LED String Light Three-Wire Circuit Reduces Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional string lights using surface-mount-device (SMD) LEDs face issues with voltage drop and non-uniform brightness due to thin copper wires, leading to weaker pull strength and limited flexibility, as well as uneven brightness across the string.
Innovation Solution
A string light design utilizing three copper wires with each lighting unit containing two SMD LEDs, where the first and second LEDs are connected in series, and the third wire connects their cathode and anode, maintaining operational current and reducing voltage drop, allowing for stronger pull and uniform brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thin copper wires (less than 0.4 mm gauge) are used to connect LEDs, then the string light can be more flexible and easier to handle, but significant voltage drop occurs causing non-uniform brightness across the string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the string light into multiple independent lighting units, each containing LEDs connected in parallel. Each lighting unit operates independently with its own current path, so voltage drop in one unit does not affect other units. This segmentation maintains brightness uniformity across the entire string while allowing the use of thinner, more flexible wires.
2Ease of operation
If thin copper wires are used for connecting LEDs, then the string light structure becomes more flexible, but the pull strength and mechanical durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the string light into multiple independent lighting units connected in parallel, the patent reduces the mechanical stress on individual wire connections. Each lighting unit can withstand pull forces independently, and the failure of one unit does not compromise the entire string. This allows the use of thinner, more flexible wires while maintaining overall structural durability.
3Device complexity
If a single parallel connection configuration is used, then the wiring is simpler, but the string light lacks flexibility for different applications and has limited adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the string light into multiple independent lighting units that can be connected in various configurations (series, parallel, or combinations). This modular approach maintains relatively simple wiring within each unit while providing great flexibility for different applications. Users can configure the lighting units to match different voltage requirements and application needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic configuration of lighting units to adapt to different applications. The modular design allows users to reconfigure the connections between lighting units based on voltage requirements, desired brightness levels, and application-specific needs, providing adaptability without significantly increasing wiring complexity.
4Length of stationary object
If many LEDs are deployed on thin copper wires, then the string light can cover longer distances, but voltage drop becomes significant causing LEDs at the two ends to have different brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long string light into multiple lighting units of manageable length, each containing a specific number of LEDs connected in parallel. This segmentation limits the voltage drop within each unit to acceptable levels. By configuring multiple units in series or parallel combinations, the patent achieves long overall string length while maintaining uniform brightness across all units, as each unit operates with adequate voltage.
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 solution enhances the string light's durability and flexibility by maintaining consistent brightness across the string and enabling operation with a range of voltage levels, from low to high voltage.
Implementation Method 1
each lighting unit contains at least two surface-mount-device (SMD) light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
The string light contains three copper wires and a number of lighting units and each lighting unit contains at least two surface-mount-device (SMD) light emitting diodes (LEDs). A first wire and a second wire are connected to a positive terminal and a negative terminal of a power source, respectively. Within each lighting unit, a first SMD LED has its anode connected to the first wire, a second SMD LED has its cathode connected to the second wire, and the first and second SMD LEDs have their cathode and anode connected to a third wire, respectively. The string light is capable of withstanding stronger pull by employing three wires. The parallel-connected lighting units and the series-connected SMD LEDs within each lighting unit significantly reduce the effect of voltage drop.