LED Shunt Regulator for Low-Voltage Circuit Powering

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED fixture circuits face challenges in providing compatible operating voltages for low-power electronic devices due to incompatibility between the lower operating voltage of these devices and the existing output voltage of power supply units, leading to inefficiencies with conventional voltage regulator circuits.

Innovation Solution

The use of LEDs as shunt voltage regulators to power low-voltage circuits, where a DC input voltage is regulated using a shunt LED to provide a lower regulated voltage while generating light that contributes to the overall luminescence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional voltage regulator circuits are used to provide operational voltage to low-voltage electronic devices, then voltage compatibility is achieved, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the voltage regulation function with the lighting function by using LEDs as shunt regulators. The same LED components that provide illumination also regulate voltage by maintaining a constant forward voltage drop, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulator circuits and reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lighting output and acts as a shunt voltage regulator for low-voltage electronic devices. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to address both illumination needs and voltage compatibility requirements without the power loss associated with conventional dedicated voltage regulators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional voltage regulator circuits are used to provide operational voltage to low-voltage electronic devices, then voltage compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the voltage regulation function with the lighting function by using LEDs as shunt regulators. The same LED components that provide illumination also regulate voltage by maintaining a constant forward voltage drop, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulator circuits and reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lighting output and acts as a shunt voltage regulator for low-voltage electronic devices. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to address both illumination needs and voltage compatibility requirements without the power loss associated with conventional dedicated voltage regulators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces power consumption and enhances efficiency by providing a regulated voltage that meets the requirements of low-voltage electronic devices, while also contributing to the overall lighting output.

Implementation Method 1

a first shunt LED comprising one or more LEDs connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof between a second input node and a second output node... the first DC regulated voltage equals a forward voltage drop across the first shunt LED

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForward voltage drop:

Implementation Method 2

The shunt LED is configured to provide a regulated voltage lower than the DC input voltage while generating a light that contributes to the overall luminescence of a given circuit or device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS12324068B2Light-emitting diodes as shunt regulator to power low-voltage circuits

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 CREELED INC

AI summary

Light-emitting diode (LED) fixture circuits and devices with LEDs as shunt voltage regulators to power low-voltage circuits are disclosed. LED fixture circuits and devices are disclosed where a direct current (DC) input voltage supplied to an LED array of a plurality of LEDs is regulated using a shunt LED comprising one or more LEDs. The shunt LED is configured to provide a regulated voltage lower than the DC input voltage while generating a light that contributes to the overall luminescence of a given circuit or device.