Light Strip System With Distributed Converter Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light line systems with LED light sources face limitations in flexibility due to the need for converter units, which increase the minimum length of lighting units and result in high power losses when low-voltage voltage is supplied directly through power lines, restricting the length of trunking systems.
Innovation Solution
A light line system with a combination of high-voltage and low-voltage supply circuits, where converters along the support structure provide low-voltage voltage to LED lighting units, allowing flexible positioning and reducing the need for individual converters, thus enabling longer and more flexible arrangements of LED lighting units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LED light sources are used in continuous-row lighting systems, then energy efficiency and modern lighting requirements are met, but the lighting units require converter units that significantly increase their minimum length, severely limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous lighting system into multiple sections, each with its own converter unit. Instead of requiring each lighting unit to contain a converter (which would make them long and rigid), the system segments the power conversion function into separate stationary converter units distributed along the support structure. This allows lighting units to be short and flexible while still receiving appropriate voltage conversion locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces converter units as intermediary devices between the high-voltage power supply lines and the low-voltage LED lighting units. These converter units act as mediators that transform the voltage locally, eliminating the need for each lighting unit to have its own converter. The converters are positioned along the support structure to serve multiple lighting units in their vicinity, providing voltage conversion without constraining lighting unit length or arrangement flexibility.
2Device complexity
If low-voltage voltage is supplied directly through power lines to LED lighting units, then converter units are eliminated, but power losses become relatively high, restricting the length of continuous lighting systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing voltage conversion at specific locations along the continuous lighting system rather than using a single centralized converter or supplying low voltage over the entire length. Each converter unit serves a local section of the support structure, converting high voltage to low voltage locally where LED units are mounted. This reduces power losses in the low-voltage sections while maintaining system flexibility and eliminating the need for converters within each lighting unit.
3Reliability
If converter units are integrated into each lighting unit, then voltage conversion is ensured, but the lighting units become long and rigid, limiting flexible arrangement along the support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage conversion function with the support structure system rather than keeping it separate within each lighting unit. Multiple converter units are distributed along the support structure, each serving multiple lighting units in its vicinity. This merging of the converter function into the overall system architecture eliminates the need for individual converters in each lighting unit, allowing lighting units to be short, flexible, and freely positionable while still ensuring reliable voltage conversion through the distributed converter network.
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 allows for the flexible arrangement of LED lighting units over the entire length of the support structure with reduced power losses, as the low-voltage voltage is supplied in sections via converter units connected to a high-voltage supply, eliminating the need for standard lengths and enhancing the system's adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a converter unit (20), which converts a first supply voltage (HV) available in the first power supply circuit (I) into a second supply voltage (LV) suitable for operating the lighting units (100)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7b
AI summary
A linear lighting system comprises an elongated support structure, in particular at least one mounting rail (2), for holding units (100) and power supply means extending along the support structure for supplying power to the units (100). The power supply means comprise first conductors (10, 11) extending along the support structure, which form a first power supply circuit (I), and second conductors (15, 16) which extend along a portion of the first power supply circuit (I) along the support structure and form a second power supply circuit (II), wherein the conductors (15, 16) of the second power supply circuit (II) are freely accessible to the units (100) from a mounting side of the support structure.