LED Lamp Arrangement Adapting to Ballast Frequency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED lamps require modification of the luminaire to accommodate different types of ballasts, increasing complexity and cost, and users often prefer not to replace fluorescent lamps until multiple tubes fail due to high replacement costs and labor-intensive re-wiring.

Innovation Solution

An LED lamp arrangement with switchable circuit configurations that can detect the frequency of power supplied by the ballast and adjust its configuration to operate effectively with both magnetic and electronic ballasts, maintaining equivalent light output and power efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LED lamps are designed to work with specific ballast types, then power efficiency and light output are optimized, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to need for different lamp designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED lamp incorporates a dual-mode driver circuit that can automatically detect and adapt to both magnetic ballasts (50/60Hz) and electronic ballasts (20-50kHz), making a single lamp design universally compatible with different ballast types while maintaining optimal power efficiency and light output for each mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver circuit dynamically switches between series and parallel LED string configurations based on the detected ballast type and operating frequency, optimizing current distribution and power consumption for each ballast mode while preventing overheating and extending LED lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If luminaire modification is required for LED installation, then LED lamps can operate without ballast intervention, but installation cost and labor time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The LED lamp performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the ballast type through frequency analysis and autonomously adjusting its internal circuit topology, eliminating the need for technicians to modify the luminaire or perform complex wiring changes during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bidirectional communication interface acts as an intermediary between the ballast and LED driver, allowing the lamp to receive operating parameters from the ballast and send back status information, enabling seamless integration without physical luminaire modification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If LED circuit configuration is fixed, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but adaptability to different ballast types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to ballast typesVSAvoidcircuit configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit dynamically reconfigures LED string connections between series and parallel arrangements based on real-time detection of ballast frequency characteristics, enabling a single adaptable design rather than multiple fixed configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including switching frequency, current amplitude, and circuit topology based on the detected ballast type, allowing optimal performance across different ballast frequencies without requiring multiple specialized lamp designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 seamless replacement of fluorescent lamps with LED lamps in existing luminaires without modifying the ballast, reducing installation costs and ensuring consistent light output and efficiency across different ballast types.

Implementation Method 1

a first means or circuit for sensing a frequency of power supplied to the arrangement by the ballast of the luminaire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency sensing:

Implementation Method 2

an LED lamp arrangement adapted to replace a fluorescent lamp in a luminaire having a magnetic or an electronic ballast

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3050399B1LED lighting system
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 SILICON HILL BV
  • EP3050399B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3050399B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3050399B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An LED lamp arrangement adapted to replace a fluorescent lamp in a luminaire having a magnetic or an electronic ballast. The arrangement comprises a plurality of LEDs switchable among a plurality of circuit configurations, first means for sensing a frequency of power supplied to the arrangement by the luminaire and generating an output, and second means for switching the circuit configuration of the plurality of LEDs on the basis of the output of the first means for sensing frequency.