieving
these efficiency levels comes at a cost. ESCo's often encounter
multitudes of light fixtures types and, each of these fixtures has
varying wattage levels and light outputs.
[0006] ESCo's cannot purchase lighting in advance, because the
ESCo's never know what lights systems (variety, size, wattage,
lumen output, etc.) will be present, until after accessing the
potential client's facility and after a detailed inventory list of
the lights at the facility.
[0007] An example of an inventory list might indicate that an ESCo
may need to order 50 LED recessed drop ceiling fixtures of 20
watts, and 35 fixtures at 30 watts, and 100 recessed drop ceiling
fixtures that are 35 watts, and then every building in a 50
building campus may have equally random sets of lights. Creating an
inventory list represents a very time consuming proposition and, if
the count is incorrect or incomplete, entirely new problems arise.
An ESCo's profit margin is inextricably tied to: 1) how well they
replace the light to meet the lumen output; and 2) how many watts
of energy are "saved" over the next 5 to 15 years.
[0008] Dimmers can lower a fixture's power consumption but it is
not the answer for saving money. Even if a 40 W fixture is dimmed
to 30 w to save on energy, if the dimmer is raised to max, the
light will consume 40 w causing a serious monetary loss to the
ESCo's profit margin. Lights "undimmed" over a period of years can
require an additional 25% longer for their return on investment in
the energy efficient retrofits.
[0009] All these issues prevent ESCo's from pre-ordering any light
fixtures which, in turn, causes even more problems. The time-frame
for installing said fixtures is affected greatly because it takes
time to inventory and find the proper fixtures, and then there are
further delays with ordering and shipping. If an ESCo company makes
a mistake by ordering a number of fixtures that do not meet the
light level expected by their client, these mistakes impact the
ESCo's profit margin because the ESCo must remove and replace said
lights with new fixtures so as to satisfy the customer's demands at
the ESCo's expense.
[0010] What these ESCo's and other customers need is: a single
product, for a given fixture type, that has the capability of
replacing a multitude of existing lights; one fixture that can be
limited at the high end for maximum wattage consumption (ensuring
ESCo's meet their energy savings projections), while allowing for
additional dimming by the end user. These lights would enable
universality and nearly limitless "campus wide" energy efficiency
and brightness tweaks and adjustments, and without the need to
replace underperforming lights.
[0011] Today, indoor and outdoor light emitting diode (LED) light
fixtures come in factory set wattage and lumen ranges. For example,
standard roadway lights come in a variety of wattages, ranging from
150 watt ("W") to 250 W to 400 W. Purchasers often order a large
quantity of wattage-specific lights, and, upon delivery, find the
lumen output of the light does not "fit" the needs of the lighting
location. The light could be too bright, or not bright enough. Pole
height, terrain, reflectivity of the surfaces around the light,
light overlap, and any number of other environmental factors can
mean that the industry-standard, non-adjustable LED roadway light
does not meet the lighting needs of the purchaser's location. In
this situation, a purchaser either has to live with the
inefficiency or inadequacy of the light, or try to return the
light, which may cause the purchaser to loose time and money.
[0012] While there are computer controlled wattage output systems
on the market, even those systems are constrained by working with a
specific wattage output (e.g. 150 W, 250 W, and 400 W). Also,
computer controlled wattage output systems add extra expense in
installation and/or maintenance costs. Other systems provide for
replacement of lighting drivers, LED arrays, or entire LED light
engines, which can create added expense in installation labor and
maintenance costs. The problem is compounded in that every
installation environment, especially in outdoor applications, is
inherently unique and could require multiple adjustments to find a
LED light fixture that "fits" the environment.
[0013] Furthermore, the same disadvantages of the current wattage
output systems are present in LED light fixtures used in a variety
of other applications, such as exterior, interior, and agricultural
settings. Thus, there exists a need for an adjustable LED lighting
fixture that is capable of achieving a wide range of wattage and
lumen output with a single lighting driver.
SUMMARY
[0014] This Summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form
concepts that are further described in the following detailed
descriptions. This Summary is not intended to identify key features
or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to
be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0015] According to one or more embodiments, a circuit is provided.
The circuit includes a dimming controller, an adjustable resistor
connected downstream of and in series connection with the dimming
controller, a driver connected downstream and in series with the
adjustable resistor, and a light connected downstream and in series
with the driver.
