LED Lamp Driver Powering via Internal Capacitor Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lamps are not compatible with dimmer switches designed for incandescent lamps, as they require different control methods for light intensity, leading to inefficiencies when using separate power sources for LED drivers.
Innovation Solution
An LED lamp system that includes a regulation unit, such as a capacitor, charged using power sources within the lamp, with a controller managing power distribution to maintain a threshold current through the dimmer switch, allowing the LED lamp to mimic incandescent behavior and operate efficiently with conventional dimmer switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate power source is used for the LED driver, then the LED driver can operate reliably, but the overall power efficiency of the LED lamp decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power source function with existing LED lamp components (LEDs, inductor, capacitor) to create an integrated power supply system. The LEDs themselves serve as a power source during off-periods by storing energy in the capacitor, eliminating the need for a separate power source and reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED lamp system serves itself by using its own components (LEDs, capacitor, inductor) to generate and regulate power for the LED driver. The controller manages the switching between power sources, allowing the system to self-regulate without external intervention or additional dedicated power supply components.
2Ease of operation
If conventional dimmer switches control phase angle for incandescent lamps, then dimming capability is achieved, but compatibility with LED lamps is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal LED lamp system that can work with both conventional phase-angle dimmer switches and LED-specific control methods. The controller interprets dimmer switch signals and adapts the LED driving accordingly, while the integrated power system maintains compatibility with existing wiring infrastructure, achieving multi-functionality across different control scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters based on the type of control signal received. When a phase-angle dimmer is detected, the controller adjusts the switching timing and duty cycle accordingly. The integrated power system also dynamically switches between power sources (LEDs vs. external) based on operational conditions, adapting parameters to maintain compatibility and efficiency.
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 LED lamps to be direct replacements for incandescent lamps in existing dimmer switch configurations, improving efficiency by using internal power sources to power components and maintaining a stable current, thus enhancing overall performance and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
A regulation unit (e.g., a capacitor) is charged using power sources within the LED lamp and the voltage across the regulation unit is used to power internal components of the LED lamp
Implementation Method 2
one or more other power sources in the LED lamp, such as an inductor delivering power to the one or more LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
An LED lamp comprises one or more LEDs and an LED driver receiving an input signal from a dimmer switch indicative of an amount of dimming for the LED lamp. The LED driver controls regulated current through the one or more LEDs based on the input signal such that an output light intensity of the one or more LEDs substantially corresponds to the amount of dimming for the LED lamp. A regulated output provides operating power for the LED driver. A controller regulates the regulated output to power the LED driver. The controller selects a power source for charging the regulated output from two or more power sources, and the regulated output is charged using the power source selected by the controller.