Linear LED Lamp with Pulse Train Self-Diagnostic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lamp solutions, such as ballast-compatible and AC mains-operable LED lamps, face challenges in cost-effectiveness, maintenance complexity, and compliance with emergency lighting regulations, particularly in ensuring reliable operation and testing of emergency battery backup systems.
Innovation Solution
A linear LED lamp design incorporating an emergency-operated portion with a rechargeable battery and a self-diagnostic mechanism that uses a pulse train to auto-test charging and discharging currents, ensuring reliable operation and compliance with regulatory requirements, while also being compatible with AC mains and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a ballast-compatible LED lamp is used to replace a fluorescent lamp, then the initial replacement cost is low and installation is straightforward, but the total cost of ownership increases due to ballast power consumption, compatibility issues requiring additional ballast replacements, and complex maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ballast component entirely from the lighting system, creating a self-sustaining LED lamp that operates directly from AC mains power. This extraction eliminates the ballast's power consumption, compatibility issues, and maintenance requirements, resolving the contradiction by sacrificing initial installation simplicity for long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The LED lamp is designed to perform multiple functions: normal lighting operation from AC mains power and emergency lighting operation from an integrated rechargeable battery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate emergency lighting systems and ballasts, reducing total system complexity and maintenance while providing both normal and emergency illumination capabilities
2Loss of energy
If an AC mains-operable LED lamp is used without a ballast, then energy efficiency is improved and maintenance is reduced, but installation complexity increases and emergency lighting compliance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the normal lighting function and emergency lighting function into a single integrated LED lamp unit. The AC mains-operable LED array and the battery-powered emergency LED array are merged into one device, eliminating the need for separate emergency lighting systems and reducing overall installation complexity despite the improved energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The LED lamp incorporates an automatic self-testing mechanism that periodically tests the battery charge level and LED array functionality without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability simplifies installation and maintenance by automatically ensuring emergency lighting compliance, offsetting the increased device complexity with reduced operational burden
3Reliability
If a self-diagnostic mechanism is added to test battery charging and discharging currents, then reliability of emergency lighting is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-diagnostic mechanism that provides feedback on battery charge level and LED array functionality by periodically testing charging and discharging currents. This feedback system automatically monitors system health and alerts users to potential issues, improving emergency lighting reliability while managing device complexity through automated monitoring rather than manual testing procedures
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 linear LED lamp provides a cost-effective, self-sustaining solution that meets emergency lighting standards by ensuring reliable operation and easy maintenance, reducing the need for frequent replacements and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit a first color light in response to a first current and a second set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit a second color light in response to a second current
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp comprising a normally-operated portion and an emergency-operated portion is used to replace a luminaire operated only in a normal mode with alternate-current (AC) mains. The normally-operated portion comprises a second driving circuit whereas the emergency-operated portion comprises a rechargeable battery, a first driving circuit, a self-diagnostic circuit, and a control circuit. The LED lamp can auto-switch between the normal mode and an emergency mode according to availability of the AC mains and whether a rechargeable battery test is initiated. The control circuit is configured to produce a pulse train with a predetermined duty cycle to operate the first driving circuit while disabling the second driving circuit to eliminate operational ambiguity during the rechargeable battery test. The self-diagnostic circuit is configured to provide multiple sequences and to auto-evaluate battery performance by sending the pulse train to operate the first driving circuit according to the multiple sequences.