LED Lighting Device with Dynamic Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

LED lights face challenges when operated with alternating voltage supplies due to a narrow working voltage range, leading to potential failure from excessive current flow or insufficient illumination, making direct connection to alternating voltage supplies impractical.

Innovation Solution

The LED lighting device employs a configuration with multiple LEDs organized into groups, using serial switching means and shorting links to adjust the through voltage, allowing flexible operation within an acceptable voltage range, and incorporates a control system to manage these components for efficient energy use and color adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If LEDs are connected directly to an alternating voltage supply, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to excessive current flow from high voltage values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage supply configurationVSAvoidLED operation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The LED chain is divided into multiple LED part groups (first LED part group, second LED part group, etc.) that can be independently controlled. Each part group can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the instantaneous voltage level, allowing the system to manage current flow and prevent overheating while maintaining simplicity of direct AC connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the voltage range for LED operation is narrowed to ensure reliable operation, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the LED cannot operate with widely varying voltage values

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLED operation stabilityVSAvoidvoltage range flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active LED part groups based on the instantaneous voltage level of the AC supply. When voltage is high, fewer part groups are activated to prevent excessive current; when voltage is low, more part groups are activated to maintain adequate illumination. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the LED to adapt to the full range of AC voltage values while maintaining reliable operation within the safe working window of individual LEDs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple LED part groups are used with selective switching, then the adaptability to varying voltage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional switching components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage range flexibilityVSAvoidswitching control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED lighting device automatically detects the instantaneous voltage level and autonomously determines which LED part groups to activate without external control. The control unit continuously monitors the voltage and independently switches the appropriate number of part groups on or off, eliminating the need for complex external switching mechanisms while maintaining high adaptability to voltage variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Illumination intensity

If LEDs are operated at high current to maximize illumination, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the temperature increases causing thermal damage and reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLED brightnessVSAvoidLED operating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of operating all LED part groups at full current simultaneously, the system activates only the necessary number of part groups based on the instantaneous voltage level. This partial action approach ensures that the total current through active LEDs remains within safe thermal limits while still providing adequate illumination. The control unit prevents excessive current flow that would cause overheating, thereby maintaining both illumination intensity and thermal safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 configuration enables LEDs to operate efficiently within a suitable voltage range, preventing overheating and maintaining energy efficiency while allowing for flexible voltage adjustment and color control, even with varying supply voltages.

Implementation Method 1

the LED lighting device comprises an optional mains filter, a rectifier and a PFC module, which together generate the supply voltage with alternating amplitude from the alternating voltage supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

several LEDs (light-emitting diode), which form a whole chain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS9185759B2LED lighting device with LED profile and method for operating the LED lighting device

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 DIEHL AEROSPACE GMBH

AI summary

An LED lighting device for AC voltage supply is provided. The device has LEDs that form a whole chain. The LEDs are divided into LED part groups. The device also has multiple serial switching means, multiple shorting links and a control means. The control means is configured to control the shorting links and the serial switching means, to place the whole chain in at least two switch states. The switch states differ in the through voltage of the whole chain.