LED Light Control Module With Negative Output for Short-Circuit Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED modules in automotive applications are prone to failure due to short-circuits between the Light Control Module (LCM) and the LED modules, particularly when the LED modules require a supply voltage smaller than the battery voltage, leading to potential destruction from overcurrent.

Innovation Solution

A light control module (LCM) that converts the supply voltage into a negative output voltage, allowing LED modules to sink load currents, thereby protecting them from short-circuit damage and eliminating the need for overcurrent protection circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LED modules are connected remotely via long cables to the LCM, then the LCM can control multiple LED modules distributed throughout the vehicle, but the cables become prone to short-circuits with battery voltage that can destroy the LED modules through overcurrent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistributed LED module controlVSAvoidLED module protection against short-circuit damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional voltage polarity arrangement by using a negative voltage output from the LCM instead of a positive voltage. This inversion creates a potential difference that protects LED modules from short-circuit damage, as the negative voltage polarity prevents direct short-circuit paths that would otherwise destroy the LEDs through overcurrent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the voltage polarity relationship between the LCM and LED modules before any short-circuit can occur. The negative voltage output is established in advance to create inherent protection against short-circuit conditions, preventing the harmful effect rather than reacting to it after occurrence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Use of energy by moving object

If LED modules require supply voltage smaller than battery voltage, then the LED modules can operate at appropriate voltage levels, but they become vulnerable to overcurrent destruction when cables short-circuit to battery voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLED module operating voltageVSAvoidovercurrent damage from short-circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses voltage polarity inversion to protect LED modules that operate at voltages lower than the battery voltage. By outputting a negative voltage from the LCM, the system creates a voltage relationship where the LED modules are inherently protected from overcurrent damage even when connected to a higher voltage battery through long cables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If conventional LCM designs are used with positive voltage output, then the circuit design is straightforward, but additional overcurrent protection circuits are required to prevent LED module destruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit design simplicityVSAvoidLED module protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful short-circuit condition into a beneficial protective mechanism by using negative voltage polarity. The same electrical connection that could cause overcurrent destruction is transformed into a protective configuration where the negative voltage relationship prevents direct short-circuit paths, eliminating the need for additional protection circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

By inverting the voltage polarity from positive to negative, the patent simplifies the overall circuit design while simultaneously providing inherent protection. This inversion eliminates the need for complex overcurrent protection circuits that would be required in conventional positive voltage designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 LCM effectively prevents LED module damage from short-circuits by reversing the polarity, reducing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for additional protection circuits and enabling the use of normal switches.

Implementation Method 1

a switching converter configured to receive the supply voltage and to provide an output voltage at an output node, wherein the output voltage and the supply voltage have different polarities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12477636B2Light control module for driving LED modules

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

A light control module (LCM) in accordance with one embodiment, includes terminals configured to receive a supply voltage, and a switching converter configured to receive the supply voltage and to provide an output voltage at an output node, wherein the output voltage and the supply voltage have different polarities. Further, the LCM includes an output terminal coupled to the output node of the switching converter and configured to sink a load current from a LED module.