LED Matrix Headlight with Segmented Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting units with inorganic LED matrices in motor vehicle headlights require a large number of switches and controlled sources due to the numerous LEDs, making individual control inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A lighting unit with a matrix arrangement of inorganic LEDs, utilizing a reduced number of switches and a controllable power source, where each LED can be individually switched on and off by sequential operation within periods, allowing for adjustable brightness through varying current supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large number of inorganic LEDs are arranged in a matrix for future headlights, then the lighting coverage and brightness are improved, but the number of switches and controlled sources required increases proportionally, making the system complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The LED matrix is segmented into rows and columns, with each LED addressable by the intersection of its row and column. This segmentation allows the system to control hundreds of LEDs using only a small number of switches (one per row and one per column) rather than requiring a separate switch for each LED, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining full individual control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sequential scanning where rows and columns are activated in periodic time slots. During each period, specific row and column switches are closed to illuminate particular LEDs. This periodic action allows the system to control all LEDs in the matrix using time-multiplexed switching, dramatically reducing the number of simultaneous switches needed compared to a static control approach
2Ease of operation
If each LED is controlled individually with separate switches and controlled sources, then precise individual control is achieved, but the power consumption and system cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions by using a single controlled power source that supplies current through combinations of row and column switches rather than requiring separate controlled sources for each LED. The controlled source adjusts the current magnitude based on the specific LED being addressed, achieving individual control with shared power delivery infrastructure, thus reducing overall power consumption and system cost
Solution Approach 2:
By activating LEDs sequentially in periodic time slots rather than simultaneously, the system reduces the instantaneous power demand. The controlled power source only needs to supply current to one or a few LEDs at a time during each scanning period, significantly reducing the total power consumption compared to a system that would require all LEDs to be independently powered simultaneously
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 efficient individual control of LEDs without the need for an equally large number of switches and controlled sources, allowing for adjustable brightness and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
circuits made of inorganic light-emitting diodes are known, which are used in motor vehicle headlights
Implementation Method 2
The light-emitting diodes which are connected to the second connection of the same first switch via the respective first connection of said light-emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting unit having a light-emitting diode matrix and a controllable power source, in particular for a headlight. The light-emitting diode matrix is equipped with at least one first supply connection, a number m of first switches which have a first connection that is connected to the first supply connection, at least one second supply connection, a number n of second switches which have a second connection that is connected to the second supply connection, a number of m*n inorganic light-emitting diodes, a first connection of which is connected to a second connection of one of the first switches and a second connection of which is connected to a first connection of one of the second switches.