LED Ballast Controller Emulating Fluorescent Tube Characteristics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluorescent lighting fixtures with Magnetic or Electronic Ballasts are not compatible with non-fluorescent lighting devices like LED Tubes or Bulbs, as they use high voltages and current techniques that can damage LED replacements and pose disposal issues due to toxic materials in glass fluorescent tubes.

Innovation Solution

A circuit device, the LED Ballast Controller Device, interfaces with fluorescent lighting fixtures to regulate and control the output voltage and current from the ballast, emulating the characteristics of a fluorescent tube to safely power LED lighting devices without modifying electrical wiring or removing the existing ballast, using a Dynamic and Adaptive Resistive Load to dynamically change resistance and ensure compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing fluorescent lighting fixtures with Magnetic or Electronic Ballasts are used, then the fixtures can operate fluorescent tubes, but they cannot be used with LED replacement lighting devices due to incompatible voltage and current characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with LED lighting devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of ballast control circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a controller that replicates the electrical characteristics of a fluorescent tube. The controller copies the resistive load behavior and startup patterns that fluorescent ballasts expect, allowing LED devices to be treated as if they were fluorescent tubes. This enables universal compatibility without requiring different ballasts for different lighting technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single controller device that can work with both fluorescent tubes and LED lighting devices through the same ballast interface. The controller adapts its output characteristics based on the connected load type, providing universal compatibility across different lighting technologies while maintaining a single fixture design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If high voltage and current techniques are used to start fluorescent tubes, then the tubes can be lit, but LED replacement devices may be damaged by these same high voltages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe operation of LED devicesVSAvoiddamage from high voltage to LED devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by placing a controller device between the ballast and the LED lighting device. This intermediary controller receives the high voltage output from the ballast, conditions it to appropriate levels, and then delivers safe operating voltage and current to the LED device. The controller acts as a protective mediator that isolates the LED device from harmful ballast output characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by having the controller pre-condition the electrical output before it reaches the LED device. The controller prepares the voltage and current in advance, ensuring they are within safe operating parameters for LED components, thereby preventing damage before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Illumination intensity

If glass fluorescent tubes are used for lighting, then illumination is provided, but toxic phosphors and broken glass create disposal and safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting outputVSAvoidtoxic waste and broken glass hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from gas discharge lighting (fluorescent tubes) to solid-state lighting (LED devices). This fundamental parameter change in the lighting mechanism eliminates the need for glass envelopes, toxic phosphors, and mercury vapor, thereby removing the associated disposal and safety hazards while maintaining effective illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 LED lighting devices in fluorescent fixtures without electrical modifications, ensuring safe operation and reducing the risk of damage from high voltages, while also addressing the disposal concerns of toxic materials by providing a compatible and efficient power solution.

Implementation Method 1

using a Dynamic and Adaptive Resistive Load to dynamically change resistance and ensure compatibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS9167639B2Universal LED ballast compatible controller device

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 GREAT EAGLE LIGHTING CORP

AI summary

A device and method to interface with a Magnetic or Electronic Fluorescent Ballast; evaluate, process, and regulate the incoming power from the Ballast device and output a steady AC power that can be used by LED drivers, LED chips, or set of multiple LED chips in a Tube or Bulb application. This device and method will allow for a non-fluorescent replacement lighting device such as a LED Lighting Tube or Bulb to be used as a universal LED ballast compatible device in a Fluorescent Light Luminaire (fixture) without any electrical wiring modification or removal of the Electronic or Magnetic Ballast.