[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the adjustable
resistor is a slide resistor.
[0017] According to one or more embodiments, the adjustable
resistor is a linear potentiometer.
[0018] According to one or more embodiments, the dimming controller
is a 0-10V dimmer.
[0019] According to one or more embodiments, the dimming controller
is a PWM.
[0020] According to one or more embodiments, the light is an
LED.
[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the light is a
fluorescent light.
[0022] According to one or more embodiments, the light is an
incandescent light.
[0023] According to one or more embodiments, the light is an
HID.
[0024] According to one or more embodiments, the dimming controller
is selectively adjustable.
[0025] According to one or more embodiments, the adjustable
resistor is selectively adjustable.
[0026] According to one or more embodiments, a method is provided.
The method includes adjusting an adjustable resistor to a desired
wattage output, wherein the adjustable resistor is in series
connection with a driver of a light and adjusting a dimming control
to a desired luminosity output, wherein the dimming control is in
series connection with the adjustable resistor.
[0027] According to one or more embodiments, a method is provided.
The method includes determining a maximum wattage output for a
given light fixture and adjusting an adjustable resistor to the
maximum wattage output for the given light fixture. The adjustable
resistor is in series connection with a driver of a light and the
light fixture is further adjustable by adjusting a dimming control
to a desired luminosity output. The dimming control is in series
connection with the adjustable resistor.
[0028] According to one or more embodiments, the LED light fixture
includes a housing, at least one array of LED's (also
interchangeably referred to herein as a LED array or LED light
array), and at least one adjustable LED driver or other current
controlling devices capable of controlling the wattage and lumen
output of a least one array of LED's.
[0029] According to at least one embodiment, an LED light fixture
includes a trimpot capable of adjusting said LED driver's output
signals that control the wattage and lumen output of an LED
array.
[0030] According to at least one embodiment, a trimpot is
adjustable by an installer, purchaser, owner, or other by
physically adjusting a knob, a slidable controller, or other
physical means of a trimpot adjuster, or by electromagnetic control
signal (e.g., RF, WiFi, or other electromagnetic control
devices).
[0031] According to at least one embodiment, a LED light fixture
can be optionally used in a variety of applications, including
indoor and outdoor public, private, agricultural, or industrial
lighting.
[0032] According to at least one embodiment, an LED light fixture
is adapted for use in illuminating a street.
[0033] According to at least one embodiment, an LED light fixture
is adapted for use in illuminating a parking lot.
[0034] According to at least one embodiment, an LED light fixture
is adapted for use in illuminating a parking garage.
[0035] According to at least one embodiment, an LED light fixture
is adapted for use in illuminating a commercial building
exterior.
[0036] According to at least one embodiment, and LED light fixture
is adapted for use in illuminating a residential building (i.e.,
home or apartment) exterior.
[0037] According to at least one embodiment, an LED light fixture
is adapted for use in illuminating a commercial building
interior.
[0038] According to at least one embodiment, an LED light fixture
is adapted for use in illuminating a residential building
interior.
[0039] According to at least one embodiment, an LED light fixture
is adapted for use in illuminating an agricultural or horticultural
space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions
are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate particular
exemplary embodiments and features as briefly described below. The
summary and detailed descriptions, however, are not limited to only
those embodiments and features explicitly illustrated.
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit according to one or more
embodiments disclosed herein;
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates one or more methods in the flowchart
according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein; and
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates one or more methods in the flowchart
according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows an LED light fixture configured for
illuminating a thoroughfare such as a roadway according to at least
one embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows an LED light fixture configured for
installation in a drop ceiling according to at least one
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
[0046] These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to
provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of
broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon
and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments
without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly
described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these
descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar
embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the
inventive subject matters. Although the term "step" may be
expressly used or implied relating to features of processes or
methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence
among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence
is explicitly stated.
[0047] Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and
these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not
all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these
descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The
drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all
embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions
are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with
regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each
drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent
relative scale of the drawing.
[0048] The one or more embodiments disclosed herein provide for an
LED light fixture of any wattage to be adjustable, thus allowing
purchasers to purchase one light fixture that is capable of
adjustment to a wide range of settings for wattage and lumen
output. The one or more embodiments disclosed herein can be adapted
to a variety of state of the art LED light fixtures to achieve the
result of wattage and lumen output control.
