Current-Controlled Voltage Arrangement for Printed LED Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuits for driving LEDs face challenges with fixed high voltages that lead to heat loss and voltage fluctuations due to resistive ink in printed electronics, making it difficult to maintain desired current levels, especially in applications with varying resistances and unpredictable current changes.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement that dynamically adjusts voltage based on current passed through LEDs, using a voltage source, measuring circuit, and voltage regulator to produce a current-controlled voltage, which accounts for resistance variations in printed ink traces, allowing for precise current setting and reduction of excessive voltage usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If fixed high voltage is used to drive LEDs, then maximum current intensity can be achieved, but heat loss increases and current control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED current intensityVSAvoidheat loss
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment through a control circuit that continuously monitors LED current and modifies the driving voltage in real-time. This replaces the fixed high voltage approach with a dynamic system that adapts voltage levels to maintain optimal current while minimizing energy loss as heat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the measured LED current is fed back to the control circuit, which then adjusts the driving voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the LED receives the precise voltage needed to maintain desired current levels without excessive voltage that would convert to heat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If fixed high voltage is used to drive LEDs, then maximum current intensity can be achieved, but current control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED current intensityVSAvoidcurrent control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit dynamically adjusts the driving voltage based on real-time current measurements, enabling precise control of LED current. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain accurate current levels rather than relying on fixed voltage that cannot adapt to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback loop continuously monitors the actual LED current and compares it to the desired current level, then adjusts the driving voltage to minimize the difference. This feedback control significantly improves current control precision by actively correcting deviations rather than relying on passive fixed voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If printed ink conductive traces are used, then manufacturing flexibility improves, but voltage loss increases due to resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidvoltage loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit compensates for voltage losses in printed ink traces by measuring the actual voltage at the LED and adjusting the driving voltage accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to overcome the inherent resistance of printed conductive traces while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the driving voltage parameter to compensate for the resistance characteristics of printed ink traces. By adjusting voltage levels based on actual conditions, the system maintains effective current delivery despite the higher resistance inherent in printed conductive paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If material stretching occurs, then product adaptability improves, but resistance varies leading to current instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct adaptabilityVSAvoidcurrent stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit dynamically responds to resistance changes caused by material stretching by continuously adjusting the driving voltage. This dynamic adaptation maintains stable LED current despite variations in circuit resistance due to mechanical deformation of the printed electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism detects changes in circuit conditions resulting from material stretching and adjusts the driving voltage to compensate for resulting current instability. This ensures that LED current remains stable even when the physical structure undergoes deformation during product use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3729910B1Arrangement and method for delivering a current-controlled voltage
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 TACTOTEK
  • EP3729910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3729910B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3729910B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An arrangement (100, 200, 300) involving printed conductive traces, the arrangement comprising at least a voltage source (Vsupply) and at least one target component (106), preferably a light-emitting component such as an LED. The arrangement is adapted to produce a current-controlled voltage (Vout, Vout) originating from the voltage source, the current- controlled voltage being coupled to the at least one target component, wherein said voltage is dependent on the current (IR.LED, ILED) that is being passed through the target component.