AC LED Drive Circuit with Opposing Parallel Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED systems face inefficiencies when driven by AC power, requiring complex circuits and components that need adjustment with changes in load, and lack scalability and standardization for AC-LEDs.
Innovation Solution
The development of LED circuits and drivers that allow for AC-driven LEDs with opposing parallel configurations, using capacitors and resistors to regulate current and voltage, enabling addition or removal of LEDs without altering discrete components, and providing a fixed voltage and frequency output, facilitating scalable and standardized LED systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are driven by AC power using traditional DC drive schemes with rectifiers and transformers, then AC power compatibility is achieved, but circuit complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by connecting LEDs in opposing parallel configurations directly to AC power without rectification. Instead of converting AC to DC then driving LEDs, the circuit allows AC to drive opposing parallel LED strings directly, with each string conducting during opposite half-cycles of the AC waveform. This eliminates the need for rectifiers and complex power conversion circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the LED lighting system into multiple opposing parallel strings that can be independently controlled. Each string contains LEDs connected in series, and multiple strings are connected in parallel with opposing polarities. This segmentation allows the system to handle AC power directly while providing modular scalability and independent control of different LED strings.
2Use of energy by moving object
If opposing parallel LED configurations are used with AC drive, then AC power efficiency improves, but voltage and current regulation becomes challenging with load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through current regulating components (such as resistors or active regulation circuits) in series with each opposing parallel LED string. These components sense the current flowing through the LEDs and provide feedback to maintain constant current operation despite AC voltage variations and load changes. This ensures stable LED operation and prevents overcurrent conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the inherent properties of capacitors and inductors to dynamically adjust circuit parameters in response to AC power characteristics. By incorporating RC networks or LC circuits, the system can compensate for voltage fluctuations and frequency variations in the AC supply, maintaining stable operating conditions for the LEDs across different load scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If discrete components are used in AC LED circuits, then circuit flexibility is achieved, but scalability is limited as components need adjustment with load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the AC LED circuit with universal components that can handle a wide range of AC power conditions and LED configurations. The opposing parallel string architecture with integrated current regulation allows the same basic circuit topology to scale from single LED applications to multi-LED systems without requiring fundamental design changes. Additional LED strings can be added in parallel while maintaining the same regulation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic regulation mechanisms that automatically adapt to load changes and AC power variations. Current regulating components and RC networks provide real-time adjustment of circuit parameters, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance whether operating with a single LED string or multiple strings in parallel. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual component reconfiguration when scaling the system.
4Ease of manufacture
If standardization is implemented for AC-LEDs, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but design flexibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a standardized modular architecture where LED strings are divided into opposing parallel segments that can be independently manufactured and tested. Each module follows a standard design pattern with consistent current regulation and AC coupling, enabling mass production and assembly line manufacturing. The modular nature allows standardization at the component level while maintaining flexibility at the system level through configurable numbers and arrangements of standard modules.
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
This solution enables efficient, scalable, and standardized AC-driven LED systems that maintain consistent light output without requiring component changes, even with changes in load, by using self-regulating circuits with integrated capacitors or RC networks, allowing for flexible and reliable lighting designs.
Implementation Method 1
using capacitors and resistors to regulate current and voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system is disclosed. The example lighting system includes a printed circuit board. At least one LED circuit and a driver circuit are mounted on the printed circuit board. The at least one LED circuit has a plurality of phosphor coated LEDs. The driver circuit includes at least one bridge rectifier and at least one capacitor. The lighting system also includes a housing including a lens. The lighting system further includes a first power connection lead connected to a first input of the bridge rectifier and a second power connection lead connected to a second input of the bridge rectifier. At least a first portion of each power connection lead is contained within the housing and at least a second portion of each power connection lead extends beyond the housing to enable the printed circuit board to be connected to an AC power source.