[0049] A circuit is illustrated in FIG. 1 and generally designated
10. The circuit 10 includes a dimming controller or control module
12. The dimming controller 12 may be, for example, a 0-10V dimmer.
The dimming controller 12 may be a PWM. The PWM controls the pulse
of power from the switch box 15 to downstream, where the switch box
15 includes the dimming controller 12. The switch box 15 also may
include an AC to DC transformer. Additionally, the switch box 15
may include one or more additional features such as additional
switches going to other outlets and the like. The dimming
controller 12 may be selectively adjustable by turning off of a
knob, selecting a desired dial level, or by smart adjustments that
may be effectuated by selecting a desired dimming level on a
touch-responsive control panel.
[0050] The circuit 10 may further include an adjustable resistor
14. The adjustable resistor 14 may be connected downstream of and
in series connection with the dimming controller 12 and switch box
15. The adjustable resistor 14 may be a slide resistor. The
adjustable resistor 14 may be a linear potentiometer.
[0051] The circuit 10 may further include a driver 16 connected
downstream and in series with the adjustable resistor 14. The
driver 16 is an internal mechanism that regulates power to a light
source, and is advantageously used with LED light sources to vary
the power supplied to the LED as the LED properties change with
temperature changes.
[0052] The circuit 10 may include a light connected downstream and
in series with the driver 16. A light may be any appropriately
configured light, and each of an LED 20, fluorescent tube 22, and
incandescent light 24 are illustrated as one embodiment
thereof.
[0053] The adjustable resistor 14 may be enclosed within the light
assembly when installed and therefore not accessible to outside
without removal of the light. This allows the installer to adjust
the wattage and lumen output at the time of installation but does
not allow subsequent altering of the wattage and lumen output
without some barrier to doing so, namely removal of the light
assembly to access the linear resistor. Alternatively, adjustable
resistor 14 may be selectively adjustable by a smart control system
or have authentication/authorization permissions associated with an
adjustment.
[0054] By using the adjustable resistor 14, the purchaser,
installer, or owner is no longer confined to the factory pre-sets
for wattage and lumen output of industry-standard outdoor LED light
fixtures. In an exemplary outdoor environment embodiment, an LED
roadway/street lamp can be adjusted by the purchaser, installer, or
owner to an optimal wattage and lumen output for the particular
installation environment of the LED light fixture. By way of
example only, instead of purchasing ten different LED roadway lamps
of different pre-set wattages for ten different installation points
along a street being outfitted with energy efficient and long-life
LED light fixtures (i.e., ten non-optimal LED roadway lamps), the
purchaser can purchase a single LED roadway lamp of the present
invention for all installation points and "tune" the wattage and
lumen output of each light fixture to the optimal wattage and lumen
output for each installation point. The one or more embodiments
disclosed herein allow for near infinite wattage and lumen control
adjustment up to the maximum rated output for the LED light array
of the light fixture.
[0055] To provide a universal adjustable wattage limiter and light
output controllable lighting fixture, the one or more embodiments
disclosed herein provide for a hybrid lighting control system to
prevent the dimmer 12 from overriding the wattage limiter, where
the adjustable resistor 14 is the wattage limiter on the entire
circuit. This system combines the use of a primary adjustable
resistor 14 that is connected to the driver 16 of the light
fixture. The primary adjustable resistor 14, such as a slide
resistor or linear potentiometer, is used to preset or limit the
maximum wattage of the fixture. Then, a secondary resistance type
12, wall, PC, remote or other dimmer (e.g. 0-10V or PWM) can be
used in conjunction with the primary adjustable wattage limiter.
The secondary dimmer 12 can also be applied to the fixture to allow
the end user to adjust the light level up or down.
[0056] With this hybrid system, the primary controller (the
adjustable resistor 14) will prevent the secondary dimming
controller 12 from overriding the maximum wattage preset at the
light fixture. This allows dimming for the customer, without
surpassing the maximum wattage chosen. This allows an ESC to
acquire their Return of Investment within their estimated
time-frame and, even sooner if the dimmer is used often.
[0057] This hybrid lighting control system allows ESCo's the
ability to purchase fixtures in advance, which saves them time,
money and labor as, no matter the wattage desired by the ESCo or,
the intensity of light demanded by the client, this new system can
be adjusted precisely to meet both parties' expectations.
