Dimmable Switch Circuit with Energy Store for Reliable Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dimmable lamps are susceptible to misinterpreting mains faults and voltage fluctuations as switching patterns, leading to incorrect dimming operations, which is particularly problematic in security applications where lighting reliability is critical.
Innovation Solution
A dimmable lamp design that includes a DC voltage module, a control circuit, a detector circuit, and a dimming signal generation circuit to initiate and control dimming only when a definable period of absence of voltage or current is detected, and ends the dimming process when power returns, using an energy store for interim supply and measuring external impedance to differentiate between normal fluctuations and actual switching events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional dimmable lamps use predefined switching patterns to control dimming, then dimming functionality is achieved, but mains faults and voltage fluctuations are misinterpreted as switching patterns causing incorrect dimming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy storage device (capacitor) as an intermediary element that stores electrical energy during voltage presence and releases it during voltage absence. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to distinguish between temporary voltage fluctuations and intentional switching patterns by requiring a minimum duration of voltage absence (e.g., 50ms) to trigger dimming, thereby preventing misinterpretation of mains faults while maintaining dimming functionality.
2Measurement precision
If dimming is initiated by voltage absence detection, then switching signal recognition is improved, but continuous dimming may occur after mains faults have receded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic dimming process that adapts its behavior based on the duration of voltage absence. The system transitions from a static on/off switching model to a dynamic model where the dimming initiation threshold is time-dependent. By requiring the voltage absence to exceed a definable initial period (e.g., 50ms) before initiating dimming, the system dynamically adjusts its sensitivity to prevent both premature and prolonged dimming operations.
3Device complexity
If the dimming process duration is independent of switching information activity, then dimming execution is simplified, but mains faults cause erroneous continuous dimming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detector circuit continuously monitors the presence or absence of voltage at the lamp base throughout the dimming process. This real-time feedback allows the system to detect when voltage is restored and automatically terminate the dimming process, preventing erroneous continuous dimming after mains faults have receded. The feedback loop ensures that dimming operations are always synchronized with the actual power supply status.
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 ensures reliable recognition of switching signals, preventing accidental dimming due to mains faults and maintaining lighting reliability by only initiating dimming processes during sustained power absence, thus avoiding continuous dimming after faults have resolved.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device (9), in particular a capacitor, which is configured for temporary energy supply of the light source (5), the detector circuit (10), the dimming signal generation circuit (11) and the control circuit (8) during a period in which no voltage and/or current is present at the lamp base (15)
Implementation Method 2
a DC voltage module (6) configured to convert the AC voltage into a DC voltage and output it to a DC voltage branch (7)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for the dimmable supply of power to at least one lighting means (5) which can be operated with DC voltage/current from an AC power system (N, L), wherein a dimming signal-generating circuit (11) is configured - to detect the switch-on/switch-off state of a power system switch (1) on the basis of the presence or absence of a voltage and/or of a current from the AC power system (N, L), and to detect the time period in which the power system switch (1) is in a switch-off state – to initiate a dimming process when a definable first time period (δ) is exceeded, and – to continue the dimming process for the further time period in which the power system switch (1) is in the switch-off state, and – to detect a subsequent changeover of the power system switch (1) into the switch-on state and to end the dimming process by maintaining the value last reached in the dimming process, wherein an energy store (9) is designed to supply energy in the interim to the lighting means (5), the detector circuit (10) the dimming signal-generating circuit (11) and the actuation circuit (8) during the time period of the switch-off state of the power system switch (1).