LED Socket Biased DPDT Switch Prevents Outrush Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting fixtures face issues with outrush current when replacing modules while the driver is powered, leading to potential damage due to excessive current supply when fewer modules are connected, and existing solutions increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a biased Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch in the socket that toggles between short circuit and connected positions based on the presence of LED modules, ensuring the LED driver only supplies current when all modules are inserted, and using a dummy element to emulate an LED module when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic current circuit is placed on each LED module to reduce outrush current, then the outrush current is reduced, but the cost increases and additional PCB space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the outrush current protection function from the LED module itself and relocates it to the socket. The socket contains a circuit that detects when an LED module is properly inserted and only then enables current flow to the LED string, preventing outrush current from damaging the LEDs during hot-plugging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary circuit in the socket that acts as a mediator between the power supply and the LED module. This intermediary circuit includes detection circuitry that monitors the presence and proper connection of the LED module, and only permits current flow when conditions are safe, thereby protecting against outrush current without requiring changes to the LED module itself.
2Ease of operation
If the driver is left powered during module replacement, then hot-plugging is enabled, but outrush current damages the LED modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the socket circuit detect and verify proper LED module insertion before enabling current flow. The detection circuit checks for correct electrical connection and only then activates the power path, ensuring that hot-plugging can occur safely without causing outrush current damage to the LEDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the socket circuit continuously monitors the electrical state of the inserted LED module. The circuit detects whether the module is properly connected and only permits current flow when the feedback indicates safe conditions, thereby enabling hot-plugging while protecting against outrush current through real-time monitoring and control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED modules are connected but the driver does not detect the correct number, then excessive current is supplied causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the socket detection circuitry to inform the driver about the actual number and status of connected LED modules. The detection circuit monitors electrical parameters to determine proper module insertion, and this feedback allows the driver to adjust its current output accordingly, preventing overcurrent conditions while maintaining flexible configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical counting or physical detection methods with electrical detection circuits that monitor current paths and voltage levels to determine module presence and status. This electrical detection system provides more accurate and reliable information to the driver for proper current control, substituting mechanical approaches with electronic sensing and control.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture for a Light Emitting Diode, LED, lighting device, said fixture comprising an LED driver arranged to receive an Alternating Current, AC, mains voltage as input and provide an LED current to drive said LED lighting device; at least one socket comprising receiving means, arranged to receive and hold an LED lamp arranged to emit light, said socket further comprising a biased Double Pole Double Throw, DPDT, switch, comprising one set of input terminals and two sets of output terminals, wherein the output of said LED driver is connected to said input terminals of said biased DPDT switch, wherein a first of said two output terminals of said biased DPDT switch are short circuited, and wherein said biased DPDT switch is arranged to toggle between a short circuit position wherein said input terminals of said biased DPDT switch are connected to said first set of output terminals, and a connected position wherein said input terminals of said biased DPDT switch are connected to a second of said two output terminals, thereby connecting said LED driver to said LED lighting device; wherein said biased DPDT switch is further arranged to toggle from said short circuit position to said connected position upon insertion of said LED lighting device into said receiving means of said socket. A corresponding method of toggling a switch is also presented herein.