Bridge-Type AC LED Structure Eliminates Converter

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED devices require a bulky and costly converter to handle AC power, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to power wastage, and their design limitations restrict light emitting efficiency and heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A bridge-type AC light emitting diode structure with a Wheatstone Bridge circuit arrangement, where the first and second light-emitting diode groups emit light during positive and negative half cycles respectively, and a third group emits light during both cycles, with additional conductive connecting points allowing for enhanced electrical connections and heat dissipation by positioning full-time emitting diodes at the periphery of the substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a converter is used between AC power source and conventional LED, then the LED can be driven by AC power, but the device volume and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAC power compatibilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the converter function and LED lighting function into a single integrated device. The Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed by arranging four LED groups in a bridge configuration, where the bridge itself performs both rectification/conversion of AC power and light emission, eliminating the need for separate converter components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED groups serve dual functions: they act as both the rectifying elements of the Wheatstone bridge circuit and as light-emitting components. This multi-functionality allows the device to convert AC power while simultaneously producing light, removing the need for dedicated converter hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a converter is used between AC power source and conventional LED, then the LED can be driven by AC power, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAC power compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the converter function and LED lighting function into a single integrated device. The Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed by arranging four LED groups in a bridge configuration, where the bridge itself performs both rectification/conversion of AC power and light emission, eliminating the need for separate converter components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED groups serve dual functions: they act as both the rectifying elements of the Wheatstone bridge circuit and as light-emitting components. This multi-functionality allows the device to convert AC power while simultaneously producing light, removing the need for dedicated converter hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the number of light emitting diodes in the full-time emitting group is increased, then the light emitting efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emitting efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of LED groups within the Wheatstone bridge structure. The first and second LED groups are positioned on opposite sides of the bridge, as are the third and fourth groups. This asymmetric positioning optimizes current distribution and heat dissipation pathways, allowing efficient light emission without requiring symmetric complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration of LED groups. By utilizing vertical stacking and multi-layer positioning of LED groups within the bridge structure, the design achieves higher light output density without proportionally increasing planar footprint or structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If the light emitting diode groups are arranged in traditional configuration, then the circuit design is simple, but the heat dissipation efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit design simplicityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of LED groups within the Wheatstone bridge structure. The first and second LED groups are positioned on opposite sides of the bridge, as are the third and fourth groups. This asymmetric positioning optimizes current distribution and heat dissipation pathways, allowing efficient light emission without requiring symmetric complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces heat dissipation management structures as intermediary elements between the LED groups and the environment. These include thermally conductive substrates, heat sinks, and thermal vias that act as mediators to transfer heat from the LED junctions to external cooling structures, improving overall heat dissipation without complicating the electrical circuit design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design enhances light emitting efficiency, reduces the size and weight of the device, eliminates the need for a converter, and improves heat dissipation by allowing for increased brightness and efficient heat transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a first light-emitting diode group disposed on the substrate including a plurality of light emitting diodes electrically connecting with the first conducting terminal and the second conducting terminal and emitting light during the positive half power cycle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

at least one light emitting diode in the first light-emitting diode group includes more than three conductive connecting points to electrically connect to at least the second light-emitting diode group and the third light-emitting diode group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9484493B2Rectifying unit, a light emitting diode device, and the combination thereof

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 ENNOSTAR CORP

AI summary

A light emitting diode device includes a substrate; a first conducting terminal and a second conducting terminal receiving the alternative current signal; a first and a third light-emitting diode groups disposed on the substrate including a plurality of light emitting diodes electrically connecting with the first conducting terminal and the second conducting terminal and emitting light during the positive half power cycle; a second and the third light-emitting diode groups disposed on the substrate including a plurality of light emitting diodes electrically connecting with the first conducting terminal and the second conducting terminal and emitting light during the negative half power cycle; wherein one light emitting diode in the first light-emitting diode group includes more than three conductive connecting points to electrically connect to the second light-emitting diode group and the third light-emitting diode group.