Dimmer Module Modifies Power Signal for LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dimmers are ineffective in dimming LED light sources, often causing them to remain at the same intensity or flash visibly, making them non-dimmable, and this issue extends to other light sources like incandescent lights, which require modified drivers to respond to dimming signals.
Innovation Solution
A novel dimmer circuit that modifies power signals to create a modified power signal capable of dimming non-dimmable LED and other light sources by introducing a significant frequency component at least ten times the AC power frequency, using a wireless addressable dimmer module that can be controlled via a dimming signal from a computer application, allowing for remote dimming of LED and other light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional dimmers are used with LED light sources, then the LED remains at full intensity or turns off completely, but the dimming function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the power signal parameters by introducing a high-frequency component (at least ten times the AC power frequency) to enable dimming of non-dimmable LED light sources. This parameter change allows the LED driver to respond to the modified signal and achieve continuous dimming control rather than binary on/off states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimming module as an intermediary device between the conventional dimmer and the LED light source. This module receives the modified power signal and translates it into appropriate control signals for the LED driver, enabling dimming functionality without requiring changes to the LED light source itself.
2Device complexity
If conventional dimmers are used with LED light sources, then the system remains simple, but visible flashing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching action at a high frequency (at least ten times the AC power frequency) to deliver power to the LED in pulsed cycles. This periodic action with sufficiently high frequency prevents visible flashing while still enabling dimming control through duty cycle modulation of the power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary modification to the power signal before it reaches the LED light source, embedding the high-frequency dimming component in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the LED driver receives the properly conditioned signal and operates without visible flashing throughout the dimming range.
3Ease of operation
If light sources are modified to accept dimmed signals, then dimming capability is achieved, but the driver complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dimming module as an intermediary device between the conventional dimmer and the LED light source. This module receives the modified power signal and translates it into appropriate control signals for the LED driver, enabling dimming functionality without requiring changes to the LED light source itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the dimming module to work with multiple types of light sources (LED, incandescent, fluorescent) through a universal interface. This multi-functionality allows the same dimming module to adapt to different light source types without requiring light source-specific modifications, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If high-frequency components are introduced to the power signal, then effective dimming is achieved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching action at a high frequency (at least ten times the AC power frequency) to deliver power to the LED in pulsed cycles. This periodic action with sufficiently high frequency prevents visible flashing while still enabling dimming control through duty cycle modulation of the power delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for of dimming generally considered to be non-dimmable with conventional dimmers. An exemplary dimming module accepts a power source for a light source and a dimming signal. The dimming module modifies the power signal and generates a modified power signal capable of dimming LED light sources (and other light sources) that are generally considered to be non-dimmable with conventional dimmers. The dimming signal can be a wireless signal. Exemplary embodiments include a computer application executing on a computer or handheld computer that can be used to remotely dim, via the dimming module, one or more LED light sources (and other light sources) that are generally considered to be non-dimmable with conventional dimmers.