LED Array Taps for Auxiliary Voltage Derivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

LED lighting systems often require additional circuitry to supply different voltages for both the LED array and auxiliary components, increasing weight, complexity, and cost.

Innovation Solution

An LED array with taps between LEDs allows for the derivation of auxiliary voltages less than the operating voltage, enabling these auxiliary voltages to power components directly without additional electronics, using the LED series string as a voltage regulation circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional circuitry is added to supply different voltages for LED array and auxiliary components, then voltage requirements are met, but weight, complexity, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage supply capabilityVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED array serves dual functions: providing illumination and serving as a voltage regulation circuit for auxiliary components. By tapping into the series-connected LED string, the system derives multiple voltage levels (e.g., 3V, 6V, 9V, 12V) from the same LED array that drives the LEDs, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulation circuits for auxiliary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the LED driving function and auxiliary power supply function into a single integrated system. The same series-connected LED array that provides light also provides the voltage regulation needed to power auxiliary components, merging two previously separate functions into one unified circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional circuitry is added to supply different voltages for LED array and auxiliary components, then voltage requirements are met, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage supply capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional circuitry is added to supply different voltages for LED array and auxiliary components, then voltage requirements are met, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage supply capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Power

If LED array operates at high voltage, then sufficient power is provided for illumination, but incompatible with auxiliary components requiring lower voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination powerVSAvoidvoltage compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the LED array into multiple sections by introducing tap points between series-connected LEDs. This segmentation allows different voltage levels to be extracted from different portions of the LED string, enabling high voltage operation for the full array while providing lower voltage options for auxiliary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9167651B2LED array auxiliary power supply

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 SAVANT TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for providing one or more operating voltages and currents to one or more auxiliary loads by tapping an LED array driven by an LED driver providing a drive voltage to the LED array, and/or supplying an operating voltage to the LED driver itself using such a tap.