LED String Segmentation for Spatial Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED lighting technologies lack the ability to provide spatially distributed lighting effectively and efficiently, particularly in enhancing lighting functionality while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing an LED string with multiple segments connected in series, powered by rectified AC voltage, where each segment is activated at different voltage levels to radiate light to specific volumes with varying light properties, and a dimming system adjusts the light intensity and color distribution based on voltage levels and phase-cutting angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED segments are connected in series with different voltage thresholds to enable spatially distributed lighting, then lighting functionality and spatial distribution are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED string is divided into multiple LED segments connected in series, where each segment has a different forward voltage threshold. This segmentation allows each segment to be independently controlled by the AC voltage waveform, enabling spatially distributed lighting where different segments illuminate different areas at different times during the AC cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in the voltage parameter of the AC power supply to control which LED segments are activated. By designing LED segments with different forward voltage thresholds, the system automatically distributes light spatially based on the instantaneous voltage level, without requiring additional control circuitry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LED segments are activated at different voltage levels during AC cycle to create spatial distribution, then lighting flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED segments self-regulate their activation based on their inherent forward voltage characteristics and the instantaneous AC voltage level. No external control system is needed to determine which segments should be active; the voltage-threshold mechanism automatically creates the desired spatial distribution and lighting scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the periodic nature of the AC voltage waveform to create dynamic lighting scenarios. During each half-cycle, different segments are activated at different voltage thresholds, creating a time-based spatial distribution that can be customized by adjusting the AC voltage amplitude or using dimming controls.
3Illumination intensity
If LED segments radiate light to different volumes with varying light properties, then spatial lighting quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different LED segments are designed with different forward voltage thresholds and can emit different light properties (color temperature, intensity) to suit the specific lighting requirements of different spatial zones. This allows each segment to be optimized for its local illumination function while maintaining compatibility within the series-connected string.
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 approach enables flexible and efficient spatial light distribution, allowing for customizable lighting scenarios by adjusting light intensity and color temperature, mimicking the behavior of incandescent lamps while reducing power consumption and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode (LED) string comprising a first LED segment and at least one further LED segment, which are connected in series, each LED segment comprising at least one LED
Implementation Method 2
The first LED segment is arranged to radiate light to a first volume of the space, and the further LED segment is arranged to radiate light to a second volume of the space
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
In a method of lighting at least part of a space, a light emitting diode (LED) string is used. The LED string comprises a first LED segment and at least one further LED segment, which are connected in series, each LED segment comprising at least one LED. The LED string is powered by a rectified AC voltage. The first LED segment is powered when the rectified AC voltage is above a first voltage level, and the first LED segment and the further LED segment are powered when the rectified AC voltage is above a second voltage level higher than the first voltage level. The first LED segment is arranged to radiate light to a first volume of the space, and the further LED segment is arranged to radiate light to a second volume of the space, the first volume being at least partly different from the second volume. The first volume may at least partly overlap the second volume.