LED Headlight Assembly Using Series-Shunt Topology and Time Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED-based vehicle headlight designs with individual LED drivers for each LED string are inefficient, leading to high power consumption, heat generation, and increased costs due to the need for multiple drivers and parallel connections.
Innovation Solution
A series-shunt topology where multiple LEDs are connected in series to a single driver, using shunts to control brightness and function independently, combined with time division multiplexing and volt-second analysis to manage power distribution, optimizing LED functions like high beam, low beam, and daytime running lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual LED drivers are used for each LED string in parallel connection, then each LED can be independently controlled, but the system becomes complex and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED strings are connected in series to share a single LED driver, reducing the total number of drivers required. The patent combines several LED strings (e.g., high beam, low beam, DRL) into one series chain that can be controlled by one driver through sequential or simultaneous activation.
Solution Approach 2:
A single LED driver is designed to control multiple LED strings for different functions (high beam, low beam, daytime running lights). The driver performs multiple roles by sequentially driving different LED strings, making one component serve universal purposes instead of requiring dedicated drivers for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual LED drivers are used for each LED string, then each LED function can be independently activated, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
LED strings are connected in series configuration, allowing a single driver to power multiple strings. This reduces redundant power conversion stages and minimizes energy loss, as the driver operates at higher voltage with lower current compared to multiple parallel drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED driver activates different LED strings in sequential time slots rather than continuously. For example, high beam LEDs are activated during daytime, while low beam LEDs are activated at night, reducing overall power consumption by not having all strings active simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If multiple LED drivers are used in parallel configuration, then each LED string has dedicated control, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the bill of materials by using one LED driver instead of multiple drivers. This single driver approach lowers component count, reduces PCB complexity, and decreases overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to control multiple LED strings through sequential activation.
4Power
If LEDs are connected in parallel with individual drivers, then each LED receives sufficient power, but system efficiency decreases due to power conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
By connecting LED strings in series, the system eliminates multiple power conversion stages that would be required for parallel-connected strings with individual drivers. The single driver converts power once to the series chain, reducing conversion losses and improving overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes methods and systems for creating, using, and controlling LED headlight topologies and matrices that require fewer parts, electricity, and power, while allowing for advanced features such as bend lighting. The disclosed methods and systems can enable the use of smaller electrical systems, including control systems for LED and other headlight topologies. The disclosed methods and systems can also take advantage of pixel pairing and time multiplexing, among other methods, to manage electrical flow to minimize power needed over the circuit at given times, thus reducing the amount of material needed to create the LED headlight topology and related methods and systems for creating, using, and controlling the LED headlight topology.