Input Current Regulator for Triac Dimmers with Adaptive Bleeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input current regulators for triac dimmers experience power consumption increases due to wasteful compensation currents when the input current is below the holding current, leading to inefficiencies and temperature rises.
Innovation Solution
An input current regulator system comprising a bleeding circuit, sensing circuit, and biasing circuit that generates a bleeding current only when necessary to maintain the input current above the holding current, using a MOSFET and shunt regulator to control the bleeding current, and an auxiliary voltage to power the regulator, along with a disable circuit to prevent unnecessary power consumption during high dimming angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant current bleeder is used to compensate for input current below holding current, then the holding current requirement is maintained, but power consumption increases and operation temperature rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a constant current bleeder to a variable current bleeder that dynamically adjusts its output based on the detected input current level. The control circuit continuously monitors the input current and modulates the bleeder current accordingly, ensuring the total current remains above holding current while minimizing unnecessary power consumption when input current is sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control circuit that detects the input current level and uses this information to regulate the bleeder current. The control circuit compares the detected input current with the holding current requirement and adjusts the bleeder current in real-time to maintain the minimum required current while avoiding excessive power consumption.
2Reliability
If a constant current bleeder is used to compensate for input current below holding current, then the holding current requirement is maintained, but operation temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a constant current bleeder to a variable current bleeder that dynamically adjusts its output based on the detected input current level. The control circuit continuously monitors the input current and modulates the bleeder current accordingly, ensuring the total current remains above holding current while minimizing unnecessary power consumption when input current is sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of excessive power consumption and heat generation into a benefit by implementing intelligent control. The control circuit detects when input current is sufficient and reduces or disables the bleeder current, transforming the constant power dissipation problem into a conditional, minimized power consumption solution that only activates when truly necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the input current is iteratively greater than or smaller than the holding current, then the dimmer can respond to dimming control, but the dimmer is iteratively turned on/off causing flicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively providing additional current through the bleeder circuit before the input current naturally drops below the holding current threshold. The control circuit anticipates current deficiencies and compensates in advance, preventing the dimmer from turning off and eliminating flicker while maintaining responsiveness to dimming control signals.
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 system reduces power consumption and temperature by only generating the bleeding current when needed, synchronizing with the power supply's operation and disabling the regulator during high dimming angles, thus preventing unnecessary power waste.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing circuit generates the power voltage using an auxiliary voltage generated in an auxiliary coil coupled in an insulated manner with a primary side coil of the power supply with a predetermined turn ratio
Implementation Method 2
The sensing circuit further includes a capacitor coupled to the first resistor in parallel to filter the sensing voltage generated in the first resistor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dimmer and an input current regulator provided in a power supply. The input current regulator includes: a bleeding circuit generating a bleeding current from an input current passed through the dimmer; a sensing circuit sensing the input current, and controlling the bleeding circuit according to a sense voltage corresponding to the input current; and a biasing circuit generating a power voltage for operation of the input current regulator during operation of the power supply. The input current includes a bleeding current and a power current supplied to the power supply.