Progressive LED Indicator Voltage Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for progressive direction indicators in car headlights, such as those using LED light sources, face challenges including complex interfaces, high costs, and unreliable timing due to the need for sophisticated control circuits and microcontrollers, as well as potential inaccuracies and increased complexity with discrete component solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system architecture incorporating a DC/DC converter for voltage generation, a u-controller for timing and damage detection, and discrete switching elements like transistors on the LED board, which allows for sequential switching of LEDs based on output voltage, simplifying the interface and reducing costs while ensuring accurate timing and current control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated control circuits and microcontrollers are used for progressive direction indication, then accurate timing and control are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from a separate microcontroller and integrates it directly into the LDM power supply module. The LDM now contains both the power conversion functionality and the progressive switching control logic, eliminating the need for a dedicated microcontroller and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining accurate timing control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power supply control functions and the progressive direction indication control functions into a single LDM module. This merging eliminates the need for complex interfaces between separate control units and the LED board, reducing system complexity while achieving both power management and sequential switching accurately
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete components and RC circuits are used for progressive switching, then cost is reduced, but timing accuracy and wiring reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the unreliable RC timing circuits and discrete component switching networks from the system. Instead, the LDM generates precise voltage profiles that directly control the LED switching sequence, eliminating timing inaccuracies and wiring reliability issues associated with discrete RC circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical RC circuit timing mechanism with an electronically controlled voltage profiling approach. The LDM generates time-varying voltage outputs that sequentially activate LED groups, providing accurate timing without the physical limitations and reliability issues of RC time constants
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex interfaces are used between LED board and power supply, then control functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LDM is designed to perform multiple functions: power conversion from 12V to LED operating voltages, generation of progressive switching voltage profiles, and provision of constant current output. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control circuits and complex interfaces, as the LDM directly provides both power and control signals to the LED board
Solution Approach 2:
The LDM generates its own control signals and voltage profiles internally, eliminating the need for external microcontrollers or complex interface circuits. The system is self-contained, with the LDM autonomously managing both power delivery and progressive switching sequences
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 provides a cost-effective, reliable, and easily implementable method for progressive direction indication in car headlights, enabling smooth sequential switching of LEDs with accurate timing and current control, thus enhancing both functionality and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The LDM power supply module comprises a DC/DC inverter generating the output voltage V out, which is the voltage source for the LED board
Implementation Method 2
LED light sources that are sequentially switched on/off depending on the output voltage V out
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus of a progressive direction indicator, especially for a car headlight or lamp, comprises the main connector (1) as the input electric interface, an LDM power supply module (2) for the power supply of the LED light sources (7), an LED board (4) where the LED light sources are mounted, and an interface (3) interconnecting the LDM power supply module with the LED board. The apparatus further comprises a current controller (9) for setting the current of the LED light sources, with the LDM power supply module comprising a DC/DC converter (5) generating the output voltage V out, which is the voltage source for the LED board. The LED board comprises discrete switching elements (8) for switching of individual LED light sources depending on the input voltage, so that the LED light sources are sequentially switched depending on the output voltage V out.