[0058] One or more methods are illustrated in FIG. 2 and generally
designated 100. The one or more methods 100 may include adjusting
an adjustable resistor to a desired wattage output 102. The
adjustable resistor is in series connection with a driver of the
light. The one or more methods 100 may include adjusting a dimming
control to a desired luminosity output 104. The dimming controller
is in series connection with the adjustable resistor.
[0059] One or more methods are illustrated in FIG. 3 and generally
designated 200. The one or more methods 200 may include determining
a maximum wattage output for a given light fixture 202. This may be
requested by the customer or decided on by the installer, or may be
mandated by a government or contract. The one or more methods 200
may include adjusting the adjustable resistor to the maximum
wattage output for a given light fixture 204. The one or more
methods 206 may further include installing the light fixture after
adjusting the adjustable resistor to the maximum wattage output
206.
[0060] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary outdoor LED light fixture 400
configured for illuminating a roadway, including a light sensor 402
for automatic control of the LED light fixture. As shown, the
trimpot adjuster 404 is located on the exterior of the light
fixture housing 406. Alternative embodiments may optionally have
the trimpot adjuster inside the housing 406 to prevent unauthorized
adjustments (tampering) of the light fixture. This embodiment and
others allow a LED light fixture of any wattage to be adjustable,
thus allowing purchasers to purchase one light fixture that is
capable of adjustment to a wide range of settings for wattage and
lumen output. The fixture can be adapted to a variety of state of
the art LED light fixtures to achieve the result of wattage and
lumen output control. For example, the exemplary outdoor
environment embodiment is shown in FIG. 4. An LED roadway/street
lamp embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes the housing 406, at least
one LED light array 410, the light sensor 402 (photo-cell or other
sensor) to automatically power the light fixture on/off, a power
source, lens, a driver to control the LED light array, a
potentiometer ("trimpot"), and the trimpot adjuster 404. In some
embodiments, the fixture includes a trimpot adjuster on the outside
of the light fixture housing, as depicted in FIG. 4. In other
embodiments, the present invention includes a trimpot adjuster that
is not accessible on the outside of the light fixture housing.
Thus, unauthorized adjustments (tampering) of the LED light fixture
wattage and lumen output is inhibited.
[0061] On the output side of the driver, there is a trimpot which
provides an electrical signal that leads back into the driver. In
one embodiment, this electrical signal then flows through a
pulse-width modulator, which controls the pulse of power coming out
of the driver to the LED array. The wattage output is set at a
certain level, by adjusting the trimpot adjuster, which becomes the
maximum output for the LED array, until such time as the trimpot is
adjusted to increase or decrease the wattage flow. The increased or
decreased wattage flow to the LED array thus adjusts, either up or
down, the lumen output of the LED array, and thus the LED light
fixture.
[0062] The trimpot adjuster can be in any useable form, including
physical and/or electromagnetic adjuster devices. For example, one
embodiment includes a trimpot adjuster that is a slide switch that
can be slidably adjusted to control the trimpot signals to the
driver. In other embodiments, the trimpot adjuster is a knob that
can be rotatably adjusted to control the trimpot signals to the
driver. In still further embodiments, the trimpot adjuster is a
receiver for receiving electromagnetic control signals, which could
be in the form of RF, WiFi, or other useful electromagnetic form,
to control the trimpot signals to the driver. Such trimpot adjuster
devices will allow remote control for one or more light fixtures at
a time. Electromagnetic adjuster devices may optionally be
configured to require a passcode or other tamper-resistant means.
In yet further embodiments, both a physical adjuster device (knob,
slide, or other useful form) and an electromagnetic adjuster device
(RF, WiFi, or other useful electromagnetic form) are used.
[0063] By using the trimpot adjuster, the purchaser, installer, or
owner is no longer confined to the factory pre-set wattage and
lumen output of industry-standard outdoor LED light fixtures. In an
exemplary outdoor environment embodiment, the LED roadway/street
lamp depicted in FIG. 4 can be adjusted by the purchaser,
installer, or owner to an optimal wattage and lumen output for the
particular installation environment of the LED light fixture. By
way of example only, instead of purchasing ten different LED
roadway lamps of different pre-set wattages for ten different
installation points along a street being outfitted with energy
efficient and long-life LED light fixtures (i.e., ten non-optimal
LED roadway lamps), the purchaser can purchase a single LED roadway
lamp according to embodiments herein for all installation points
and "tune" the wattage and lumen output of each light fixture to
the optimal wattage and lumen output for each installation point.
