Control Apparatus for LED Lighting Modules Using Buffer Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard constant current drivers in LED light fixtures lack advanced control features, limiting their ability to implement energy-saving measures and user experience enhancements, despite becoming commoditized and widely used.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus is introduced between the power source and the lighting module, featuring a voltage control module and a controller that manages output voltage independently, allowing for selective coupling of LEDs and enabling advanced control features like programmable current levels and color temperature adjustments through switching elements and channel control signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a constant current driver is used to power LED modules, then the light output intensity becomes consistent and stable, but the driver becomes a commodity product with limited control features and flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight output consistencyVSAvoidcontrol feature flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a standard constant current driver that ensures stable LED operation, and a separate control apparatus that provides advanced control features. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control apparatus is introduced as an intermediary component between the power source and the LED modules. This intermediary provides programmable current levels, color temperature adjustments, and other advanced control features while the underlying constant current driver continues to ensure stable and consistent LED operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If the lighting module is disconnected from the power source, then energy consumption is reduced, but the power source output voltage rises to maximum limit which can cause damage when reconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpower source stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before the lighting module is reconnected to the power source, the control apparatus performs preliminary actions by generating a buffer load that gradually increases. This preliminary action prevents the power source output voltage from being at its maximum limit upon reconnection, thereby avoiding potential damage and ensuring a smooth transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control apparatus provides beforehand cushioning by creating a buffer load that absorbs the voltage spike when the lighting module is reconnected. This cushioning effect protects the power source and ensures reliable operation during the transition from disconnected to connected state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a control apparatus is added between the power source and lighting module, then advanced control features are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol feature capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions including generating buffer load, controlling LED current levels, adjusting color temperature, and managing power distribution. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional device, the system avoids the need for multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control apparatus merges the functions of power management, LED control, and buffer load generation into a single integrated unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and interconnections needed, making the enhanced system more manageable despite the added functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9992836B2Method, system and apparatus for activating a lighting module using a buffer load module

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 ARKALUMEN

AI summary

Control apparatus and system for controlling an output of a constant current driver are disclosed. A control apparatus is coupled between a constant current driver and a load, such as a lighting module, in order to add functionality to the overall system. The control apparatus is powered by the constant current driver and may control the dimming of the constant current driver by controlling the 0-10V dim input into the driver. The control apparatus may comprise one or more switching elements between the constant current driver and the load to allow for mixing of groups of LEDs of various colors or color temperatures. The control apparatus may include a buffer load to mitigate negative impacts of turning on the lighting module after a period of deactivation. The control apparatus can also be adapted to operate as a dim-to-warm module within a lighting apparatus.