LED Driver Controller Thermal Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and inefficiency of solid state lighting (SSL) lamp assemblies due to the need for bulky cooling systems to maintain LED components within specified temperature limits, which increases product costs and reluctance among end-users, are exacerbated by the variance in electrical and thermal parameters, leading to resource-intensive redesigns for new SSL components.
Innovation Solution
A controller and driver circuit that adapts power delivery to maintain the maximum temperature of SSL components at or below a specified level, utilizing a digital data storage unit, temperature sensor, and data processing unit to generate control signals for the power converter, optimizing thermal performance and reducing the need for excessive cooling reserves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If bulky cooling systems are used to maintain LED components within specified temperature limits, then temperature control is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operating parameters of the LED driver circuit based on temperature feedback. The controller modifies drive current, switching frequency, or pulse width modulation duty cycle in response to temperature sensor readings, allowing the system to maintain optimal temperature without requiring bulky cooling hardware. This software-based parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by achieving effective temperature control through intelligent control rather than physical cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by incorporating temperature sensors that continuously monitor the LED component temperature and feed this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the power delivery to the LED based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains temperature within specified limits. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for oversized cooling systems by using real-time temperature information to optimize power delivery dynamically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If redesign of power supply components is performed to accommodate new SSL components, then adaptability is improved, but development time and resource cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a programmable controller that can adapt its control parameters dynamically based on the characteristics of different SSL components. Rather than requiring hardware redesign for each new LED component, the system uses software-based parameter adjustment to accommodate varying LED specifications. The controller can be reprogrammed with new characteristic data for different LED types, enabling rapid adaptation without physical redesign and thus reducing development time and resource costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional controller that can manage different types of SSL components through a single unified architecture. The controller is capable of adjusting its operation to accommodate various LED characteristics, switching frequencies, and power requirements by modifying control parameters rather than requiring component-specific hardware designs. This universal approach allows one controller design to serve multiple SSL component types, significantly reducing the need for redesign when new components are introduced.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power delivery is increased to improve luminous efficiency, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but temperature of SSL components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the power delivery to the LED. Instead of continuous power application, the system uses periodic switching to deliver power in controlled pulses. This allows the LED to operate at high average power levels for improved luminous efficiency while the periodic nature of the power delivery enables thermal management through controlled duty cycles, preventing excessive temperature accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by dynamically adjusting the power delivery parameters based on real-time temperature feedback. When temperature rises, the controller reduces power delivery or adjusts switching characteristics to allow heat dissipation. When temperature is within acceptable ranges, the controller maximizes power delivery for optimal luminous efficiency. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing high efficiency operation when thermally acceptable and reducing power when temperature becomes problematic.
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 reduces the cost of SSL lamp assemblies by minimizing thermal design overhead, enabling more efficient thermal management and faster adaptation to new SSL components, while ensuring reliable operation and extended lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
temperature sensor, and data processing unit operable to generate a control signal in dependence upon such received temperature information
Implementation Method 2
power converter which is configured to convert electrical power from a mains supply to electrical power for the light source
Implementation Method 3
solid state lighting (SSL), for example light emitting diode (LED) or organic light emitting diode (OLED) based retrofit lamps
Implementation Method 4
any power losses inside the light source component has to be propagated to the environment purely by heat conduction
Data Source
AI summary
Controllers for driver circuits of solid state light bulb assemblies including light emitting diodes comprise a power converter, a data storage unit operable to store data items relating to an operating behavior of the light bulb assembly, a temperature sensor operable to determine a chip temperature of the controller, and a data processing unit operable to receive the chip temperature, to retrieve the stored data items from the data storage unit, to generate a control signal in dependence upon the chip temperature and the retrieved data items, and to output the control signal to the power converter for operation of the light source.