LED String Voltage Droop via Segmented Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Series-connected LED light strings experience voltage droop and dimming issues due to high current levels when powered with low-voltage DC, affecting the illumination of the last light string in the chain.
Innovation Solution
A decorative light string design featuring high-voltage power input with a power converter that converts high-voltage power to low-voltage DC for parallel wiring of lighting elements, along with daisy-chain data communication for independent control, minimizing voltage drop and maintaining consistent illumination across the chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low-voltage DC power is used to power series-connected LED light strings, then power consumption is reduced and LED efficiency is improved, but voltage droop occurs along the chain causing the last light string to be noticeably dimmer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light string chain into segments, each with its own local power conversion capability. Instead of having a single centralized power source at the beginning of the chain, each light string or group of light strings has its own power converter that independently converts high-voltage power to low-voltage DC, eliminating the cumulative voltage droop effect that occurs in traditional series-connected low-voltage systems.
2Illumination intensity
If high-voltage power is used to power series-connected LED light strings, then voltage droop is minimized and illumination consistency is improved, but power consumption increases and LED efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing power conversion capability at each segment of the light string chain rather than using a uniform high-voltage distribution system. Each local segment converts power independently based on its specific needs, allowing the system to maintain high voltage for transmission while converting to appropriate low voltage locally at each light string, thus achieving both illumination consistency and energy efficiency.
3Device complexity
If traditional series-connected light strings are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the last light string in the chain becomes noticeably dimmer due to voltage droop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by equipping each light string segment with its own power conversion capability. Each segment independently converts high-voltage power to low-voltage DC for its own LEDs, making the system self-sufficient at each node rather than relying on power delivered from the beginning of the chain. This eliminates voltage droop accumulation while maintaining relatively simple overall system architecture.
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 allows for the use of long chains of series-connected LED light strings with consistent illumination, as high-voltage power is efficiently converted to low-voltage DC, reducing voltage droop and maintaining brightness across all elements.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter configured to convert the high-voltage operating power received by the first and second contacts of the first electrical connector and supplied to the first and second conductors to a low-voltage DC operating power supplied to first and second low-voltage power conductors
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a series-connectable decorative light string. High-voltage power is received via a first electrical connector at a first end of the decorative light string and is conducted to a complementary second electrical connector at a second end of the decorative light string. The decorative light string has a power converter that converts the received high-voltage power to low-voltage DC power for consumption by a plurality of lighting elements distributed along the decorative light string. Each of the plurality of lighting elements has an illumination controller. The plurality of lighting elements is wired in daisy chain fashion from the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector via data-in and data-out ports of each lighting element. The wire high-voltage power received by the first electrical connector can provide power to additional decorative light strings connected via the second electrical connector without resulting in degraded illumination.