Demand-Side Dimmable LED Lamp Using Passive Network Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dimmable LED lamps rely on expensive PWM and TRIAC subsystems that regulate power from the supply-side, leading to disproportionate reductions in brightness compared to power consumption, making them costly and inefficient from both financial and energy-saving perspectives.
Innovation Solution
The development of 'demand-side initiated' dimmable LED lamps that transform the LED lighting subsystem from one network configuration to another using passive networks composed of LEDs and resistors, with a dimmer unit operated by switches, allowing for proportional reductions in power consumption and brightness without the need for PWM or TRIAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If supply-side dimmers (PWM/TRIAC) are used to regulate power, then dimming functionality is achieved, but brightness reduces disproportionately more than power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional dimming approach by placing the dimming function in the LED lighting subsystem itself rather than in the power supply. Each LED module contains its own dimmer circuit that regulates local power consumption, allowing the LED to demand only the power it needs to produce the desired brightness level, thereby achieving proportional relationship between brightness and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the LED lighting subsystem into multiple independent LED modules, each equipped with its own dimmer circuit. This segmentation allows independent control of power consumption at each module level, enabling precise matching of power demand to light output requirements and improving overall energy efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If supply-side dimmers are used, then dimming control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to PWM/TRIAC subsystems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dimming function from the central power supply system and relocates it to individual LED modules. This distributes the complexity across multiple simple units rather than concentrating it in one complex subsystem, making the overall system more modular, easier to manufacture, and simpler to control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each LED module becomes self-sufficient with its own integrated dimmer circuit, eliminating the need for a complex centralized dimming system. The modules autonomously regulate their own power consumption based on local control signals, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing points of failure.
3Power
If supply-side power regulation is used, then power delivery control is achieved, but the LED subsystem remains unoptimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LED lighting subsystem dynamic by enabling each module to independently adjust its power consumption and light output based on operational requirements. The dimmer circuits allow real-time optimization of each module's performance, adapting to varying lighting conditions and power availability without requiring changes to the entire system.
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 approach results in energy-saving dimmable LED lamps that reduce power consumption proportionally with light emission, offering greater energy efficiency and affordability compared to conventional designs, with the ability to integrate remote control and sensor functionality for enhanced dimming capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The LED lighting subsystem consisting of at least one LED
Implementation Method 2
a resistance that is set by a resistor (such as a variable resistor)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A demand-side dimmable LED lamp operable on a direct current power source that powers a lighting subsystem. The dimming unit selects a power consumption level of the lighting system. Such selection changes the efficacy of the lighting subsystem such that a reduction in power consumption actually results in improved efficacy. The selecting might, for example, select a particular passive network that includes LEDs within the lighting subsystem. Each passive network may have different I-V characteristics, and result in different L-P characteristics, thereby effecting the improved efficacy at lower powers.