Lamp Driver Solid-State Shutdown Interface Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamp drivers rely on expensive and failure-prone electromechanical contactors for shutting down lamps, which increases operational costs and lacks a standardized method for stable lamp operation and shutdown as per the IEC standard 60929, Annex E.
Innovation Solution
A lamp driver with a solid-state shutdown interface that operates in two modes: one for controlling lamp parameters within a specified voltage range and another for shutting down the lamp by sinking current when the voltage exceeds this range, eliminating mechanical components and ensuring stable operation within IEC standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical contactors are used for lamp shutdown, then lamp shutdown function is achieved, but device cost and operational cost increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical contactors with a solid-state shutdown interface circuit that uses electronic components (transistor, diode, capacitor, resistor) to achieve lamp shutdown functionality. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, reducing complexity and improving reliability while maintaining the shutdown function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the shutdown function from the mechanical contactor system and implements it through a dedicated solid-state interface circuit integrated into the lamp driver. This separates the shutdown control function from the power switching function, allowing each to be optimized independently.
2Ease of operation
If electromechanical contactors are used for lamp shutdown, then lamp shutdown function is achieved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-state shutdown interface eliminates the need for expensive electromechanical contactors and their associated maintenance costs. The electronic circuit provides the same shutdown operation without mechanical wear, reducing operational costs while maintaining ease of operation through the same control signal interface.
3Stability of the object's composition
If control signal voltage varies within control range, then lamp operates in stable manner, but no provision for lamp shutdown exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the control signal voltage parameter to trigger two different operational modes: when the voltage is within the control range (1-10V), the lamp operates normally with stable light output; when the voltage exceeds the control range (>10V), the shutdown interface activates to turn off the lamp. This parameter-based differentiation provides both stability during operation and versatility for shutdown without requiring separate control circuits.
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 provides a cost-effective and reliable method for lamp shutdown, reducing operational costs and ensuring stable lamp operation by using a solid-state interface that adheres to IEC standards, eliminating the need for expensive and faulty electromechanical contactors.
Implementation Method 1
The second circuit is operable when the control signal is outside the control range to sink current
Data Source
AI summary
A lamp driver responsive to a control signal that is variable in a predetermined control range includes a circuit operable in response to a value of the control signal within the predetermined control range to develop a first current and a lamp control voltage dependent upon the value of the control signal. A shutdown interface is operable in response to a value of the control signal outside of the predetermined control range to develop a second current to turn off a lamp.