LED Tree Lighting Power Distribution via Segmented Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decorative LED light strings connected in series experience voltage droop, causing the last string to be dimmer than the first due to high current levels, which is undesirable in long chains of series-connected LED light strings.
Innovation Solution
A power converter system that converts high-voltage power to low-voltage DC power for LED light strings, allowing for efficient power distribution along the chain without significant voltage drops, and a data/power control system for translating between different lighting protocols to maintain 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 LED light strings in a series-connected chain, then power efficiency is improved, but voltage droop occurs causing the last light string to be dimmer than the first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the series-connected chain into multiple parallel segments, each receiving power independently through separate conductors. This segmentation allows each light string to operate at optimal voltage without cumulative voltage droop, maintaining consistent illumination across all segments while preserving LED power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional series connection to a multi-dimensional power distribution system using multiple conductors (hot, neutral, data). This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous power delivery to all light strings without sequential voltage loss, resolving the contradiction between efficient power use and illumination consistency.
2Power
If high current levels are used to power long chains of LED light strings, then power delivery capability is improved, but voltage droop increases causing dimming at the end of the chain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery system into multiple parallel current paths using separate hot and neutral conductors for each light string. This segmentation distributes the total current load across multiple paths, reducing current density and minimizing voltage droop while maintaining adequate power delivery to all segments of the chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional conductors as intermediaries to facilitate power delivery. These extra wires act as mediators that carry current directly to each light string without passing through intermediate lights, thereby eliminating cumulative voltage drops while maintaining high power delivery capability.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple conductors are used to provide power and control signals to each light string, then illumination consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each conductor serve multiple functions: the hot conductor carries both power and data signals, while the neutral conductor provides both power return and data communication paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated wires for each purpose, mitigating the increase in device complexity while maintaining illumination consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges power delivery and data communication functions into the same conductor pairs. By combining these functions, the system reduces the total number of separate conductors needed compared to having completely separate wiring for power and control, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables the use of long chains of series-connected LED light strings with consistent illumination, reducing dimming issues and allowing for flexible control of lighting elements.
Implementation Method 1
A power converter system that converts high-voltage power to low-voltage DC power for LED light strings
Implementation Method 2
The trunk electrical distribution network is configured to conductively provide thereon both the operating power received by the electrical connector and a plurality of lighting control signals
Implementation Method 3
Each of the one or more branch electrical distribution networks is further configured to superimpose thereon both the received operating power and the received at least a subset of the plurality of the lighting control signals
Implementation Method 4
Each of the plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements has a local controller configured to control illumination by providing, in response to a corresponding one of the plurality of lighting control signals provided thereto, controlled illumination of the independently controllable lighting element
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to apparatus and methods for distributing a plurality of lighting control signals to a plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements coupled to an artificial tree. A subset of the plurality of lighting control signals are transmitted to each of the plurality of branch segments. Both operating power and these subsets of lighting control signals are transmitted to the independently-controllable lighting elements via two-conductor wires that engage each of the branch segments.