LED Control Circuit Simplifies Power Supply via Wall Switch Signals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply control circuits for LED devices are complex and costly, necessitating a simpler and more affordable solution.

Innovation Solution

A power supply control circuit comprising a power supply module, a switching module, and a signal controlling module, with additional components like a signal detecting module, signal converting module, and protection module, to generate and regulate control signals for controlling the operation mode of LED devices, including luminance and color adjustment, while being protected from power spikes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional power supply control circuits are used for LED devices, then reliable control function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions (power supply control, signal detection, signal conversion, and protection) into an integrated control circuit that works with existing wall switches. The control circuit integrates the power supply module, signal detecting module, signal converting module, and protection module into a unified system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit is designed to be universally compatible with existing wall switches (both self-locking and non-self-locking types) and can control various LED devices. The circuit performs multiple functions including voltage level detection, signal conversion to PWM format, power supply regulation, and spike protection, making it a multi-functional solution that replaces complex dedicated control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional power supply control circuits are used for LED devices, then adequate protection is provided, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit uses the existing wall switch infrastructure to provide its own control signals, eliminating the need for separate control switches or complex control interfaces. The circuit automatically detects wall switch states and generates appropriate PWM control signals, reducing the need for additional expensive components while maintaining adequate protection and control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs cost-effective components such as standard voltage detecting circuits, conventional optocouplers for signal conversion, and basic protection elements (fuse, resistor, capacitor) that are inexpensive and widely available. These components provide adequate protection and control functionality at low manufacturing cost, making the solution economically viable for mass production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple control circuit is used, then cost is reduced, but control precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsignal detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optocoupler as an intermediary component between the input signal stage and the PWM output stage. The optocoupler (model 4N35) provides electrical isolation while accurately transmitting control signals, ensuring signal detection precision and control reliability. This intermediary component enables precise control without requiring expensive high-precision integrated circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit incorporates a feedback mechanism where the signal detecting module continuously monitors wall switch states and the signal converting module adjusts PWM duty cycle accordingly. This feedback loop ensures accurate control of LED luminance and color temperature, maintaining control precision while using simple, cost-effective components rather than complex control algorithms or expensive microcontrollers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 proposed solution simplifies the power supply control circuit, reduces costs, and enhances market competitiveness by effectively controlling LED device operation modes with improved reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the light emitter is coupled to the switching module for generating a light signal according to the first voltage signal, and the light receiver is arranged to generate the first current signal by sensing the light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission and detection: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11464094B2Control circuit and related lighting system
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO LTD
  • US11464094B2 patent drawing
  • US11464094B2 patent drawing
  • US11464094B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control circuit includes: a power supply module, arranged to generate an output power to control an operation mode of a lighting device according to a control signal and a supply power; a switching module, coupled to the supply power, for selectively generating a first voltage signal of the supply power; and a signal controlling module, coupled between the switching module and the power supply module, for generating the control signal according to the first voltage signal.