Adaptive Dimmer Threshold Control for LED Flickering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light dimmers have a predefined maximum operating threshold that is not adaptable to different types of light loads, leading to inefficient power supply variation and flickering issues in LED lamps and halogen bulbs.
Innovation Solution
A light dimmer system that includes a phase signal zero crossing detector and adaptive mechanisms to modify the duration of the first part of each alternation, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the maximum operating threshold based on the light load, ensuring a wide range of electric power supply variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a predefined maximum threshold is used for the first part of each halfwave, then the light dimmer operates with a fixed operating range, but this threshold is not suitable for any type of light load, leading to flickering and inefficient power supply variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the maximum value of the first part of each alternation variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts this parameter based on zero crossing detection results, allowing the dimmer to adapt to different light load types (LED with capacitive impedance or halogen with resistive impedance) while maintaining stable operation without flickering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through zero crossing detection of the phase signal. The system detects zero crossings, determines their absence for a predetermined duration, and uses this feedback information to modify the maximum value of the first part of each alternation. This closed-loop control ensures the dimmer adapts to different loads while preventing flickering
2Productivity
If the maximum value of the first part of each alternation is increased to guarantee correct operation of the light dimmer, then the power supply range is expanded, but this causes flickering when the light dimmer is no longer powered
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum value of the first part of each alternation based on real-time zero crossing detection. Instead of using a fixed high value that causes flickering, the system optimizes this parameter dynamically to achieve the greatest power supply variation range while preventing flickering through adaptive control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of maximum value duration from a static predefined threshold to a dynamic value modified based on zero crossing detection results. This parameter change allows the system to expand power supply range while avoiding the flickering that occurs with fixed high values
3Device complexity
If a fixed predefined threshold is used for all light loads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different types of light loads (LED with capacitive impedance or halogen with resistive impedance)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the light dimmer to automatically adapt to different light load types through zero crossing detection. The system self-adjusts the maximum value of the first part of each alternation based on the detected characteristics of the connected load, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring compatibility with both LED and halogen lamps
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes operational parameters based on detected load characteristics. Through zero crossing detection, the system identifies whether the connected load is LED or halogen and accordingly modifies the maximum value duration, achieving universal compatibility without increasing device complexity
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for controlling the operation of a dimmer switch. The dimmer switch is connected to the phase of an AC power supply and to a light source. The light source is connected to the neutral of the AC power supply. The dimmer switch supplies the light source with a first part of each phase cycle and blocks a second part of each cycle. The duration of the first part of each cycle can be set between a minimum and a maximum value. According to the invention: - the zero crossing of the phase signal is detected; - the absence of detection of the zero crossing of the phase signal is determined for a predetermined duration; - the maximum value of the first part of each cycle is modified based on the determination of the absence.