LED Module with Integrated Smoothing Capacitor for Flicker Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED light fixtures experience undesirable flickering due to current fluctuations, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed, leading to a need for a compact and cost-effective solution to suppress or reduce this issue.
Innovation Solution
An LED module with an elongated flat support, electrically conductive regions, and an electronic driver that includes contact points for connecting a smoothing capacitor to stabilize current fluctuations, allowing for series connection of LEDs and adaptation of operating voltage, along with a compact and cost-effective design using bare chip components and light-scattering encapsulation for uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smoothing capacitor is added to suppress current fluctuations, then flickering is reduced, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the smoothing capacitor integration into the LED module itself, merging the capacitor's function with the module's existing structure. This allows flicker suppression without requiring separate external capacitor assemblies, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for LEDs, establishes electrical connections through conductive regions, and integrates the smoothing capacitor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall device architecture while achieving flicker suppression
2Volume of moving object
If bare chip components are used, then the construction becomes more compact and cost-effective, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bare chip components (LEDs, driver components, capacitor) are integrated onto a single support structure, consolidating what would otherwise be separate discrete components. This merging achieves compact volume reduction while the unified support structure provides standardized mounting features that facilitate precise positioning and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and form of components from housed/packages to bare chips, fundamentally altering their dimensional parameters and mounting requirements. This parameter change enables compact integration while the conductive regions and contact points are designed with specific geometries that guide precise placement during manufacturing
3Reliability
If contact points are arranged for capacitor connection, then flicker suppression is enabled, but the shape factor and usability are hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The contact points for capacitor connection are integrated into the same support structure that holds the LEDs and driver components. This merging of connection functions into the existing module architecture eliminates the need for separate capacitor mounting structures, maintaining ease of installation while enabling current smoothing
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as both the mechanical platform for components and the electrical connection interface. The conductive regions and contact points are designed to handle multiple functions: electrical connection, mechanical support, and capacitor integration, thereby simplifying installation procedures while achieving reliable current smoothing
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 solution effectively reduces flickering in LED light fixtures by stabilizing current fluctuations and providing uniform illumination, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective construction, suitable for use in various light fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
a smoothing capacitor, in particular for smoothing of fluctuations of the current flowing through the at least one LED
Implementation Method 2
The at least one LED can be provided with an encapsulation, in particular with a light-scattering encapsulation. Due to the light scattering in the encapsulation the emission characteristic of the LED module can be homogenised.
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode (LED) module is disclosed having an elongated flat support with a first long end, a second long end opposite the first long end, and electrically conductive regions. The disclosed LED module includes at least one LED mounted on the flat support as well as an electronic driver with at least one electronic driver component mounted on the flat support for driving the at least one LED. The electrically conductive regions have a first pair of contact points on one of the two long ends for connection of the LED module to a current source and a second pair of contact points on one of the two long ends for connection of a smoothing capacitor on the LED module.