This allows for near infinite wattage and lumen control adjustment
up to the maximum rated output for the LED light array of the light
fixture. The resulting lighted environment will be both cost
effective for the purchaser and safer for motorists.
[0064] Other exemplary outdoor environment embodiments of the
present invention include configurations for illuminating a variety
of outdoor environments, including public parks, walkways and
trails, parking lots, parking garages, commercial buildings,
outdoor manufacturing facilities, outdoor signage, and aesthetic
applications such as scenic environments or exteriors of
residential and commercial/office structures. Depending on the
intended application, an LED light fixture of one or more
embodiments herein can take on any required shape or form.
Accordingly, some embodiments have only one LED array controlled by
a single LED driver equipped with a trimpot adjuster. This may be
an advantageous for a simple outdoor application environment, such
as some roadway lamps, parking garage lamps, and parking lot lamps.
Other embodiments, however, may have more than one LED array. The
LED arrays in these embodiments may be controlled by a single LED
driver or one LED driver per LED array, where one or more of the
LED drivers are equipped with a trimpot adjuster. For example, a
more complicated outdoor application environment may require the
flexibility of more than one adjustable LED array, such as complex
roadway environments or building exteriors where different lumen
outputs, light shape or coverage, and/or light focal direction may
be desired. Also, still further embodiments are equipped with
modular, replaceable LED arrays and/or LED drivers to allow for
further adjustment capabilities and/or repair and service options
that are currently not available in the marketplace for LED light
fixtures.
[0065] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary indoor LED light fixture 500
configured for installation in a drop ceiling. Two alternative
positions of the trimpot adjuster 502 are shown.
[0066] First, a trimpot adjuster could optionally be located on top
of the LED light fixture hidden from view above the drop ceiling
panels 504 to prevent unauthorized adjustments (tampering) of the
light fixture 500. In another alternative, a trimpot adjuster could
optionally be located in the interior of the LED light fixture
accessible only be removing the lens cover 506 to prevent
unauthorized adjustments (tampering) of the light fixture. In yet
another alternative, a trimpot adjuster could optionally be located
in a position on the exterior of the LED light fixture (not
depicted) for unhindered access, for example, by a home owner. Also
depicted is a wall mounted dimmer 508 that works independently of
the trimpot and trimpot adjuster.
[0067] The indoor LED light fixture 500 embodiment for installation
in a drop ceiling installation point shown in FIG. 5 includes a
housing 510, at least one LED light array, a power source, drop
down lens cover 506, a driver to control the LED light array, and a
trimpot adjuster. In some embodiments, a trimpot adjuster is
concealed from the casual observer above the drop ceiling panels on
the top of the light fixture housing, as depicted in FIG. 5. In
other embodiments, a trimpot adjuster is visible, but not
accessible on the outside of the light fixture housing by placement
in the interior of the light fixture behind the lens cover, as also
depicted in FIG. 5. Thus, unauthorized adjustments (tamperings) of
the LED light fixture wattage and lumen output are inhibited in
both embodiments. In still further embodiments, a trimpot adjuster
is visible and purposefully accessible to the purchaser, installer,
or owner (e.g., a home owner or shop owner) for ready access to
adjusting the LED light fixture wattage and lumen output.
[0068] Also shown in FIG. 5 is a wall mounted dimmer switch 512 as
a secondary way to control some embodiments of the LED light
fixture. These devices are distinct from a "light dimmer" because a
dimmer employs either a resistor(s) or it "chops up" (turns the
light on and off in rapid succession). These devices enable the
purchaser, installer, or owner to "set" or "tune" any desired
wattage output (up to the rated wattage output for that light
fixture), which in tum affects the maximum lumen output of the
light. Therefore, a dimmer switch could be used in conjunction with
these devices to further control the LED light fixture.
