LED Operating Unit Burn-In Phase for Lifespan Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
LEDs and OLEDs experience a significant drop in light intensity over their operational life, leading to inconsistent lighting and limited lifespan, necessitating a solution to maintain constant luminosity while allowing for active dimming functionality.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with control electronics that adapts the supply current to the LED's operating properties, limiting power in the initial phase to a predetermined level below the maximum permissible power, and gradually increasing it over time to maintain constant light intensity, while ignoring or scaling down external dimming commands during this phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the LED is operated at maximum power to provide sufficient light intensity, then the light output is adequate, but the life expectancy of the LED decreases due to accelerated aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a burn-in phase before normal operation. During this initial phase, the LED is operated at reduced power (below maximum permissible power) for a predetermined period. This preliminary low-power operation allows the LED to stabilize and establish a consistent light output characteristic before being subjected to maximum power operation, thereby extending overall life expectancy while maintaining adequate light output during the operational phase.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the maximum power of the LED is limited to extend lifespan, then the life expectancy increases, but the light intensity becomes insufficient for adequate illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a two-phase power operation strategy that dynamically adjusts LED power levels based on operational stage. In the first phase (burn-in period), power is limited to below maximum permissible levels to extend lifespan. In the second phase (normal operation), the LED operates at maximum permissible power to provide adequate illumination. The control device dynamically transitions between these phases based on elapsed time, thereby achieving both extended lifespan and sufficient light output at different operational stages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external dimming commands are fully implemented to allow active dimming functionality, then the dimming capability is maximized, but the LED power may drop below acceptable levels during the initial operating phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively counteracting the effect of external dimming commands during the burn-in phase. When dimming commands are received during this initial operating phase, the control device scales them down or ignores them to prevent the LED power from dropping below the predetermined level. This preliminary protective measure ensures that the LED maintains sufficient power during the critical burn-in period, preventing light intensity from falling below acceptable levels while still allowing dimming functionality to operate normally after the burn-in phase completes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating unit (1) for operating at least one LED (9). Said unit has an electronic control system (2) for adapting a supply current to the operating characteristics of the LED or LEDs and a control unit (3) for controlling the LED operation. The invention is characterised in that the operating unit limits the maximum output of the LED or LEDs in a first operating phase to a predetermined level and the operating unit converts an external dim command in an appropriate manner.