Controllable Load Circuit for LED Dimmer Holding Current
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dimmer switches for LED light sources often waste power by conducting current through the dimmer switch when not required, as prior art load circuits conduct current at all times, leading to unnecessary energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A controllable-load circuit that adjusts its current magnitude in response to a phase-control voltage, ensuring it only conducts the necessary current through the dimmer switch, thereby optimizing power delivery to the LED light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If prior art load circuits conduct current at all times, then the dimmer switch functionality is maintained, but unnecessary energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The load circuit transitions from a static constant current configuration to a dynamic controllable current configuration. The controllable current source adjusts its output based on real-time detection of dimmer switch conduction state, conducting current only when the dimmer is in non-conductive state to maintain functionality while minimizing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting the conduction state of the dimmer switch and using this information to control the current magnitude of the load circuit. The controller continuously monitors the dimmer state and adjusts the load circuit current accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining proper operation.
2Loss of energy
If a controllable-load circuit adjusts current magnitude dynamically, then energy efficiency is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it detects the conduction state of the dimmer switch, determines when current conduction is necessary, and controls the magnitude of current from the controllable current source. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in circuit complexity while achieving dynamic current control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the dimmer switch and the controllable current source. It translates the dimmer's conduction state into appropriate current control signals, mediating the interaction between these components and enabling coordinated operation without requiring direct complex interconnections.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is operable to conduct enough current through a thyristor of a connected dimmer switch to exceed rated latching and holding currents of the thyristor. The load control device comprises a controllable-load circuit operable to conduct a controllable-load current through the thyristor of the dimmer switch. The load control device disables the controllable-load circuit when the phase-control voltage received from the dimmer switch is a reverse phase-control waveform. When the phase-control voltage received from the dimmer switch is a forward phase-control waveform, the load control device is operable to decrease the magnitude of the controllable-load current so as to conduct only enough current as is required in order to exceed rated latching and holding currents of the thyristor.