Adjustable Critical Temperature Control Circuit for Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lamp operating devices lack the ability to effectively influence and extend the service life of lighting systems, as they do not provide users with direct control over temperature regulation, leading to potential overheating and reduced lifespan.

Innovation Solution

An operating device with a control circuit that detects temperature and adjusts parameters such as power or switching frequency to prevent overheating, allowing users to set a critical temperature via manual or data-technical interfaces, and includes a temperature sensor for internal or external temperature measurement, enabling adaptive protection modes to extend or reduce service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the operating device operates at high power continuously, then productivity and energy efficiency are improved, but the service life and reliability deteriorate due to overheating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operating device incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the internal temperature and feeds this information back to the control unit. When the temperature reaches a predetermined critical value, the control unit automatically reduces the output power of the converter to prevent overheating and extend service life. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the device to adapt its operation based on thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows changing the critical temperature parameter through a manual interface (potentiometer) or data technical interface (communication bus). By adjusting this parameter, users can adapt the device's thermal protection threshold to different operating conditions and service life requirements, enabling flexible optimization between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a fixed critical temperature is programmed in the control unit, then temperature protection is improved, but adaptability to different service life requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature protectionVSAvoidservice life adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The critical temperature is transformed from a fixed programmed value to a dynamically adjustable parameter. A manual interface with a potentiometer allows direct adjustment of the critical temperature on the device, while a data technical interface enables remote adjustment via communication protocols. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to be adapted to different service life requirements and operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operating device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate with different critical temperature settings to meet various service life requirements, support both manual and remote configuration methods, and provide both temperature protection and adaptability features within a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of critical temperature is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional interface components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual interface with a potentiometer enables the end user to directly adjust the critical temperature parameter without requiring external programming equipment or technical expertise. The user can simply rotate the potentiometer to set the desired temperature threshold, making the device self-configurable and easy to operate while avoiding the need for complex external programming interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables users to extend the service life of lighting systems by allowing adjustable temperature settings, reducing the risk of overheating through adaptive power management and notification systems, while also documenting temperature exceedances for maintenance purposes.

Implementation Method 1

the control circuit which sets or regulates at least one parameter influencing the temperature development in the operating device and which detects a temperature in the operating device or in its surroundings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2625930B1Operating device with an adjustable critical temperature
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2625930B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2625930B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention describes an operating device (1) for at least one lighting means (6), having a control circuit (5) which adjusts or controls at least one parameter which influences temperature development in the operating device (1), and which detects a temperature (T) in the operating device (1) or in the area surrounding said operating device, and having a memory (7) which is connected to the control circuit (5) or is integrated in said control circuit and in which at least one critical temperature (Tc) can be stored, wherein the control circuit (5) changes the parameter, in order to reduce temperature development, when the critical temperature (Tc) is exceeded, wherein the value of the critical temperature (Tc) can be adjusted by a manual or data-processing interface to the operating device (1).