LED Module with Single-Channel Ballast for Color Mixing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED lamps require multiple electronic ballasts to mix different colors, increasing complexity and maintenance, while existing solutions necessitate separate ballasts for each color source, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

An LED lamp with multiple strands of LEDs emitting different colors, where current distribution and regulation are managed within the LED module using a single-channel electronic ballast, allowing for variable color selection by adjusting current ratios through individual current controllers, eliminating the need for multi-channel ballasts and enabling easy replacement of defective components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electronic ballasts are used to mix different colors, then color variability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor variabilityVSAvoidelectronic ballast complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LED lighting system is divided into multiple independent LED strands (first strand, second strand, third strand) with different color temperatures, each controlled by its own current regulator. This segmentation allows color mixing without requiring multiple electronic ballasts, as each strand can be independently controlled to achieve desired color combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Current regulators are introduced as intermediary components between the single electronic ballast and the LED strands. These current regulators distribute the current from the single ballast to multiple LED strands with different color temperatures, enabling color mixing functionality while maintaining a simple single-ballast architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If separate electronic ballasts are provided for each light source, then color control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor control precisionVSAvoidballast quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments color control into individual LED strand level, where each strand has its own current regulator. This allows precise control of each color temperature component independently while using a single electronic ballast, eliminating the need for separate ballasts for each light source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Color control precision is achieved by dynamically adjusting the current parameters (current ratios) flowing through different LED strands rather than using separate ballasts. The control unit modifies current distribution parameters to achieve various color temperatures and mixtures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-channel electronic ballasts are used, then color mixing capability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor mixing capabilityVSAvoidcomponent replacement simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into modular LED strands that can be independently controlled. Each strand with its current regulator forms an independent controllable unit, allowing the system to maintain color mixing capability while enabling easier repair and replacement of individual strands without affecting the entire system or requiring replacement of complex multi-channel ballasts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If a single-channel electronic ballast is used, then device complexity is reduced, but current distribution control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveballast channel quantityVSAvoidcurrent distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Current regulators serve as intermediary devices between the single-channel electronic ballast and the LED strands. These regulators simplify the current distribution control by receiving current from the single ballast and automatically distributing it to multiple LED strands with different color temperatures according to the desired color mixture, making the control process easier despite using only one ballast channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies color adjustment and maintenance by using a single-channel electronic ballast, reduces complexity and costs, and allows for continuous color control and compensation for LED aging, maintaining high efficiency and flexibility in lighting configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The LED module (4) includes at least three strands (R, G, B) of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) connected in series, the strands emitting light in different colors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) connected in series, the strands emitting light in different colors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3905853A1LED light with continuously adjustable light color
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 SITECO GMBH
  • EP3905853A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3905853A1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3905853A1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a luminaire with a single-channel electronic ballast (ECG) and an LED module, wherein the LED module comprises at least three parallel strings, each consisting of at least one LED, and a current regulator is provided in each string for controlling the current through the respective string, wherein the LEDs are arranged in different strings to emit light in different colors, and the LED module has a control device connected to the current regulators to adjust the current flow through the strings in different ratios.