LED Driver Circuit Adapts Ballast Output for Safe Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for replacing fluorescent lamps with LED lamps require significant fixture modification and pose safety risks, particularly for rapid start and program start electronic ballasts, limiting their market adoption due to the need for specialized technicians and potential fire or shock hazards.

Innovation Solution

A universal driver circuit for LED replacement lamps that includes an input port, a transformer, and a rectifier, allowing the driver circuit to match the output characteristics of electronic ballasts to the input characteristics of the LED light source, eliminating the need for extensive fixture modification and enabling safe, cost-effective replacement without requiring highly trained technicians.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing replacement solutions are used for LED lamps, then LED replacement is possible, but fixture modification is required and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing fixturesVSAvoidsafety risks (fire and shock)

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a driver circuit as an intermediary component between the ballast and the LED lamp. This driver circuit includes a transformer and rectifier that adapt the ballast's output characteristics to match LED requirements, eliminating the need for direct fixture modification while maintaining safety. The driver circuit serves as a mediator that translates the existing ballast's electrical characteristics into suitable LED operating parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If switch start magnetic ballast replacement solutions are used, then LED replacement is achieved, but fixture modification is still required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of replacement processVSAvoidfixture modification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal driver circuit that can work with multiple types of electronic ballasts (rapid start, program start, instant start) without requiring different replacement solutions for each ballast type. This multi-functional driver circuit integrates the transformer and rectifier in a single unit that adapts to various ballast outputs, simplifying the replacement process and eliminating the need for specialized technician interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If highly trained technicians are required for retrofitting, then safety and proper installation are ensured, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation safety and correctnessVSAvoiduser-friendliness of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables consumers to perform the replacement themselves without requiring highly trained technicians. The driver circuit is pre-configured with the necessary transformer and rectifier components, allowing users to simply replace the fluorescent lamp with the LED lamp while the driver circuit automatically adapts to the existing ballast. This self-service approach maintains installation reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution provides a low-cost, safe, and user-friendly method for replacing LED lamps with rapid start and program start ballasts, expanding the market for LFL replacement solutions and reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for mercury-containing fluorescent lamps.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer (402) having a first side coupled to the input port and a second side coupled to the rectifier. The transformer is configured to match output characteristics of the ballast to input characteristics of the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a rectifier (408) having an input portion coupled to a second side of the transformer and an output portion configured for coupling to the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9380654B2Light emitting diode (LED) lamp replacement driver for linear fluorescent lamps

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Provided is a driver circuit including an input port configured for coupling to a ballast and a transformer having a first side coupled to the input port. The driver circuit also includes a rectifier having an input portion coupled to a second side of the transformer and an output portion configured for coupling to a light source. The transformer is configured to match output characteristics of the ballast to input characteristics of the light source.