Lamp Type Detection via PFC Switch-On Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lamp operating devices struggle to accurately identify lamp types, especially for high-pressure discharge lamps and LED lamps, as they lack filament-based detection methods, leading to inefficient operating parameter settings and potential errors in lamp operation.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves using the switch-on time of a power factor correction (PFC) circuit to determine operating parameters, where the power is calculated from the switch-on time, inductance of the coil, and mains input voltage, and this difference is used to adjust the intermediate circuit voltage and frequency, enabling accurate lamp type identification and monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If filament resistance measurement is used for lamp type identification, then gas discharge lamps with heating coils can be accurately identified, but high-pressure discharge lamps and LED lamps cannot be identified due to lack of filaments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelamp type identification accuracyVSAvoidcompatibility with different lamp types
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of identifying lamp type by measuring parameters in the load circuit (forward approach), the invention inverts the approach by using the PFC circuit's switch-on time as the identification basis. The PFC circuit is switched on before the load circuit, and its switch-on time directly indicates the lamp type, eliminating the need for filament-based detection in lamps without filaments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The PFC circuit acts as an intermediary between the power source and the load circuit. By measuring the switch-on time of the PFC circuit, which is influenced by the lamp type through power consumption characteristics, the system can indirectly identify lamp types without directly measuring parameters in the load circuit, thus accommodating all lamp types including those without filaments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If lamp type is identified by load circuit parameters, then identification can be performed, but the procedure is complex and requires multiple measurement steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelamp type detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the lamp type identification function from the load circuit parameter measurements and relocates it to the PFC circuit's switch-on time measurement. This separates the identification process from the complex load circuit analysis, simplifying the overall detection procedure to a single key parameter measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The PFC circuit is switched on in advance before the load circuit operation begins. This preliminary action allows the system to capture the switch-on time parameter that inherently contains lamp type information, enabling identification before the complex load circuit operation starts, thus simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If PFC switch-on time is used to determine operating parameters, then accurate power calculation and lamp type identification can be achieved, but additional control circuitry is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating parameter setting accuracyVSAvoidcontrol circuit requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PFC circuit's control unit is given multiple functions: it not only controls the power factor correction but also performs lamp type identification and operating parameter determination based on the switch-on time measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, thereby minimizing additional control circuitry requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the PFC control function with the lamp type identification and parameter setting functions. By combining these functions into a single control process based on switch-on time measurement, the system avoids the need for separate complex control circuits for each function, thus reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach allows for precise identification and operation of various lamp types, including those without filaments, by using the PFC circuit's switch-on time to set and adjust operating parameters, ensuring reliable lamp operation and fault detection.

Implementation Method 1

the PFC circuit generates a preferably regulated intermediate circuit voltage, which can be used, for example, to supply an inverter that supplies AC voltage to a load circuit with the lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2292079B1Lamp type detection by means of power factor correction circuit
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2292079B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2292079B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2292079B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for lamp type detection of a lamp (LA) of a load circuit (5) connected to an operating device, wherein the operating device comprises a power factor correction, or PFC, circuit (3) controlled by a switch (Sl), comprising the following steps: - operating the lamp (LA) in a defined operating mode, - analyzing at least one parameter of the PFC circuit (3), and - controlling the power provided by the PFC circuit (3).