Load Controller Power Source Unit for LED Lighting Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load controllers for LED light fixtures face issues with erroneous operation and flickering due to variations in current consumption by control circuits, leading to incorrect lighting states.
Innovation Solution
A load controller with a switching unit, power source unit, and control unit that includes a constant-voltage source and constant-current source to maintain stable DC voltage and current, reducing the impact of current variations and incorporating a buffer unit to compensate for power shortages, along with a wireless communications unit for remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional power generator circuit with only constant-voltage source is used, then the control unit can operate with DC voltage, but the current consumption variation causes erroneous operation and flickering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power supply parameters by introducing a constant-current source in parallel with the constant-voltage source. This dual-parameter approach (controlling both voltage and current) stabilizes the power supply characteristics, preventing current consumption variations from causing erroneous triac triggering or flickering during load operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control circuit current consumption varies, then the control unit can adapt to different operating conditions, but it causes current to flow through the off-state load and switch on erroneously
Solution Approach 1:
The constant-current source clamps the maximum current to a predetermined level regardless of control circuit variations. This parameter control prevents excessive current during off-state that could erroneously trigger the triac, while still allowing the control unit to adapt to different operating conditions within safe limits.
3Ease of operation
If the control circuit current consumption varies during on-state, then the control unit can adjust power levels, but it causes the load to cast flickering light
Solution Approach 1:
The constant-current source works together with the constant-voltage source to provide stable power parameters during on-state operation. This stabilization prevents current variations that would cause flickering, while the control unit retains the ability to adjust power levels through controlled variations within the constant current framework.
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
The solution effectively reduces the chances of erroneous operation and flickering by maintaining constant power supply to the load, ensuring stable lighting control and minimizing the impact of current variations in control circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The power generator circuit includes: a rectifier circuit for rectifying the AC voltage of the AC power supply; and a regulator circuit (constant-voltage source) for transforming a pulsating voltage rectified by the rectifier circuit into a predetermined DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
The constant-current source is configured to keep a DC current to be supplied via the constant-voltage source to the control unit a constant current
Data Source
AI summary
A load controller according to an embodiment includes a switching unit, a power source unit, and a control unit. The switching unit controls supply of power from an AC power supply to a load by selectively connecting or disconnecting the load to/from the AC power supply. The power source unit converts AC power supplied from the AC power supply into DC power. The control unit operates with the DC power supplied from the power source unit and controls the switching unit. The power source unit includes a constant-voltage source and a constant-current source. The constant-voltage source keeps a DC voltage to be output to the control unit a constant voltage. The constant-current source keeps a DC current to be supplied via the constant-voltage source to the control unit a constant current.