LED Lighting Arrangement with Voltage Boost Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting solutions are complex and costly, making it difficult to provide an efficient dimming function for LED retrofit lamps that are compatible with existing lighting fixtures without causing thermal damage or electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
An LED lighting arrangement that includes a voltage boost module to increase the primary input voltage above the nominal operating voltage based on a dim level input signal, and a dimming module that decreases the current through the LEDs when the boosted voltage exceeds the primary input voltage level, allowing for reverse-voltage dimming without undesirable electromagnetic interference or audible humming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a phase-cut dimmer is used to dim LED retrofit lamps, then compatibility with existing lighting fixtures is improved, but thermal damage to LEDs and electromagnetic interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a driver circuit as an intermediary device between the phase-cut dimmer and the LED load. This driver circuit receives the phase-cut dimming signal and processes it through a bridge rectifier and smoothing capacitor to generate a clean DC control signal, thereby isolating the LED load from the harmful thermal and electromagnetic effects of direct phase-cut dimming while maintaining compatibility with existing lighting fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct electrical connection and phase-cut dimming method with an electronic control system that uses a driver circuit to convert the phase-cut signal into appropriate DC control signals for LED dimming. This substitution eliminates the harmful thermal and electromagnetic effects associated with direct phase-cut dimming of LEDs
2Ease of operation
If a complex LED driver is used to convert phase-cut mains AC input to DC signals, then dimming function is achieved, but device complexity and cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a driver circuit that performs multiple functions: it rectifies AC to DC, smooths the voltage, processes phase-cut dimming signals, and provides over-voltage protection. By integrating these functions into a single circuit module, the patent achieves full dimming capability without requiring separate complex components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters through the bridge rectifier and smoothing capacitor to convert the phase-cut AC signal into a stable DC control signal. This parameter transformation simplifies the overall circuit design by converting a complex AC dimming problem into a simpler DC control problem
3Ease of operation
If input voltage is boosted above nominal operating voltage for dimming, then dimming range is improved, but risk of thermal damage to LEDs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the driver circuit that monitors the input voltage and LED current. When the input voltage is boosted above the nominal operating voltage, the feedback system automatically adjusts the LED current to prevent thermal damage, allowing the full dimming range to be utilized safely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand protection by incorporating over-voltage protection circuitry in the driver module. This protection is built in advance to prevent thermal damage to LEDs when high input voltage is applied during dimming operations, allowing the system to safely operate across the entire dimming range
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 straightforward dimming of LEDs, ensuring compatibility with existing dimmers and power supplies, reducing costs and complexity, while protecting LEDs from thermal damage and minimizing electromagnetic interference, thus providing a cost-effective and efficient dimming solution for LED retrofit lamps.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage boost module realised to boost the primary input voltage to a level above the nominal operating voltage on the basis of a dim level input signal
Implementation Method 2
a dimming module realised to decrease the current through the LEDs (i.e. the 'LED current') when the boosted input voltage exceeds the primary input voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes an LED lighting arrangement (1) comprising an LED load (10) comprising a number of LEDs (100); input terminals (14hi, 14lo) for connection to a power supply (2) realised to provide an input voltage (UPS) at a primary input voltage level (VPS); a voltage boost module (11) realised to boost the input voltage (UPS) to a level above the primary input voltage level (VPS) on the basis of a dim level input signal (30); and a dimming module (12) realised to decrease the LED current (ILED) through the LED load (10) when the boosted voltage (Uboost) exceeds the primary input voltage level (VPS). The invention further describes a method of driving an LED lighting arrangement (1).