LED Strip with Constant Current Regulators for Extended Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED strips face limitations in length due to voltage lag, resulting in noticeable dimming of LEDs along the strip, with commercially available strips only able to operate continuously up to about ten meters without additional power connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a repeating pattern of LED circuits with constant current regulators that modulate current to maintain a constant level, overcoming voltage variations and extending the operational length of LED strips to at least 20 meters by adjusting voltage and using feedback systems to maintain consistent brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If LED strips are extended beyond ten meters, then the operational length is improved, but voltage lag causes noticeable dimming and brightness degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The LED strip is divided into multiple independent LED circuits, each with its own constant current regulator. This segmentation allows each circuit to independently regulate its current, preventing voltage lag from affecting the entire strip and enabling extended lengths while maintaining consistent brightness across all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by implementing constant current regulation in each LED circuit. By measuring and adjusting current in each circuit while allowing voltage to vary, the system overcomes voltage lag effects and maintains consistent LED brightness over extended strip lengths beyond the traditional ten-meter limitation.
2Illumination intensity
If additional power connections are added to overcome voltage lag, then brightness consistency is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding intermediate power connections, the strip is segmented into multiple independent LED circuits with individual constant current regulators. This approach achieves brightness consistency through circuit-level regulation rather than through multiple power injection points, simplifying installation and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each LED circuit performs self-regulation through its own constant current regulator, measuring and adjusting its current independently. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external intervention or additional power connections to maintain brightness consistency, allowing the entire extended strip to function with a single power connection.
3Illumination intensity
If constant current regulators are implemented in each LED circuit, then brightness consistency over extended length is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The constant current regulator circuit is designed as a universal, repeatable module that can be manufactured using standard PCB fabrication processes. Each regulator performs multiple functions (current measurement, voltage adjustment, brightness maintenance) within a single integrated circuit, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the increased functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements constant current regulation through programmable controllers that can be manufactured using standard electronics fabrication. By changing from simple resistive current limiting to active constant current regulation, the system achieves superior brightness consistency while maintaining compatibility with modern PCB manufacturing capabilities.
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 continuous illumination with minimal brightness degradation along the strip, achieving consistent LED brightness over extended lengths without the need for intermediate power connections, ensuring a functional LED strip length of up to 20 meters with less than 10% brightness loss.
Implementation Method 1
each of the constant current regulators being operationally configured to modulate current of its corresponding LED circuit to overcome variations in voltage by measuring the current in the LED circuit and adjusting its own corresponding voltage to maintain a constant current in its LED circuit
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of LEDs in serial configuration with the constant current regulator
Data Source
AI summary
An LED strip operable with a single input source of current providing for an extended length LED strip of continuous illumination. The LED strip includes a repeating pattern of LED circuits along a printed circuit board; each LED circuit having a constant current regulator and a plurality of LEDs in serial configuration with the constant current regulator.