Configurable LED Dimming via Programmable Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) require large inventories to accommodate various desirable dimming curves, leading to cumbersome storage and manufacturing challenges due to the need for different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that includes a light source and a switch configured to selectively modify the dimming curve, allowing for different dimming curves to be applied based on user preferences, reducing the need for multiple fixtures by using a microcontroller and current driver to adjust the output current and color temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting fixtures with different dimming curves are manufactured to accommodate various customer preferences, then customer choice and adaptability are improved, but inventory size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture incorporates a programmable controller that can be configured to provide multiple different dimming curves from a single unit. This allows one fixture to serve multiple functions by delivering different dimming characteristics (e.g., linear, exponential, logarithmic curves) through software programming, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock separate fixtures for each dimming curve type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic change of dimming curve parameters through the programmable controller. By modifying control parameters and programming data, the same physical fixture can deliver different dimming characteristics. This parameter-based flexibility allows the fixture to adapt to different customer preferences without physical reconfiguration or inventory changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting fixtures with different dimming curves are manufactured, then customer choice is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing separate fixtures for different dimming curves, the invention uses a single universal fixture design with a programmable controller that can be software-configured to provide various dimming curves. This reduces manufacturing complexity by standardizing the hardware design while achieving versatility through software programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates virtual copies of different dimming curves through software rather than physical copies of different fixtures. The programmable controller stores multiple dimming curve profiles as data, allowing the system to replicate different dimming characteristics through software rather than requiring separate physical manufacturing processes.
3Quantity of substance
If a single lighting system is designed to provide multiple dimming curves through configuration, then inventory is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages complexity by changing parameters through software configuration rather than physical complexity. The programmable controller allows users to select from pre-programmed dimming curves or customize parameters through intuitive interfaces, transforming what could be complex hardware variability into manageable software parameter changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple dimming curve options within the programmable controller before delivery to the customer. Common dimming curves (linear, exponential, logarithmic) are pre-programmed, allowing immediate use without complex configuration. Custom curves can be pre-calculated and stored, reducing the operational complexity of configuration while maintaining versatility.
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
Enables flexible dimming curve selection and color temperature modification, reducing inventory and manufacturing costs by allowing a single lighting system to be configured for various dimming profiles and intensities, while maintaining high-quality illumination with low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
light-emitting diodes that provide high-quality dimmable lighting with low power consumption and compact size
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects involve lighting systems in which a dimming curve of the illumination can be selectively modified. For instance, a lighting system includes a light source configured for emitting light at a target color temperature and a switch configured to receive a selection of a dimming curve from a predefined set of dimming curves. When in a first position, the switch configures the light source to adjust a lumen intensity of the light source according to a dimming adjustment signal and a first dimming curve. When in a second position, the switch configures the light source to adjust the lumen intensity according to a dimming adjustment signal and a second dimming curve that is different from the first dimming curve.