Linear LED Strip with Distributed Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear LED lighting systems face limitations in maximum length due to voltage drop when operating on low-voltage DC, requiring external drivers for high-voltage AC conversion, which are bulky and inconvenient to install.
Innovation Solution
Distributed power conversion along a flexible PCB with repeating blocks containing power conversion and conditioning circuits, including full-bridge rectifiers, capacitors, and resistors, allowing high-voltage AC to be directly converted to low-voltage DC within the lighting strip, eliminating the need for external drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low-voltage DC is used to power LED linear lighting, then power consumption is reduced and LED efficiency is improved, but voltage drop limits the maximum length of the lighting strip
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting strip is divided into repeating blocks, each containing its own power conversion circuit. This segmentation allows each block to independently convert high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC, eliminating the cumulative voltage drop problem that limits the length of traditionally powered strips.
2Power
If external drivers are used to convert high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC, then power conversion is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion circuit is merged with the lighting strip itself, integrating the AC-to-DC conversion functionality directly into the LED module. This eliminates the need for separate external drivers, reducing both device complexity and installation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting strip performs its own power conversion by incorporating rectifier circuits within each repeating block, allowing it to self-convert high-voltage AC input to the low-voltage DC required by the LEDs without requiring external power conversion equipment.
3Length of stationary object
If voltage is increased to overcome voltage drop, then maximum length of lighting strip is extended, but safety risks and compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lighting strip into blocks with distributed power conversion, each block operates at safe low-voltage DC levels while the overall system can extend to greater lengths. This eliminates the need to increase voltage throughout the entire strip, maintaining safety while achieving extended length.
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 longer LED lighting strips without the need for external power drivers, reduces installation complexity, and provides fault isolation and customizable lengths, while maintaining consistent light output and reducing the risk of complete strip failure from individual LED faults.
Implementation Method 1
The power conversion and conditioning circuits typically include at least a full-bridge rectifier
Data Source
AI summary
A strip of linear lighting with distributed power conversion is disclosed. The linear lighting includes a flexible PCB. The flexible PCB is divided into repeating blocks, which are arranged electrically in parallel with one another between power and ground. Each repeating block includes power conversion and conditioning circuits. A plurality of LED light engines are connected to the outputs of the power conversion and conditioning circuits, electrically in series with one another. The power conversion and conditioning circuits typically include at least a full-bridge rectifier. A pair of conductors run the length of the PCB adjacent to it and are connected to each of the repeating blocks. A flexible, transparent covering surrounds the PCB and pair of conductors.