LED Circuit Parallel Branches Warm Dim Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting systems require multiple separate drivers for each LED string to achieve dim-to-warm color temperature functionality, increasing component costs and reducing reliability due to the need for additional components.
Innovation Solution
An LED circuit design that uses two or more circuit branches in parallel across a single pair of input terminals, with at least one branch including a current control circuit to vary current flow disproportionately in response to voltage changes, allowing for a single current control circuit to simulate warm dim lighting without separate drivers for each string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate LED strings with different color temperatures are used to achieve dim-to-warm functionality, then the color temperature variation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring separate driver channels for each LED string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LED strings with different color temperatures into a single parallel circuit configuration that is controlled by one driver channel. The current control circuit distributes current disproportionately among the parallel LED strings, enabling dim-to-warm functionality without requiring separate driver channels for each string, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining color temperature variation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single driver channel is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the overall current to the parallel LED strings and simultaneously enables dim-to-warm color temperature variation through the current control circuit's disproportionate current distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated drivers for each LED string
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate LED strings with different color temperatures are used, then the dim-to-warm functionality is improved, but the component cost increases due to additional driver channels and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple LED strings into a single driver channel with a current control circuit. This consolidation reduces the total component count, including fewer driver ICs, capacitors, and other associated components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining full dim-to-warm functionality across the parallel LED strings
3Illumination intensity
If multiple separate LED strings are used to achieve color temperature changes, then the lighting quality is improved, but the reliability decreases due to more components that can fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system reliability risks by consolidating control into a single driver channel and current control circuit rather than using multiple separate drivers. This reduces the number of potential failure points in the control system while maintaining multiple LED strings for lighting quality, as the LED strings themselves remain but their control is simplified and centralized
4Illumination intensity
If disproportionate current control among parallel LED strings is implemented, then the warm dim lighting output is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by placing a current control circuit within the parallel circuit configuration that specifically manages current distribution to individual LED strings. This localized control enables disproportionate current allocation to achieve warm dim lighting effects while keeping the overall circuit structure relatively simple through the parallel architecture
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 efficient and reliable warm dim lighting output with reduced component count, mimicking the color temperature changes of incandescent lamps while maintaining a single pair of input terminals and minimizing the need for additional drivers.
Implementation Method 1
each of the two or more circuit branches including a set of light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
LEDs are designed to provide a standard light output when they are operated at the nominal constant current
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for controlling current to an LED light source in a lighting device are described. In some embodiments, a warm dim light output is achieved. In an exemplary embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED) circuit includes two or more circuit branches coupled in parallel across a two terminal direct current (DC) voltage input including a positive input terminal and a negative input terminal; each of the two or more circuit branches including a set of light emitting diodes, each of said set of light emitting diodes including at least one light emitting diode; and at least one of said circuit branches including a current control circuit that controls the current passing through each of said two or more circuit branches.