LED Module with Integrated Switching for Ghost Light Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED modules face challenges in reliably preventing LED destruction and suppressing ghost light without increasing the complexity of the operating device, which can lead to increased installation space and production costs.

Innovation Solution

An LED module with a controllable switching means integrated into the module, controlled by a control circuit to manage current and voltage, allowing for effective overcurrent limitation, ghost light suppression, and data transmission via the supply line, tailored to specific LED modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional functions are integrated into the control gear to improve LED module functionality, then the function is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into two parts: the LED module remains simple while the control gear handles additional functions. The LED module includes basic components (LEDs, current-limiting resistor, switching element) and can be configured for different applications without increasing its own complexity. The control gear integrates functions like current limitation, dimming control, and ghost light suppression, separating complexity from the LED module itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control gear is designed to perform multiple functions: current limitation to protect LEDs, dimming control through PWM or analog methods, and ghost light suppression by controlling the switching element. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity in a single component rather than adding separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a device separate from the control gear and LED module is provided to suppress smoldering, then the glowing is suppressed, but the installation space requirements and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveghost lightVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the ghost light suppression function directly into the LED module structure by including a switching element (such as a MOSFET or transistor) that can be controlled to completely turn off current flow to the LEDs. This switching element is combined with the current-limiting resistor and LEDs in a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate suppression devices and reducing installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED module is designed to suppress its own ghost light through the integrated switching element, which can be controlled by the control gear to ensure complete current interruption. The module self-manages the suppression of residual glow without requiring external separate devices, reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the operating device is configured for different LED modules with automatic recognition, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconfigurabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the LED module to present its specific characteristics (such as forward voltage, current requirements) through its internal circuit configuration, particularly through the current-limiting resistor and switching element arrangement. The control gear can detect these local characteristics of the connected LED module and automatically adjust its operation accordingly, providing adaptability without requiring complex pre-programming or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2949185B1LED module, lamp and method for operating a LED module
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2949185B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2949185B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2949185B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a LED module which comprises at least one light-emitting diode (25, 26), an input terminal (21) for coupling the LED module (20) to an operating device (10) and a controllable switching means (31) which is coupled to the input terminal (21) and the at least one light-emitting diode (25, 26). An overcurrent limitation can be realized and/or a glow of the at least one light-emitting diode (25, 26) can be suppressed by controlling the controllable switching means (31).