LED Voltage Converter Dynamic Output Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage converters for LEDs can only set the output voltage when switched on, leading to increased power loss and heat generation during operation due to fluctuating forward voltages caused by thermal changes, and cannot adjust the voltage during ongoing LED operation.

Innovation Solution

A voltage converter that continuously or periodically adjusts its DC output voltage within a range above the forward voltage of the LEDs, measuring the LED current to set its operating point and minimize power loss, with the option to superimpose PWM modulation on the DC voltage during switch-on periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the output voltage is set when the voltage converter is switched on, then the initial power loss is minimized, but the power loss increases during operation due to thermal changes in LED forward voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidvoltage adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by continuously or periodically modifying the output voltage of the converter during LED operation. The control unit responds to current measurements by adjusting the voltage to maintain optimal operating conditions, transforming a static voltage system into a dynamic one that adapts to thermal changes in LED forward voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control by measuring the LED current and using this information to adjust the output voltage. The control unit continuously monitors the current flow and modifies the voltage accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes power loss while maintaining stable LED operation despite thermal variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If the LED line is switched off to adjust the output voltage, then the voltage can be re-optimized, but the LED line cannot operate during the adjustment process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidLED operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary voltage optimization by setting the output voltage correctly when the converter is first switched on. This initial optimization is designed to remain valid throughout operation, reducing the need for subsequent adjustments that would require shutting down the LED line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous LED operation by implementing voltage adjustments that do not require shutting down the LED line. The control unit continuously monitors and adjusts the voltage during operation, ensuring uninterrupted light output while maintaining optimal power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of energy

If the DC output voltage is changed frequently to adapt to forward voltage changes, then power loss is minimized, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic voltage adjustment instead of continuous or frequent changes. The control unit adjusts the output voltage at predetermined intervals or based on specific triggers, reducing the complexity of the control system while still maintaining effective adaptation to thermal changes in LED forward voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3105994B1Voltage converter for operating luminaires
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3105994B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3105994B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a voltage converter for providing a DC voltage (Vout) for operating at least one LED line (1), said converter being designed to: a.) output a DC voltage (Vout) which preferably changes at least once upward and downward within a voltage range above the forward voltage in the LED line (1) while measuring the LED current (iL); and b.) set the operating point of the DC voltage (Vout) in accordance with said measurement.