Solid State Lighting Module Wireless Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED lighting systems lack flexibility for users to adjust the current and light output without modifying the current setting resistor, which restricts customization and is costly to upgrade driver portfolios for different applications.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a resistor circuit and control interface within the lighting module to set output resistance based on user preferences, allowing wireless configuration using NFC, and providing a power supply from the lighting signal, enabling flexible current setting without modifying existing drivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed current setting resistor is used in the lighting module, then the driver circuit can be simplified and existing drivers can be used, but the user cannot adjust the current and light output to meet different application needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser flexibility to adjust current and light outputVSAvoidcomplexity of driver portfolio and interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting module provides its own configuration capability through an integrated resistor circuit and control interface. The module can be configured wirelessly via NFC to set the output resistance, enabling users to adjust current settings without requiring driver modification or complex external components. The module serves itself by incorporating the configuration functionality directly into the module rather than relying on the driver for adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration functionality is segmented into a separate resistor circuit and control interface that can be independently configured. The resistor circuit is controlled by a control circuit that receives configuration information from external devices via NFC, allowing the resistance value to be adjusted without affecting the driver circuit design. This segmentation enables flexible current setting while maintaining driver simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If wireless NFC configuration is integrated into the lighting module, then user configuration becomes easier and more flexible, but the module requires additional control interface and power supply components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configuring lighting moduleVSAvoidnumber of components in lighting module
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC control interface serves multiple functions: it provides wireless configuration capability for setting the resistor circuit value, enables remote programming of the lighting module parameters, and maintains compatibility with existing driver architectures. The integrated power supply circuit also serves dual purposes by powering both the control interface and the resistor circuit, reducing the need for separate power components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface and power supply are merged into a single integrated unit within the lighting module. The power supply circuit is designed to power both the NFC control interface and the resistor circuit simultaneously, reducing component count and simplifying the overall module architecture. The control circuit integrates the NFC reception, processing, and resistor control functions in one unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the output resistance is settable within the lighting module, then users can optimize lighting for different applications without changing drivers, but the resistor circuit requires precise control and configuration mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of output resistanceVSAvoidprecision of resistance value control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit receives configuration information from external devices via NFC and uses this feedback to adjust the resistor circuit output resistance to the desired value. The system establishes a feedback loop where the configured resistance value is communicated back to the driver, enabling precise control of the output current while maintaining simplicity in the overall control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3259959B1A solid state lighting module, a lighting circuit and lighting control methods.
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3259959B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3259959B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3259959B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A solid state lighting module comprises a light source and a resistor circuit, wherein an output resistance of the resistor circuit is for conveying to a connected driver information on a desired power to be applied to the solid state light source. A control interface is provided for receiving configuration information from an external configuration device; and a control circuit configures the resistor circuit thereby to set the output resistance in response to received configuration information. This approach involves integrating the configuration function in the lighting module instead of in the driver. The output resistance can be determined by existing driver architectures without modification, while at the same time the ability of the user to tailor individual lighting modules to their needs is enabled.