Accessory Device for LED Driver Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED driver manufacturers face challenges in creating versatile and cost-effective solutions that balance component adaptability with logistical and manufacturing complexities, as well as user willingness, due to the need for a wide range of output powers and configurations, which often results in overdimensioning and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An accessory device connectable to the LED driver's control interface via a two-wire interface, featuring energy storage, switching means, and control means to manage energy flow and generate control information, allowing for flexible operation and communication with the LED driver while maintaining the original purpose of setting nominal output current values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single driver is made adaptable for a wide range of output powers, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to overdimensioning of internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power adaptation function from the main driver body by using an external accessory device connected via the control interface. The driver's internal components remain fixed and optimized for a specific power range, while the accessory device handles the adaptation to different output powers through external circuitry, thus avoiding overdimensioning of internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface acts as an intermediary between the driver and external accessories. By using this existing interface for its intended purpose of connecting identification components, the system enables power adaptation without adding complexity to the driver's internal structure. The intermediary interface allows external devices to modify system behavior without affecting the core driver design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors for external connections are added to provide versatility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control interface universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions: its original purpose of connecting identification components and the new function of connecting accessory devices for power adaptation and other enhancements. This multi-functionality approach allows versatility to be improved without adding new connectors, as the existing control interface handles multiple roles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors for external connections are added to enable accessory functions, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is designed to be multi-functional, serving both its original purpose of connecting identification components and the enhanced function of connecting accessory devices. This approach allows the system to provide versatile accessory functions without requiring additional connectors, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs associated with extra connection points.
4Reliability
If the control interface is used for its original purpose of connecting identification components, then functionality is maintained, but accessory device connection is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is designed to be multi-functional, serving both its original purpose of connecting identification components and the new function of connecting accessory devices. This approach allows the system to provide versatile accessory functions without requiring additional connectors, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs associated with extra connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables periodic switching between the original identification component connection mode and the accessory device connection mode through the control interface. The controller can selectively activate different functions based on what is connected, allowing the interface to serve multiple purposes at different times without compromising either function.
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 the LED driver to efficiently manage energy and communicate with external accessories, enhancing versatility and reducing manufacturing costs by allowing for adaptable output current settings and accessory functions without compromising the original control interface functionality.
Implementation Method 1
energy storage means adapted to store and provide electrical energy within the accessory device
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
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AI summary
According to an example embodiment, an accessory device for an operating device of lighting means is provided. The accessory device comprises an interface comprising a first node and a second node for electrically coupling the accessory device to respective nodes of the operating device for reception of a voltage across said first and second nodes, energy storage means for storing and providing electrical energy within the accessory device, an accessory module coupled to receive the electrical energy from said energy storage means, switching means comprising first switching means for selectively enabling or disabling a first electrical connection between the energy storage means and said interface, and control means for operating the first switching means to selectively cause the energy storage means to receive electrical energy from said interface or keep the energy storage means from receiving electrical energy from said interface.