Light-String Distribution Element for LED Voltage Droop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Series-connected LED light strings experience voltage droop and dimming issues due to high current levels when powered with low-voltage DC, affecting the illumination of the last decorative light string in the chain.
Innovation Solution
A light-string distribution element that includes a conductive lead to receive power and input signals, a tap connector to provide power and lighting commands to a decorative light string, and a conductive tail to distribute power and commands downstream, using a power converter to convert high-voltage power to low-voltage DC for the LEDs, maintaining 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 series-connected LED light strings, then energy efficiency is improved, but voltage droop and dimming occur in the last decorative light string due to high current levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the series-connected chain into multiple parallel strings, with each string having its own current path from the power source. This segmentation allows each string to operate independently at lower current levels, preventing the cumulative voltage droop that occurs in series connections while maintaining LED operation at efficient low-voltage DC levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate power distribution points (additional connectors) along the chain that act as mediators, providing local power injection points. These intermediaries break the long series current path into shorter segments, reducing the voltage drop across each segment and ensuring adequate illumination throughout the entire chain.
2Ease of operation
If series connection is used to connect multiple decorative light strings, then ease of operation is improved, but the last decorative light string becomes noticeably dimmer due to voltage droop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single series chain into multiple parallel strings that can still be easily connected in sequence. Each string maintains simple connection interfaces, preserving ease of operation while the parallel architecture prevents cumulative voltage droop that causes dimming at the end of long series chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple equipotential paths by providing parallel connection options at intermediate points along the chain. This ensures that voltage levels remain more uniform across different positions in the system, preventing the progressive voltage drop that causes dimming in series-connected strings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long chains of series-connected LED light strings are powered with low-voltage DC, then compatibility with LED requirements is improved, but high current levels cause voltage droop and dimming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long chain into multiple parallel strings, allowing each string to operate at low voltage with moderate current suitable for LED requirements. This segmentation reduces the total current burden on any single power path while maintaining compatibility with LED electrical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional series connection to a two-dimensional parallel-series hybrid architecture. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain low-voltage DC operation for LED compatibility while distributing current across multiple paths to avoid excessive current levels and associated voltage droop.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a curtain configured decorative lighting system. The curtain configuration of decorative light stings is obtained by using light-string distribution elements, each of which receives an input signal by a conductive lead. The input signal is indicative of a plurality of lighting commands. The light-string distribution element then provides an output signal to a tap connector, to which a decorative light string can be connected. The provided output signal is indicative of lighting commands corresponding to a plurality of lighting elements distributed along the decorative light string connected thereto. The plurality of lighting elements of the attached decorative light string each illuminate in response to one of the lighting commands indicated by the output signal. In some embodiments, the decorative light string provides to the tap connector a signal indicative of lighting commands that do not correspond to lighting elements of that decorative light string.