Solid-State Lighting Array Short Circuit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state lighting arrays face issues with short circuiting current, which can lead to reduced light intensity and potential work piece degradation, as the current can bypass the normal operating path through a device's P-N junction, causing uneven illumination and potential device failure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an array of solid-state lighting devices, a current control circuit, and a controller with executable instructions to detect short circuiting current and adjust the current flow, allowing for identification of affected rows and bypassing of open circuit conditions to maintain array operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solid-state lighting devices are operated continuously to maintain lighting output, then productivity is improved, but short circuiting current develops over time causing device degradation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of short circuiting current by monitoring voltage across each lighting device before the device fails completely. The controller identifies devices with voltage outside the expected range (indicating short circuit current) and removes them from service proactively, preventing total device failure and maintaining array reliability during continuous operation.
2Reliability
If voltage is monitored to detect short circuiting current, then device reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional detection circuitry and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing operating voltage across each lighting device as the detection signal. The controller simply monitors whether the measured voltage falls within the expected range for proper device operation. This self-service approach leverages normal operating parameters for fault detection without requiring separate sensing circuits or complex diagnostic equipment, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Reliability
If individual devices are monitored and removed from service when short circuiting current is detected, then device degradation is reduced, but loss of time occurs during identification and replacement of affected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of devices exhibiting short circuiting current by monitoring voltage during normal operation. Devices are flagged for replacement before they cause work piece degradation, allowing scheduled maintenance during natural downtime rather than emergency replacements, thereby reducing overall loss of time.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides feedback about the status of each lighting device based on voltage monitoring. This feedback enables operators to prioritize replacements systematically, replacing devices in an organized manner during maintenance windows, which reduces the total time required compared to reactive troubleshooting and replacement.
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
The system effectively maintains lighting array power output and reduces device degradation by detecting short circuiting current, allowing for mitigating actions and ensuring consistent light intensity, thereby improving curing processes and extending device lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a controller including executable instructions stored in non-transitory memory to provide an indication of a presence of short circuiting current in a solid state device included in the array of solid state lighting devices responsive to a voltage in the circuit controlling electric current flow through the array of solid state lighting devices
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for operating a lighting array is disclosed. In one example, the system and method detect the presence or absence of short circuiting current flow through a light emitting device and provide an indication of the same. The system and method may also increase or decrease current flow through the lighting array to compensate for reduced lighting output or to reduce the possibility of lighting array degradation.