Light Source Drive Device Temperature Derating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standardization of current supply devices for vehicle lamps is hindered by varying temperature derating requirements across different light source devices, leading to increased costs and limited compatibility, as each light source device often necessitates a custom-designed current supply device to accommodate unique heat dissipation structures and ambient temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A light source drive device with a temperature sensor and signal generation unit integrated on the light source device substrate, which generates a control signal to adjust the drive current based on temperature, allowing for temperature derating without requiring a custom current supply device, thereby enabling standardization and cost reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a common current supply device is used without customization, then manufacturing cost is reduced and standardization is promoted, but temperature derating requirements cannot be met for different light source devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature derating function into two independent parts: a common current supply device that provides standardized current control, and a light source device-specific temperature sensor that detects local temperature conditions. This segmentation allows the current supply device to remain standardized while the temperature sensing adapts to different light source configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temperature sensor as an intermediary component positioned between the light emitting element and the current supply device. This sensor acts as a mediator that translates local temperature conditions into control signals, enabling the standardized current supply device to adapt its output based on real-time temperature feedback from different light source configurations.
2Reliability
If temperature derating is implemented with custom current supply devices for each light source device, then temperature protection is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases and standardization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The light source device performs self-service by incorporating its own temperature sensor and using that information to control the current supply. This eliminates the need for each current supply device to be customized with different temperature derating logic, as the light source device independently determines its own temperature protection requirements and communicates them back to the standardized current supply device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the light emitting element and sends temperature information back to the current supply device. This feedback loop enables the standardized current supply device to dynamically adjust its output current based on real-time temperature conditions, optimizing temperature protection without requiring customization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heat dissipation structure of the LED is enlarged to accommodate common current supply device, then temperature derating can be managed, but cost of light source device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of enlarging heat dissipation structures with an electronic control approach. Instead of physically modifying the light source device to handle higher temperatures through larger heat sinks, the system uses temperature sensing and electronic feedback to dynamically control the current supply, achieving temperature management without additional physical components.
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 configuration allows for temperature derating suitable for various light source elements using a common current supply device, promoting standardization and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective thermal protection for the light source.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor that performs temperature detection at a position closer to the light emitting element than the current supply device
Implementation Method 2
a light source device including a light emitting element that emits light by receiving drive current supplied from the current supply device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light source drive device including: a current supply device; and a light source device including a light emitting element that emits light by receiving drive current supplied from the current supply device, a temperature sensor that performs temperature detection at a position closer to the light emitting element than the current supply device, and a signal generation unit that outputs a control signal for controlling the drive current depending on a detected value of the temperature sensor to the current supply device. The signal generation unit generates a control signal for reducing the drive current depending on a temperature when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.