Lighting Module Segmentation with Adaptive Resistive Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear LED lighting modules require manual and potentially damaging operations to close the current loop when cut, limiting their length and flexibility in applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a resistive element or electronic switch with adjustable resistance that changes its conductivity based on the module's cut status, allowing automatic current loop closure when segmented, ensuring current flows through upstream sources when cut and downstream sources when intact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting module is cut at segmentation points to create different lengths, then the adaptability and flexibility are improved, but manual intervention is required to close the current loop which increases device complexity and potential for damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module automatically detects when it has been cut and self-configures its electrical connections without manual intervention. The controller detects the interruption in the LED string and automatically reconfigures the circuit to maintain operation, eliminating the need for manual linking or resistor soldering.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module employs dynamic reconfiguration of its electrical circuit based on its operational state. When cut, the module transitions from a series connection to an alternative configuration, allowing the same physical structure to serve multiple functions depending on its integrity.
2Reliability
If manual linking or resistor soldering is performed to close the current loop, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates due to difficult and potentially damaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic detection and reconfiguration without requiring manual operations. The controller monitors the LED string integrity and automatically adjusts the circuit configuration, eliminating soldering, linking, or other manual interventions that could damage the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (soldering, linking) with an electronic control system that detects and reconfigures the circuit electronically. This substitution eliminates the need for physical intervention while maintaining reliable current loop closure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the resistive element has high resistance when intact, then the current flows mainly through light sources, but when cut the same resistive element must provide a low resistance path to close the loop
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive element's effective resistance changes dynamically based on the module's integrity state. When intact, it presents high resistance to favor LED current flow; when cut, it becomes the dominant current path with effectively lower resistance, automatically adapting to maintain operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective resistance parameter of the resistive element based on the operational condition. The controller adjusts circuit configuration to utilize the resistive element differently depending on whether the module is intact or cut, optimizing current flow in each state.
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
Enables flexible cutting of lighting modules without manual intervention, maintaining compatibility with existing electronic converters and allowing for sealed module designs with enhanced protection.
Implementation Method 1
the resistive element is configured in such a way that: a) when the lighting module has not been cut at the segmentation point, the resistive element has a resistance which is greater than the resistance of the portion of the lighting module downstream of the segmentation point, and b) when the lighting module has been cut at the segmentation point, the resistive element has a resistance which is less than the resistance of the portion of the lighting module downstream of said segmentation point
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting module includes a power line for receiving a power supply current and a ground line, a segmentation point for cutting the lighting module into two parts, a first set of light sources upstream of the segmentation point, a second set of light sources downstream of the segmentation point, wherein the first and second sets of light sources are connected in series, and a resistive element connected to the intermediate point between the first and the second set of light sources, and the ground line, which is configured in such a way that: when the lighting module has not been cut, the resistive element has a resistance which is greater than the resistance of the portion of the lighting module downstream of the segmentation point, and when the lighting module has been cut, the resistive element has a resistance which is less than the resistance thereof.