Hybrid Power Architecture for LED Lighting Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and complexity of installing LED lighting fixtures with integrated controls, particularly due to the need for separate wiring and emergency power systems, pose challenges in reducing installation costs and safety hazards, requiring skilled labor.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid power architecture that converts AC input to Class-2 DC output, includes a battery backup for power failure, and uses a multi-conductor Class-2 cable to transmit both power and control signals, allowing for simplified installation by less skilled labor and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate wiring is used for LED fixtures and control equipment, then the lighting system can be properly powered and controlled, but the installation cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting system operationVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power delivery and control signaling into a single Class-2 cable system. The power supply unit generates both power and control signals that are transmitted together through the same cable to the LED fixture, eliminating the need for separate control wiring and reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The Class-2 cable is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers power to the LED fixture and carries control signals for dimming and other control functions. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of cables needed and simplifies the overall wiring architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate wiring is installed for controls and lighting fixtures, then proper control functionality is achieved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges control signaling and power delivery into a single cable infrastructure. By using the same Class-2 cable for both purposes, the system achieves full control functionality without requiring separate control wiring, thereby reducing material costs and installation expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The Class-2 cable system is designed to be universal, handling both power transmission and control signaling within a single infrastructure. This eliminates the need for additional control-specific wiring and reduces overall installation costs while maintaining full control adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If Class-1 power input is used for LED fixtures, then sufficient power is delivered, but safety hazards increase and skilled labor is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidsafety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters from Class-1 (higher voltage/power) to Class-2 (lower voltage/power limited to 100 VA). The power supply unit converts AC input to Class-2 compliant output, maintaining sufficient power for LED operation while reducing voltage and power levels to safe, non-lethal ranges that eliminate the need for licensed electricians.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If emergency lighting controls are added to the lighting system, then safety and code compliance are improved, but total cost per square foot increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency lighting functionVSAvoidtotal installation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The Class-2 cable system provides multi-functionality by delivering power, control signals, and emergency lighting functionality through a single infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate emergency lighting wiring and reduces the total cost per square foot while maintaining code compliance and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution significantly reduces installation costs and safety hazards by enabling less trained labor to install LED fixtures with integrated controls, while ensuring continuous power and intelligent lighting control, adhering to Class-2 power regulations.

Implementation Method 1

a power converter to convert class-1 power input to Class-2 power output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC to DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a battery backup for power failure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS9468046B2Hybrid power architecture for controlling a lighting system

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

A hybrid power architecture for lighting system that physically separates the conversion of AC-DC constant voltage power from the conversion of DC-DC constant current needed to drive the LEDs. The hybrid power architecture comprises a power converter to generate DC volt power, a battery backup unit for providing backup in the event of power failure and control architecture for controlling the intensity of the lighting system.