LED Drive Unit Voltage Switching for Low Standby Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting elements with LEDs face challenges in achieving desired power efficiency and low standby power consumption while adhering to space and cost constraints, particularly in designs like the MR 16 bulb, where conventional solutions either exceed power requirements or are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drive unit that selectively provides power to the control unit using different voltages at various stages, employing a predefined current waveshape and switching circuitry to manage power conversion efficiently between operation and standby modes, allowing for reduced power loss and heat generation, and enabling multiple lighting elements to share an electronic transformer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional power supply designs are used to provide power to the control unit, then the control unit can operate reliably, but the standby power consumption exceeds the required 0.5-Watt limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by switching between two distinct power supply modes: a first power supply circuit for operation mode providing full power to the control unit, and a second power supply circuit for standby mode providing reduced power. The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on operational state, enabling the control unit to maintain reliability during operation while consuming only 0.5 Watts or less during standby period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameters by using different voltage levels and power delivery characteristics for operation mode versus standby mode. The first power supply provides adequate voltage and current for full control unit functionality, while the second power supply provides reduced voltage/current that still maintains basic control unit operation but limits power consumption to meet the 0.5-Watt standby requirement.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power factor correction circuits and dimmer detection circuits are added to improve power efficiency, then power factor is corrected and dimming control is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing the first power supply circuit to simultaneously perform multiple functions: it provides power factor correction, enables dimmer detection, supplies power to the control unit during operation mode, and can transition to standby mode. This consolidation of functions into a single circuit reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power factor correction functionality and dimmer detection functionality into the first power supply circuit. By combining these functions that were traditionally separate circuits into one integrated power supply system, the patent reduces the number of components, simplifies the overall circuit architecture, and lowers cost while maintaining power efficiency and dimming control capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control unit is kept powered during standby mode for communication readiness, then communication and control capabilities are maintained, but power consumption increases beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action during standby mode by providing only sufficient power to the control unit to maintain basic communication and control readiness, rather than full operational power. The second power supply circuit delivers reduced voltage or current that enables essential standby functions (receiving control signals, maintaining communication protocols) but is insufficient for full lighting control operations, thereby limiting power consumption to 0.5 Watts or less while preserving adaptability for communication readiness.
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
This approach significantly reduces standby power consumption and overall power loss, meeting stringent power efficiency requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness and compact design, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
an input voltage is received and transformed for outputting a bus voltage
Implementation Method 2
the bus voltage is transformed and an LED voltage for driving the at least one light emitting diode is outputted
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive unit for a lighting element and an operating method for such drive unit and to a lighting element including such drive unit. By selectively providing power to a control unit of the drive unit using different voltages at different stages of the overall drive unit, there is an additional degree of freedom which may be used for improving power efficiency, in particular for reducing standby power consumption, while still meeting specific space and cost constraints.