Tubular LED Pin Safety Circuit Using TRIAC Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular LED lighting solutions lack effective and cost-efficient pin safety mechanisms for safe insertion into luminaire fixtures, particularly with rapid start electromagnetic and electronic ballasts, leading to potential electrical hazards and compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pin safety circuits using TRIAC switches, which form a closed switch in response to a voltage between the connecting pins, providing a low-cost and compact solution suitable for various ballast types, including rapid start electromagnetic and electronic ballasts with filament heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluorescent light tubes are used, then electrical insulation between connection pins is maintained through glass tube and gas, but TLED lamps lack this insulation and create conductive paths between ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (insulating material) filling the interior space of the tubular housing to provide electrical insulation between connection pins, replicating the insulation function that naturally existed in fluorescent tubes through glass and gas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, cost-effective insulating material that can be easily disposed of or replaced, rather than complex mechanical switching mechanisms, to solve the insulation problem
2Reliability
If pin safety mechanisms are added to TLED lamps, then electrical safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pin safety function from complex mechanical or electronic switching mechanisms and implements it through a simple insulating material filling the tube interior, eliminating the need for additional switches or complex control circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive insulating material instead of costly mechanical relays or electronic switching circuits, achieving pin safety through a simple, low-cost solution
3Productivity
If TLED lamps are inserted into live mains fixtures, then immediate operation is achieved, but electrical contact between ends creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-filling the tubular housing with insulating material before insertion, so that electrical insulation is already in place when the lamp is inserted into the fixture, eliminating the need for post-insertion safety mechanisms
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 ensures safe and reliable operation by controlling the electrical connection between the ends of the tubular LED lamp, reducing the need for expensive relays and complex circuitry, while maintaining compatibility with different ballast configurations and reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
Implementation Method 1
the pin safety circuits each comprise a TRIAC switch having an input terminal, an output terminal and a gate terminal, wherein the input terminal is connected to one of the connection pins, the gate terminal is connected to the other of the connection pins and the output terminal is connected to the respective power supply output terminal, wherein the TRIAC is adapted to form a closed switch in response to a voltage between the input terminal and the gate terminal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a solid state (e.g. LED) tubular lighting device having pin safety circuits connected to connecting pins at each end. A driver circuit is connected to the outputs of the pin safety circuits. The pin safety circuits each comprise a TRIAC switch which is adapted to form a closed switch in response to a voltage between the connecting pins. This provides a pin safety solution suitable at least for rapid start EM ballasts.