Lighting Phase-Angle Detection Using Average-to-Peak Voltage Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems fail to accurately reflect the phase angle of a universal waveform power input, leading to ineffective light dimming due to inadequate power control signals that reject common power line noise.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a voltage detector and a phase angle detector that calculates the phase angle by determining the ratio of average voltage to peak voltage, allowing for accurate power control signals to be generated and sent to a power transmission circuit, effectively rejecting power line noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase angle detection is performed using conventional methods, then the system can provide basic power control, but the measurement precision of phase angle is insufficient leading to ineffective light dimming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electronic phase detection methods with a computational approach using voltage ratio calculations. By detecting the ratio of peak voltage to average voltage and comparing it against pre-calculated lookup tables, the system achieves precise phase angle determination without relying on traditional timing-based or zero-crossing detection methods, thereby improving both measurement precision and dimming effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the phase angle measurement problem by changing the detection parameter from direct time-based phase measurement to voltage ratio measurement. By detecting V-peak/V-ave ratio which varies with phase angle, and using this ratio to index into lookup tables, the system achieves accurate phase angle determination that is insensitive to power line noise and timing jitter
2Measurement precision
If the system uses simple voltage detection, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of phase angle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a computational model (lookup table) that copies the mathematical relationship between voltage ratios and phase angles. Instead of performing complex real-time calculations, the system pre-calculates and stores V-peak/V-ave ratios for known phase angles, then uses simple table lookup to determine phase angle, significantly reducing computational complexity while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage ratio (V-peak/V-ave) as an intermediary parameter between the physical phase angle and the control system. This intermediary transforms the difficult-to-measure phase angle into an easily measurable voltage ratio, which can be determined through simple voltage sampling and division, thereby achieving precise phase angle measurement without complex detection circuitry
3Reliability
If conventional power control signals are used, then the system can operate with simple circuitry, but the system is sensitive to power line noise leading to inaccurate phase angle reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of power line noise into a beneficial feature by using voltage ratios that are inherently insensitive to noise. By measuring V-peak and V-ave over complete cycles and computing their ratio, the system averages out noise effects, transforming the noisy environment into a condition where ratio-based measurement actually improves accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detected voltage ratio is continuously compared against pre-stored lookup table values, and the corresponding phase angle information is used to generate appropriate power control signals. This closed-loop approach ensures that the system continuously adjusts to maintain accurate phase angle tracking despite the presence of power line noise
Data Source
AI summary
System for determining periodic values of phase angle Φ of waveform power input including voltage detector for detecting periodic values of average voltage of waveform power input and detecting corresponding periodic values of peak voltage of waveform power input. System also includes phase angle Φ detector in signal communication for receiving periodic values of average voltage and peak voltage from voltage detector. Phase angle Φ detector also detects periodic values each being ratio of one of periodic values of average voltage divided by corresponding periodic value of peak voltage, or being ratio of peak voltage divided by average voltage; and determines periodic values of phase angle Φ of waveform power input corresponding to periodic values of ratio. Lighting systems.