Optical Communication Between LED Module and Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing communication methods between LED modules and LED converters often lead to incorrect installation due to the reliance on electrically conductive connections, increasing the risk of errors.

Innovation Solution

The use of modulated optical signals for communication between LED modules and LED converters, allowing for unidirectional or bidirectional data transmission through a gaseous medium or optical conductors, reducing the need for wired connections and minimizing installation errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrically conductive connections are used for communication between LED module and LED converter, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but the risk of incorrect installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrically conductive connections (mechanical/electrical system) with optically conductive connections (optical system). The LED module transmits data optically to the LED converter, eliminating the need for precise electrical contact while maintaining reliable communication. This substitution reduces installation complexity and minimizes incorrect connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light signal) to transmit data between the LED module and LED converter. Instead of direct electrical contact, information is conveyed through optical signals that can be transmitted through various media, providing a buffer that reduces the impact of misalignment or incorrect installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If multiple wired connections are provided for communication, then data transmission capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the optical communication interface universal by using light signals that can carry multiple types of information (data, status, control signals) through a single channel. The optical receiver can distinguish different signal patterns to extract various information types, eliminating the need for separate wired connections for different communication purposes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from electrical domain to optical domain for communication. By using light frequency and modulation techniques, multiple data streams can be transmitted simultaneously through wavelength division multiplexing or time division multiplexing, effectively increasing communication capacity without adding physical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrically conductive connections are used, then power and data can be transmitted together, but the risk of installation errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower and data transmission integrationVSAvoidinstallation correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power transmission and data communication functions into separate channels. Power is transmitted through electrical conductors while data is transmitted through optical signals. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized independently and reduces the risk of installation errors affecting both functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical signals as an intermediary for data transmission, separating the data communication path from the power transmission path. This intermediary approach allows power and data to coexist without interfering with each other, reducing installation complexity and improving reliability.

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 approach reduces the risk of incorrect installation by enabling reliable communication without the need for physical connections, allowing for efficient control and regulation of LED modules based on transmitted information such as current, voltage, power, temperature, and aging data.

Implementation Method 1

A transmitter of the modulated optical signal can be provided on the LED module or the LED converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The modulated optical signal can be transmitted between the LED module and the LED converter through a gaseous propagation medium, such as air, or through an optical conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical signal transmission through gaseous medium: Light

Implementation Method 3

A receiver of the modulated optical signal may be provided at the other of the LED module or the LED converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical signal detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3238506B1Method and devices for communication between LED module and LED converter
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3238506B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3238506B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3238506B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A modulated optical signal is generated for communication between an LED module (20) and an LED converter (10). Said modulated optical signal is transmitted between the LED module (20) and the LED converter (10).