Retrofit LED Dimming via Mains Voltage Switching Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofit LED lamps lack a reliable method for dimming control due to the absence of necessary control lines, limiting users to only two predetermined lighting modes, requiring lamp replacement for different dimming levels.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a manipulation sequence detector, modulator, and memory to store and change operating parameters using voltage cycles, allowing for continuous dimming between defined levels through switching sequences, synchronized with zero crossings of the voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phase dimming is used in retrofit LED lamps, then dimming functionality is achieved, but only two discrete lighting modes are available requiring lamp replacement for different dimming levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dimming control function with the existing two-wire power connection by using rapid on/off switching sequences (Double Click) of the mains voltage to transmit dimming information. This merges the power transmission and control functions into a single communication channel, eliminating the need for separate control lines while enabling continuous dimming levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary interpretation layer where the lamp's electronics decode rapid on/off switching sequences as dimming commands. The switching element acts as an intermediary that translates user switching actions into continuous dimming level adjustments, bridging the gap between discrete switching and continuous dimming control.
2Ease of operation
If rapid on/off switching sequences are used for dimming control, then control without additional lines is achieved, but only two predefined lighting modes are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static two-mode switching system into a dynamic continuous dimming system by varying the timing and pattern of rapid on/off switching sequences. The modulator changes operating parameters based on detected switching sequences, enabling the system to adapt between multiple dimming levels dynamically rather than being fixed at two predefined modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interpretation parameters of the switching sequences - instead of interpreting rapid on/off cycles as binary mode selection, the system interprets the timing, frequency, and pattern of these sequences as continuous dimming level indicators, allowing adjustment across multiple power levels from the same switching mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control lines are used for dimming information transmission, then continuous dimming control is achieved, but retrofit applications cannot implement this due to two-wire connection limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the two-wire connection universal by enabling it to perform both power transmission and dimming control functions simultaneously. The existing mains voltage connection is made multi-functional, allowing retrofit LED lamps to achieve advanced dimming control without requiring additional wiring or specialized sockets, thus maintaining full retrofit compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing mains voltage and switching infrastructure to provide dimming control without requiring external control lines or additional components. The lamp's own electronics interpret the switching sequences of the mains power to derive dimming information, making the system self-sufficient and fully compatible with existing two-wire installations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for defining an operational parameter of an operational device for lighting means. Said method consists of the following steps: the voltage supply of the operational device is preferably switched on/off manually, the on/off switching is evaluated by the operational device as to whether at least one first predetermined criterion is fulfilled, for example, time constants or repetition rates, in this is the case, a continuous, preferably cyclic change of the predetermined operational parameters is switched on by the operational device, the changed operational parameter is returned to the user directly or indirectly, optically and/or acoustically, and the actual value of the changed operational parameters is maintained at a moment in time for a subsequent operation of the lighting means to which an additional on/off switching of the voltage supply fulfills at least one second criterion.