Selectable-Resistor LED Module for Multi-Level Brightness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard LED circuits are fixed with a target intensity, limiting versatility in lighting applications, as they cannot easily adjust light intensity without additional dimmer circuits.
Innovation Solution
A variable-intensity LED module is designed with a printed circuit board, multiple LED strings, and resistors of different resistances, allowing the connection of a negative voltage to either terminal to control light intensity, enabling adjustable light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard LED circuits are fixed with a target intensity, then the circuit design is simple, but the versatility in lighting applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The LED circuit is segmented into multiple parallel LED strings, each with its own current-limiting resistor. This segmentation allows independent control of different LED strings by connecting different terminals to the negative voltage input, providing versatility in lighting applications without requiring complex control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates selectable resistance values through multiple terminals (first terminal connected to first resistor, second terminal connected to second resistor with different resistance). By dynamically switching which terminal receives the negative voltage input, the light intensity can be adjusted between different levels, providing adaptability without complex dimmer circuits.
2Ease of operation
If LED intensity is varied by a dimmer circuit, then the light intensity control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex dimmer circuit, the invention segments the control function into multiple discrete resistance values implemented through parallel LED strings with different current-limiting resistors. This allows light intensity control by simply switching which terminal is connected to the negative voltage input, maintaining ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the resistance parameter of the circuit by providing multiple terminals connected to resistors with different resistance values. By selecting which terminal receives the negative voltage input, the effective resistance in the circuit changes, thereby controlling the light intensity without requiring a complex dimmer circuit.
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
The module provides flexible intensity control, allowing for varying light levels by selecting different resistor terminals, enhancing usability in larger systems and light fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
a first LED string, mounted to the board, having first and second ends, the first end being connected to a positive voltage terminal which is connectable to a positive voltage input of a direct current voltage source
Implementation Method 2
a first terminal, mounted to the board, connected to a first resistor which is connected to the second end of the first LED string; and, a second terminal, mounted to the board, connected to a second resistor which is connected to the second end of the first LED string. The first and second resistors have different resistances
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect, the subject invention provides a variable-intensity light emitting diode (LED) module which includes: a first LED string having first and second ends, the first end being connected to a positive voltage terminal which is connectable to a positive voltage input of a direct current voltage source; a first terminal connected to a first resistor which is connected to the second end of the first LED string; and, a second terminal connected to a second resistor which is connected to the second end of the first LED string. The first and second resistors have different resistances. A negative voltage input of the direct current voltage source is selectively connectable to one of the first and second terminals, whereby, the intensity of light generated by the first LED string is determined by which of the first and second terminals is connected to the negative voltage input.