LED Control Device Current Measurement Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current current measurement systems in LED control devices face inaccuracies due to manufacturing tolerances and changes caused by aging and temperature, affecting the precise adjustment of current for LED lamps.

Innovation Solution

A method for calibrating the current measuring device by automatically setting a predetermined current, recording an electrical quantity, and determining a correction value to compensate for component tolerances and temperature changes, which can be performed during startup or at regular intervals, especially when significant changes occur.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional current measurement circuits are used, then the device can operate with standard component tolerances, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances and aging effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement stability over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration of the current measuring device before actual operation. A predetermined calibration current is set through the measuring means, and a correction value is determined based on the detected electrical variable. This correction value compensates for component tolerances and aging effects, ensuring accurate measurements from the start of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the detected electrical variable during calibration to determine a correction value that is then applied to compensate for measurement inaccuracies. The system continuously monitors and adjusts for deviations caused by manufacturing tolerances and aging, maintaining measurement accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If calibration is performed manually, then correction values can be adjusted, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent measurement accuracyVSAvoidcalibration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the current measuring device to perform its own calibration automatically. The device sets a predetermined calibration current, detects the electrical variable, determines the correction value, and applies the compensation without requiring manual intervention. This simplifies the calibration process while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process is performed automatically as a preliminary step before normal operation begins. The system autonomously completes the entire calibration sequence including setting calibration current, detecting electrical variables, and determining correction values, eliminating the need for complex manual calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If calibration is performed frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operational time is reduced due to calibration interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent measurement accuracyVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration is performed as a preliminary action during system startup or when significant changes are detected, rather than during normal operation. This minimizes interruptions to operational time while ensuring measurement accuracy is established before the device begins its primary function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs calibration periodically based on detected significant changes such as temperature variations or load changes, rather than at fixed time intervals or continuously. This approach maintains measurement accuracy when needed while maximizing operational time during stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3804467B1Automatic calibration of a current measuring device
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3804467B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3804467B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3804467B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for calibrating a current measuring device (110) of a control device (100) for a lighting means (200). In the method, a predefined current is set automatically by measuring means (111) which are coupled to the lighting means (200) during the operation of the control device (100), and an electric variable on the measuring means is detected automatically while the predefined current is adjusted. Depending on the detected electric variable, a correction value for the current measuring device (110) is automatically determined.