Harmonic Resonance Transformer Operation for High-Voltage Lamp Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices with gas discharge lamps struggle to produce high-intensity light due to limitations in voltage and frequency, leading to reduced light output and increased size and failure rates.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a power source, a first circuit portion with a transformer having a first and further winding, and an electric component, where the transformer is operated at a frequency between 1 - x * R_i and 1 + y * R_i, with R_i being the ith resonance of the first circuit portion, to achieve increased voltage and frequency for enhanced light output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If multiple transformers are used to increase voltage, then the desired voltage can be obtained, but the device size increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevoltageVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent operates the transformer at harmonic frequencies (multiples of the fundamental frequency) rather than at the fundamental frequency. This parameter change in operating frequency allows a single transformer to achieve voltage multiplication that would otherwise require multiple transformers, thereby reducing device size while maintaining the desired voltage output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes dynamic resonance characteristics of the transformer circuit by operating at harmonic frequencies where the circuit exhibits resonant behavior. This dynamic approach exploits the natural resonant frequencies of the circuit to achieve voltage amplification, replacing the static multi-transformer configuration with a single dynamically operated transformer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stress or pressure

If multiple transformers are used to increase voltage, then the desired voltage can be obtained, but the device complexity increases and failure rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevoltageVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of multiple transformers into a single transformer by operating it at harmonic frequencies. This consolidation reduces the number of components from multiple transformers to just one, thereby reducing device complexity and the associated failure rates while still achieving the required voltage multiplication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the operating parameter from fundamental frequency to harmonic frequencies, the single transformer can perform the work of multiple transformers. This parameter change simplifies the overall device architecture, reducing complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If the transformer is operated at fundamental frequency, then the device is simple to operate, but the light intensity output is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from the fundamental frequency to harmonic frequencies (2nd, 3rd, 4th harmonics, etc.). This parameter change dramatically increases the voltage and frequency delivered to the gas discharge lamp, thereby increasing light intensity output while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention exploits resonant vibration characteristics of the electrical circuit at harmonic frequencies. By operating at these resonant frequencies, the system naturally amplifies the voltage and frequency, similar to how mechanical resonance amplifies vibrations, thereby increasing light output without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 enables increased voltage and frequency operation of the transformer, resulting in improved light intensity, reduced device size, and enhanced reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a frequency that is in a range from (1-x)*Ri to (1+y)*Ri, with Ri being the ith resonance of the first circuit portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a transformer having a first and further winding, wherein the transformer is operated at a frequency that is in a range from (1-x)*Ri to (1+y)*Ri

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4503861A1Device and method for increasing a voltage by operating a transformer at a harmonic of an electrical frequency
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 HERAEUS NOBLELIGHT GMBH
  • EP4503861A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4503861A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4503861A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention pertains to a device comprising a. a power source; b. a first circuit portion i. comprising A. an electric component adapted and arranged to be operated by alternating current; B. a transformer comprising a first winding and a further winding, wherein the first winding is connected to the power source and the further winding is connected to the electric component, and ii. wherein the first circuit portion is adapted and arranged for alternating current; wherein the device is adapted and arranged to operate the transformer at a frequency that is in the range of 1−x⋅Rito1+y⋅Ri, where Ri is the ith resonance of the first circuit portion, with i a positive integer and i > 1, and x, y are, independent from each other, in the range of 0.05 to 0.25, more preferably in the range of 0.10 to 0.19, and further preferably in the range of 0.12 to 0.17.