Adaptation Circuit for LED-Ballast Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballast circuits for discharge lamps are not easily adaptable to light circuits using different power levels, leading to potential overheating, saturation, and error detections when power levels are reduced, which can cause shutdowns and require unnecessary replacement of conventional fluorescent ballasts.
Innovation Solution
An adaptation circuit with a conversion circuit that converts input voltage and current signals from the ballast circuit into output signals for the light circuit, reducing the amplitude of the input voltage signal during a predefined time interval synchronized with the input voltage signal periods, introducing a holding state between draining and releasing states to maintain comparable values to the original discharge lamp scenario, thus protecting and monitoring methods in the ballast circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the ballast circuit operates with reduced power levels for LED light circuits, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ballast circuit experiences overheating, saturation, and error detections causing shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptation circuit acts as an intermediary between the ballast circuit and the LED light circuit. It includes a conversion circuit that converts input voltage and current signals from the ballast circuit into appropriate output signals for the LED circuit, and an energy storage element that stores energy during a holding state. This intermediary protects the ballast circuit from direct exposure to the LED circuit's power consumption characteristics, preventing overheating and saturation while enabling reduced energy consumption operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptation circuit changes the electrical parameters between the ballast circuit and LED circuit interfaces. The conversion circuit transforms voltage and current signals to match the LED circuit's requirements, while the energy storage element modifies the power delivery characteristics by introducing a holding state. This parameter transformation allows the ballast circuit to operate reliably at reduced power levels without experiencing the harmful effects of direct coupling to the LED circuit.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power level is reduced for LED light circuits, then energy savings are achieved, but the ballast circuit requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptation circuit provides universal compatibility between conventional ballast circuits and LED light circuits with different power levels. The conversion circuit is designed to handle input voltage and current signals from standard ballast circuits and convert them to appropriate output signals for various LED configurations. The energy storage element with its holding state capability ensures that the ballast circuit operates within its designed parameters regardless of the LED circuit's power requirements, making the solution applicable to a wide range of power level scenarios without requiring ballast circuit replacement.
3Device complexity
If conventional fluorescent ballasts are used with LED light circuits of different power levels, then device complexity is minimized, but the ballast circuit is stressed beyond normal operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptation circuit serves as a mediator that protects the conventional ballast circuit from excessive stress when driving LED light circuits with different power levels. The conversion circuit transforms the electrical signals to match LED requirements, while the energy storage element absorbs and releases energy during the holding state, preventing the ballast circuit from experiencing stress conditions it wasn't designed for. This intermediary approach maintains ballast circuit operation within normal stress limits while enabling compatibility with various LED power levels.
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
Enables the use of light circuits with reduced power levels without stressing or requiring replacement of conventional fluorescent ballasts, ensuring continued operation and performance of ballast circuits, allowing for power savings and dimmable light solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the conversion circuit being adapted to drain energy from the ballast circuit, and reduce an amplitude of the input voltage signal to a value below a predefined value during a predefined time interval after the energy from the ballast circuit has been transferred to the conversion circuit
Implementation Method 2
The conversion circuit is adapted to hold the energy during a reduction of the amplitude of the input voltage signal to the value or another value below the predefined value, and release the energy
Data Source
AI summary
Adaptation circuits (1) allow discharge lamps to be replaced by light circuits (45) with light emitting diodes, while keeping ballast circuits (8) designed for connection to the discharge lamps. The adaptation circuits (1) comprise conversion circuits (2) for converting input voltage and current signals coming from the ballast circuits (8) into output voltage and current signals destined for the light circuits (45). The conversion circuits (2) reduce amplitudes of the input voltage signals to values below predefined values during predefined time intervals after energy from the ballast circuits (8) has been transferred to the conversion circuits (2). The time intervals are synchronized with periods of the input voltage signals. Between first draining states for draining energy and second releasing states for releasing the energy, third states such as holding states for holding the energy have been introduced. The third states allow relevant values as experienced by the ballast circuits (8) to remain comparable to situations when the discharge lamps were powered.