Series-Parallel LED Array with Backup Resistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED light strings and arrays face issues with reliability and maintenance, particularly when LEDs become short-circuited or open-circuited, leading to changes in current flow and potential safety hazards, as well as environmental vulnerabilities due to replaceable bulbs.
Innovation Solution
A series connected parallel array of LEDs with backup diodes and resistors is designed to moderate current flow and maintain illumination, using primary and backup LEDs in each package connected with specific resistors to ensure continuous operation and minimize current changes, implemented through hardwired electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are connected in series and/or parallel in light strings, then illumination coverage is improved, but reliability deteriorates when LEDs become short-circuited or open-circuited causing current flow changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating backup LEDs and resistors into each LED package before failure occurs. The backup components are pre-positioned and connected in parallel with the primary LED, ready to immediately take over when the primary LED fails, thus maintaining system reliability without requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by adding parallel resistors and backup LEDs to each package that act as protective measures against LED failure. These components cushion the impact of primary LED failure by providing alternative current paths, preventing the harmful effects of open or short circuits from propagating through the entire light string.
2Ease of repair
If replaceable bulbs are used in LED light strings, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to environmental vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the LED, backup LED, and resistor components into a single integrated hardwired package. This combination eliminates the need for separate replaceable bulbs and sockets, creating a unified structure that is more resistant to environmental factors while maintaining the ability to repair by replacing the entire package if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic failover mechanism where backup LEDs and resistors automatically activate when primary LEDs fail, without requiring external detection or manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and switching to backup components, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
3Reliability
If backup LEDs and resistors are added to each LED package, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light string into independent packages, each containing its own LED, backup LED, and resistors. This modular approach isolates failures to individual packages, preventing them from affecting the entire system, and makes the complexity manageable through standardization of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing each package to perform multiple functions: the primary LED provides illumination, the backup LED provides redundancy, and the resistors provide both current limiting and failure protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 reliable and efficient LED array that maintains illumination and stabilizes current flow even when LEDs fail, reducing the need for replaceable bulbs and enhancing durability against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
providing a backup series resistor that is connected in series with the backup light emitting diode... selecting a resistive value for the backup series resistor... connecting a parallel resistor in parallel to the primary light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
providing a primary light emitting diode in each of the LED packages... providing a backup light emitting diode in each of the LED packages
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a plurality of LED packages that are connected in a parallel array. A plurality of parallel arrays can also be connected in series to form a series connected parallel array. The LED packages include backup LEDs to provide reliability and continued operation of the LED packages. The LED packages present a standardized impedance in which the resistive values of a series resistor and a parallel resistor are selected to moderate the flow of current when the LEDs become either shorted or open circuited.