LED Lamp Controller Power Harvesting and Wireless Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controllers for LED lamps face challenges in providing reliable remote control and uninterrupted power supply, with current solutions either increasing mechanical complexity or incurring additional costs and safety risks due to battery usage.

Innovation Solution

A controller is designed to be installed in serial connection with the LED lamp, incorporating a processing unit, power harvesting arrangement, and switch, which derives power from the electrical connections and enables wireless communication and monitoring, eliminating the need for batteries and reducing mechanical complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a controller is installed in parallel connection with power cords to provide uninterrupted power supply, then the controller can operate continuously, but the relay mechanics become bigger and the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuninterrupted power supplyVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical relay systems with electronic switching components. The controller uses electronic circuitry to switch the LED lamp on and off, eliminating the need for mechanical relay moving parts. This substitution maintains the uninterrupted power supply function while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and allowing for a compact controller design that can be integrated into the lamp assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If batteries are used to power the controller for wireless operation, then the controller can operate independently, but additional cost and safety risks are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless control capabilityVSAvoidfire risk and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to harvest and store electrical energy from the existing power line that feeds the LED lamp. A rectifier circuit converts the AC power to DC, and a capacitor stores this energy to power the controller's electronic components and wireless communication module. This self-powered approach eliminates batteries entirely, removing fire risks and additional costs while maintaining wireless control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If terminal block is changed to a smart one for controller integration, then the control functionality is improved, but an electrician is needed creating extra cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmart control functionalityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with universal compatibility to work with standard lamp holders and existing terminal blocks. It incorporates multiple connection options including parallel and series wiring configurations, allowing installation in various lamp types without requiring specialized smart terminal blocks. This multi-functionality enables do-it-yourself installation while maintaining advanced control features.

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

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 provides reliable wireless control and monitoring of LED lamps without the need for battery-powered solutions, reducing costs and safety risks while maintaining operational reliability and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a power harvesting arrangement configured to derive power for the controller from electric power fed or leaked to the pins or connectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower harvesting:

Data Source

PatentEP3482605B1Controller of LED lamp
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY
  • EP3482605B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3482605B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3

AI summary

A controller (116) of an LED illuminating lamp (110) is provided. The controller is configured to replace a starter of a gas discharge tube and it comprises a processing unit (204), pins (200, 202) contactable with counterparts of a starter socket, a power harvesting arrangement (206, 208) operationally coupled between the pins, and a switch (210) electrically coupled between the pins. The processing unit (204) is configured to control the switch between an electrically conducting state for switching light of the LED illuminating lamp on and an electrically non-conducting state for switching light of the LED illuminating lamp off. The power harvesting arrangement is configured to derive power for the controller from electric power fed to the pins irrespective of a state of the switch.