Light String Switching Power Supply for Low-Loss Modular Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional outdoor lighting systems, particularly remote controllable holiday lighting systems, face challenges with significant power and data connections, leading to electrical line losses, increased wiring complexity, and reliability issues due to numerous connection points.
Innovation Solution
An integrated switching power supply within the light strings that steps down higher input voltages (12-36V) to lower operational voltages (3-12V) for individual bulbs, eliminating the need for separate power and data wires and reducing connection points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional lower voltage is supplied directly to bulbs, then bulbs can operate, but electrical line losses increase and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into segmented units, with each bulb or small group of bulbs having its own integrated switching power supply. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently at higher voltage with minimal current, reducing line losses while maintaining manageable wiring complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the switching power supply, control electronics, and bulb assembly into an integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate power and data wires, reducing wiring complexity while allowing the use of higher input voltages to minimize electrical line losses
2Reliability
If separate power and data wires are used, then remote control functionality is achieved, but the number of connection points increases leading to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single integrated circuit board within each bulb assembly. This merging eliminates multiple connection points and separate wiring, reducing failure points while maintaining full remote control functionality through the integrated control interface
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switching power supply performs multiple functions including power regulation, data processing, and control signal reception within a single unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and connection points, thereby improving system reliability
3Loss of time
If more connection points are created for power and data, then remote control capability is enabled, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power and data connections into a single integrated interface at each bulb assembly. This reduces the number of connection operations required during installation, significantly decreasing installation time while maintaining ease of operation through simplified plug-and-play connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The switching power supply and control electronics are pre-integrated into the bulb assemblies during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field wiring and connections, reducing installation time and simplifying the installation process for end users
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 solution simplifies installation, reduces electrical line losses, enhances system reliability, and improves efficiency by minimizing connection points and transmission losses, making it suitable for residential and commercial outdoor lighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each string of 1 to 16 bulbs includes a built-in regulator that steps down a higher input voltage (typically 12-36V) to a lower operational voltage (ranging from 3-12V) suitable for the individual bulbs
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system comprising at least one bulb assembly, an integrated switching power supply, a plurality of electrical wires electrically connecting the bulb assembly to the power supply, and male/female connectors. The bulb assembly has a housing including a light source disposed on a surface of a printed circuit board (PCB), at least one processor provided on the PCB, at least one electrical connector disposed on another surface of the PCB and configured to connect to the plurality of wires, and a means for sealing the housing against water ingress.