Dimming Drive Circuit Auxiliary Control Module for Illumination Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dimming drive circuits for illumination apparatuses experience unnecessary power loss and increased heat generation due to the bleeder circuit's power consumption when connected to a dimmer, leading to reduced efficiency and shorter service lifetime.

Innovation Solution

A dimming drive circuit with an auxiliary control module that quickly switches off the bleeder circuit upon detecting an inrush current, reducing energy loss and preventing electrical energy release, comprising a first control unit with a diode and resistor to reduce drive voltage and a second control unit with a diode to prevent energy bleed-off, thereby optimizing energy usage and extending the apparatus' reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the bleeder circuit remains connected to the dimmer for dimming control, then the illumination apparatus can be effectively controlled and electrical energy can be saved, but the power consumption of the bleeder circuit increases causing unnecessary power loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimming control efficiencyVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary control module detects the dimming angle in advance and preemptively reduces or switches off the bleeder circuit current before the main control module would normally switch it off. This preliminary action eliminates unnecessary power consumption in the bleeder circuit while maintaining proper dimming control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the bleeder circuit is switched off quickly upon detecting inrush current, then energy loss is reduced and efficiency is improved, but the circuit structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An auxiliary control module is introduced as an intermediary between the dimmer and the main control module. This intermediary detects the dimming angle and controls the bleeder circuit current independently, enabling quick switch-off to reduce energy loss while keeping the main control module's functionality intact and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control functionality is segmented into two independent modules: the main control module that handles overall illumination control, and the auxiliary control module that specifically manages the bleeder circuit current based on dimming angle detection. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specialized function efficiently without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If the auxiliary control module switches off the bleeder circuit prior to the main control module, then delay is reduced and electrical energy consumption is minimized, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch-off delayVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary control module performs preliminary detection of the dimming angle and preemptively switches off the bleeder circuit current before the main control module's switch-off signal is generated. This eliminates unnecessary delay and prevents the filter circuit from releasing stored energy through the bleeder circuit, thereby minimizing electrical energy consumption during switching transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution effectively reduces power consumption and heat generation, enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and service lifetime of the illumination apparatus by minimizing energy loss through the bleeder circuit, especially during leading and trailing phase dimming operations.

Implementation Method 1

when an input inrush current is detected to reach a certain value, the bleeder circuit is switched off very quickly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInrush current detection:

Implementation Method 2

the first control unit comprises a first diode and a first resistor, the cathode of the first diode and one end of the first resistor are respectively connected a control terminal of a switch unit of the bleeder circuit unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage reduction through diode and resistor: Diode

Implementation Method 3

the second control unit prevents the filter circuit unit from releasing electrical energy by the bleeder circuit unit in the second operation state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy blocking through diode: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2934067B1Dimming drive circuit and illumination apparatus comprising the dimming drive circuit
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 OSRAM GMBH
  • EP2934067B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2934067B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dimming drive circuit for an illumination apparatus and an illumination apparatus comprising the dimming drive circuit, wherein the dimming drive circuit comprises a filter circuit unit and a bleeder circuit unit, and a main control module connected to the filter circuit unit and the bleeder circuit unit, respectively, wherein the dimming drive circuit further comprises an auxiliary control module configured to reduce the current of the bleeder circuit unit and/or to switch off the bleeder circuit unit according to a characteristic input current of the dimming drive circuit prior to switch-off of the bleeder circuit unit by the main control module in a first operation state of the dimming drive circuit, and to prevent the filter circuit unit from releasing electrical energy via the bleeder circuit unit in a second operation state of the dimming drive circuit.