Compact LED Bulb via External Inverter Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lighting apparatuses with LED bulbs face challenges in reducing the size of the illumination light source due to the need for space to accommodate the driving circuit, particularly the inverter circuit.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a power converter that converts power into AC power and outputs it to a light emitter, which includes a capacitor and a rectifier circuit to rectify the AC power, eliminating the need for an inverter circuit within the light emitter, thus allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inverter circuit is incorporated in the LED bulb to convert power, then the LED module can operate with DC power, but the size of the illumination light source increases due to the space required for the driving circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inverter circuit from the LED bulb and relocates it to an external power supply unit. The LED bulb now only contains the LED module and basic mounting structure, while the power conversion function is performed externally. This separation eliminates the space requirement for the inverter circuit within the bulb, significantly reducing its size.
Solution Approach 2:
The external power supply unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the power source and the inverter circuit. By consolidating these functions into a single external unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate components within the LED bulb, reducing overall system complexity and bulb size.
2Ease of operation
If a driving circuit is included in the LED bulb to enable operation, then the LED module can be controlled, but the device complexity increases due to the additional circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the driving circuit functionality from the LED bulb and relocates it to an external power supply unit. This separation simplifies the LED bulb structure to essentially just the LED module with minimal mounting components, while all control and power conversion functions are handled externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The external power supply unit acts as an intermediary between the AC power source and the LED module. It performs all necessary power conversion and control functions, allowing the LED bulb itself to remain simple while maintaining full controllability through the external unit.
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
This configuration enables a reduction in the size of the light emitter, improves light distribution, and allows for easier integration with existing light fixtures, while also enabling control of brightness based on the frequency of the AC power output.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor (18) having one end connected to the output terminal P3 of the inverter circuit 20
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier circuit (19) having one input terminal connected to the other end of the capacitor (18) and having the other input terminal and output terminal
Implementation Method 3
a light-emitting element (13a) having one end connected to the output terminal of the rectifier circuit (19) and emitting light using power rectified by the rectifier circuit (19)
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus in which a light emitter (an illumination light source) can be easily reduced in size is provided. The lighting apparatus includes: a light emitter; and an inverter circuit that converts power supplied from a commercial power supply, into AC power, and outputs the AC power to the light emitter, and the light emitter includes: a capacitor; a rectifier circuit that rectifies the AC power obtained through the capacitor; and an LED that emits light using power rectified by the rectifier circuit.