LED Driver Dynamic Reconfiguration for AC Voltage Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED drivers are inefficient as they fail to drive all LEDs at different AC voltage levels, resulting in idle LEDs and reduced overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed LED driver comprises multiple LED arrays, a dividing diode, a power module, a driving module, a switch pair, and a voltage sensing module, which changes the electrical configuration of the LED arrays to ensure all LEDs are driven at various AC voltage levels by sensing the pulsating DC voltage and adjusting the switch pairs accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a general LED driver uses a current restrictor to limit current to a constant value, then the LED lifetime is increased and light output is stable, but power efficiency is reduced when AC voltage levels are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the LED array configuration changeable through switch pairs. The system transitions from a static constant-current configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable configuration that adapts to different AC voltage levels. The switch pairs dynamically connect or disconnect LED arrays based on the instantaneous AC voltage, allowing the system to optimize both reliability and efficiency across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical configuration parameter of the LED array by rearranging series/parallel connections through the switch pairs. This parameter change allows the system to adjust the equivalent voltage and current characteristics of the LED array to match different AC voltage levels, preventing energy waste while maintaining reliable operation across the full voltage range.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the LED driver selectively drives a certain number of LEDs at different voltage levels, then power consumption is reduced, but overall efficiency is reduced due to idle LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LED array into multiple sub-arrays that can be independently controlled through switch pairs. This segmentation allows the system to divide the LED population into active and inactive groups based on the AC voltage level, ensuring that LEDs are driven efficiently without leaving any idle. The segmented structure enables precise control over which segments are active, maximizing both power consumption optimization and overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the LED driver universally applicable across different AC voltage levels by implementing a multi-functional switching architecture. The same switch pair configuration system serves multiple purposes: it controls LED activation, adjusts voltage distribution, and optimizes current flow for different operating conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms and ensures all LEDs contribute to output across the full voltage range.
3Device complexity
If the LED driver uses fixed electrical configuration for LED arrays, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different AC voltage levels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the LED driver by incorporating switch pairs that can change the electrical configuration of the LED arrays in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different AC voltage levels without requiring multiple fixed configuration circuits. The switch pairs provide a simple yet effective mechanism for reconfiguration, maintaining relatively low device complexity while significantly improving adaptability across operating conditions.
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 solution enables the LED driver to achieve highest performance by ensuring all LEDs are actively driven at different AC voltage levels, enhancing power efficiency and maintaining stable light output.
Implementation Method 1
at least one dividing diode, a power module, a driving module, at least one switch pair and a voltage sensing module. Each LED array comprises multiple LEDs connected in series. The dividing diode is mounted between adjacent LED arrays.
Implementation Method 2
The power module (10) is connected to an external power source and has a bridge rectifier. The external power source provides an alternating current (AC) power. The AC power is sinusoidal and has alternating negative and positive segments. The bridge rectifier inverts the negative segments of the AC to positive segments and forms a pulsating direct current (DC) voltage.
Implementation Method 3
The voltage sensing module senses the pulsating DC voltage and closes and opens the switch pair that changes electrical configuration of the LED arrays.
Data Source
AI summary
The LED driver of the present invention comprises multiple LED arrays, at least one dividing diode, a power module, a driving module, at least one switch pair and a voltage sensing module. Each LED array comprises multiple LEDs connected in series. The dividing diode is mounted between adjacent LED arrays. The power module is connected to an external power source and forms a pulsating direct current (DC) voltage. The driving module receives the pulsating DC voltage outputs a constant current to the LED arrays. The voltage sensing module closes and opens the switch pairs that changes electrical configuration of the LED arrays. The LED driving method of the present invention comprises setting multiple voltage drops and at least one reference voltage; sensing an incoming voltage to compare with the reference voltage; and changing ways of connections of LED arrays based on the reference voltage and the incoming voltage.