[0069] The trimpot adjuster can be in any useable form, including
physical and/or electromagnetic adjuster devices. For example, one
embodiment includes a trimpot adjuster that is a slide switch that
can be slidably adjusted to control the trimpot signals to the
driver. In other embodiments, the trimpot adjuster is a knob that
can be rotatably adjusted to control the trimpot signals to the
driver. In still further embodiments, the trimpot adjuster is a
receiver for receiving electromagnetic control signals, which could
be in the form of RF, WiFi, or other useful electromagnetic form,
to control the trimpot signals to the driver. Such trimpot adjuster
devices will allow remote control for one or more light fixtures at
a time. Electromagnetic adjuster devices may optionally be
configured to require a passcode or other tamper-resistant means.
In yet further embodiments, both a physical adjuster device (knob,
slide, or other useful form) and an electromagnetic adjuster device
(RF, WiFi, or other useful electromagnetic form) are used.
[0070] Other exemplary indoor environment embodiments include
configurations for illuminating a variety of indoor environments,
including indoor public spaces (libraries, offices, lobbies,
terminals, etc.), residential spaces, commercial office space,
commercial retail space, elevators and stairwells, indoor
manufacturing and laboratory environments, indoor agricultural or
horticultural spaces, museums, and any other indoor spaces where
lighting control is desirable.
[0071] The shape or form of the LED light fixture for indoor
environments may change given the indoor application, anticipated
installation environment(s), and other criteria. Accordingly, some
embodiments have only one LED array controlled by a single LED
driver equipped with a trimpot adjuster. This may be an
advantageous for a simple indoor application environment, such as
common residential or commercial retail indoor light fixtures. For
example, the exemplary indoor environment LED light fixture
according to at least one embodiment is in the form of a drop
ceiling lighting fixture, a common lighting fixture type in
commercial office and retail space, as well as residential
applications. However, embodiments can be adapted to "light bulb"
forms for use in standard light bulb applications, without limit,
such as the Edison screw light bulb, "tube lights", bi-pin, bayonet
socket, fixed flood lamps, or other forms. Thus, a residential
"light bulb" embodiment for use in a standard Edison screw base
lamp may be so configured to comprise a slidably adjustable trimpot
adjuster and/or a WiFi trimpot adjuster allowing a home owner to
adjust the wattage and lumen output of the light fixture physically
or remotely via an Internet connection. Other embodiments, however,
may include more than one LED array, such as horticultural
fixtures, some "tube" light fixtures, or large light fixtures. The
LED arrays in these embodiments are controlled by a single LED
driver or one LED driver per LED array, where one or more of the
LED drivers are equipped with a trimpot adjuster. For example, a
more complicated indoor application environment may require the
flexibility of more than one adjustable LED array, such as indoor
manufacturing spaces where different lighting conditions are
required for adjacent spaces. Also, still further embodiments are
equipped with replaceable LED arrays and/or LED drivers to allow
for further adjustment capabilities and/or repair and service
options that are currently not available in the marketplace for LED
light fixtures. These embodiments would allow the consumer or
end-user to replace a component of the module (such as the LED
board or LED driver) and change the settings via a trimpot or
similar device.
[0072] In some embodiments, overcoming disadvantages of prior LED
light fixtures, a potentiometer ("trimpot") or other device is
capable of making adjustments to output control signals of the LED
driver, which allows the purchaser, installer, or owner of the LED
light fixture to adjust the effective wattage of the LED array(s).
This in tum adjusts/controls the maximum lumen output of the LED
light fixture, and enables adjustability for pole height, terrain,
or other environmental variability at the installation location, in
the context of a LED roadway light fixture, for example.
[0073] Embodiments have been described with reference to various
specific examples and techniques. However, it should be understood
that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining
within the spirit and scope of these descriptions. For example, the
trimpot adjuster could be less dynamic than described above in the
form of a knob or slidable adjuster and only provide switches or
buttons that adjust the LED light fixture wattage and lumen output
to a finite set of adjustments (two, three, four, etc.). It will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that methods, devices,
device elements, materials, procedures and techniques other than
those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice
of the invention as broadly disclosed herein without resort to
undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of
methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and
techniques described herein are intended to be encompassed by this
invention. Whenever a range is disclosed, all subranges and
individual values are intended to be encompassed.
[0074] Particular embodiments and features have been described with
reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these
descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any
particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and
features may arise or modifications and additions may be made
without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the
spirit of the appended claims.
* * * * *