LED Light Controller Using Triac Circuit and Microcontroller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for selecting color shows in LED landscape, pool, and spa lights are tedious, requiring users to toggle AC power on and off, which is inefficient for selecting from multiple fixed colors and shows.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a faceplate with a rotary switch for selecting color shows, a microcontroller, and a triac circuit that communicates with the AC source to provide voltage pulses to the LEDs, allowing for easier selection and control of color outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If AC power is toggled on and off to select color shows, then the system can control LED color output, but the user operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical AC switch toggling with an electronic control system comprising a microcontroller and triac circuit. The microcontroller generates control signals that trigger the triac to switch AC power to the LEDs, eliminating the need for manual AC power toggling and enabling programmable color show selection through a user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a triac circuit as an intermediary device between the AC power source and the LEDs. The triac acts as a controlled switch that can be activated by low-power control signals from the microcontroller, allowing efficient AC power switching without requiring direct user interaction with high-voltage circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed colors and color shows are provided, then the LED system offers more functionality, but the selection process becomes more complex and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the microcontroller can programmatically switch between multiple pre-programmed color shows. The system dynamically adjusts LED output based on selected shows, allowing seamless transitions between different color sequences and patterns without requiring physical reconfiguration or complex manual switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control system that can execute multiple different color shows through a single microcontroller unit. The microcontroller stores and executes various color show programs, allowing one device to perform multiple functions (different color sequences, patterns, and effects) without requiring separate control mechanisms for each show.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a microcontroller circuit with PWM signals is used to control LED intensity, then various colors and effects can be produced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with electronic PWM control. The microcontroller generates pulse-width modulated signals that control LED intensity by varying the duty cycle of power delivery, enabling precise color mixing and effect generation through software control rather than physical switching networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the PWM signals (duty cycle, frequency) to control LED output characteristics. By varying the PWM duty cycle, the system can smoothly adjust LED intensity and mix colors by controlling the relative brightness of different LED elements, achieving diverse effects through parameter modulation rather than physical reconfiguration.
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 system simplifies the selection process by allowing users to choose from various color shows through a user-friendly interface, enabling efficient control of LED lights with reduced user effort and improved functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The triac clips the voltage from the AC source to the LED sources in order to provide one or more voltage pulses to the LED sources based on the signals received from the microcontroller
Implementation Method 2
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used in various types of landscape, pool, and spa lights
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a system for selecting a color show generated by LED landscape, pool, and/or spa lights. The system can include a faceplate indicating the color shows available to select from. The faceplate includes a selector positioned to select one of the color shows. The system includes a microcontroller in communication with the selector and a triac circuit in communication with the microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the LED landscape, pool, and/or spa lights using the triac circuit in response to the position of the selector.