LED Lighting Apparatus with Parallel Circuits for Dynamic Spectrum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting systems require a large number of LEDs to achieve varying light outputs and color temperatures, which increases costs and is physically constrained in small spaces, while they often fail to provide a full spectrum white light with high Color Rendering Index (CRI).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lighting apparatus with a plurality of parallel circuits and a common circuit, where each parallel circuit includes a switching element and LEDs in series, allowing for selective activation of circuits to achieve a wide range of light outputs using fewer LEDs, and incorporating LEDs with varying wavelengths to create a broad spectrum of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large number of LEDs are used to achieve varying light outputs and color temperatures, then the light output intensity and color variety are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LED circuit is divided into multiple parallel circuits, where each parallel circuit contains a specific combination of LEDs with different wavelengths. By segmenting the LED array into functional groups (parallel circuits) that can be independently controlled, the system achieves varying light outputs without requiring all LEDs to be present simultaneously, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of parallel circuits through switching elements that can be selectively activated based on desired light output. The controller dynamically adjusts which parallel circuits are active, enabling the system to adapt light output intensity and color temperature in real-time without physically changing the LED configuration, thereby reducing the total number of LEDs needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of LEDs are used to achieve varying color temperatures, then the color rendering quality is improved, but the physical space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED system is segmented into parallel circuits with different wavelength combinations, allowing color temperature variation through selective activation rather than requiring all LEDs to be physically present. This segmentation enables color temperature adjustment within a compact form factor by using temporal multiplexing of different LED groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller activates different parallel circuits in a periodic or sequential manner to achieve various color temperatures. By using time-division multiplexing where different LED groups are activated at different times within a duty cycle, the system achieves color temperature versatility without requiring all LEDs to occupy physical space simultaneously.
3Reliability
If conventional LED systems are used, then the basic lighting function is provided, but the spectrum completeness and Color Rendering Index are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Each parallel circuit is designed with specific local quality characteristics, containing LEDs of particular wavelengths (e.g., red, green, blue, amber) that contribute to specific portions of the spectrum. By assigning different spectral compositions to different parallel circuits, the system achieves comprehensive spectrum coverage and high CRI through localized spectral optimization rather than using a single heterogeneous LED array.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel circuit architecture provides multi-functionality where each circuit can serve multiple purposes: individual circuits provide specific wavelength contributions, combinations of circuits provide broader spectrum coverage, and the system as a whole achieves high CRI and complete spectrum. This universal design allows the same circuit structure to fulfill multiple spectral requirements without increasing overall complexity.
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 approach reduces the number of LEDs needed while enabling dynamic control of light spectrum and color temperature, achieving high CRI and efficient use of LEDs in various applications, including small spaces.
Implementation Method 1
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are increasingly being adopted as general illumination lighting sources
Implementation Method 2
Each generation of LEDs are providing improvements in energy efficiency and cost per lumen
Implementation Method 3
new phosphor coated LEDs on the marketplace that allow for wavelength shifting of various LEDs (ex. phosphor shifted Amber LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a lighting apparatus that includes a plurality of parallel circuits and a common circuit. The parallel circuits each comprise a switching transistor and a set of LEDs, the sets of LEDs having different characteristics such as different light output wavelengths. In operation, one of the parallel circuits is selected by activating the corresponding switching transistor, thus selecting the respective LEDs to be activated. The common circuit also comprises a set of LEDs, these LEDs being activated no matter which parallel circuit is selected. In various implementations, the lighting apparatus can generate a wide spectrum of light outputs by selectively activating the plurality of parallel circuits within time slots of a duty cycle. In some cases, balancing of loads across the parallel circuits is desired to maintain the appropriate current flowing through the LEDs.