LED Control Apparatus for Dynamic Color Temperature and Dimming
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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 that can be coupled between a power source and a lighting module, featuring a voltage control module and a controller to manage constant current levels and selectively couple LED groups to the power source, enabling advanced control features such as dynamic lighting and color temperature adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If constant current drivers are used to power LED modules, then reliable current control is achieved, but advanced control features and user experience enhancements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a constant current driver responsible for reliable current control, and a separate control apparatus responsible for advanced control features. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A control apparatus is introduced as an intermediary component between the power source and lighting module. This intermediary provides advanced control features while the constant current driver maintains its simple, reliable current control function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED groups with different forward voltages are connected to a constant current driver, then lighting flexibility is improved, but voltage matching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus dynamically adjusts the output voltage of the constant current driver to match the forward voltage requirements of different LED groups. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to various LED configurations without requiring complex voltage matching circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter of the constant current driver output based on the specific LED group being powered. By adjusting the voltage parameter dynamically, the system can power LED groups with different forward voltages while maintaining constant current control
3Loss of energy
If the lighting module is disconnected from the power source, then energy consumption is reduced, but the power source may generate excessive voltage
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer load module is introduced as an intermediary between the power source and the disconnected lighting module. This buffer load absorbs excess voltage when the lighting module is disconnected, preventing harmful high voltage conditions while allowing the system to remain in a low-energy state
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer load module temporarily absorbs (discards) excess voltage energy when the lighting module is disconnected, preventing damage. The system can then recover normal operation when the lighting module is reconnected without having suffered voltage-related harm
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
The solution allows for enhanced control over LED light fixtures, improving user experience and energy efficiency by enabling advanced features like dynamic lighting and color temperature adjustments, which are not possible with standard constant current drivers.
Implementation Method 1
Typical constant current drivers use a feedback control mechanism to adjust the output voltage between a high power rail and a low power rail depending upon the current that is detected
Implementation Method 2
The voltage control module is adapted to be coupled to the power source output and is operable to convert the output voltage generated by the power source to a controlled voltage
Implementation Method 3
The controller is powered by the controlled voltage and operable to selectively couple the lighting module to the power source output
Data Source
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.