Magnetic Coil Modulation for SSL Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Solid State Lighting (SSL) light bulb assemblies face challenges in calibration due to the need for additional hardware in communication methods, which increases costs and prolongs the calibration process.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing a first transceiver with a magnet and a second transceiver with a switched-mode power converter, where magnetic coupling allows for data exchange through modulated magnetic fields, enabling wireless communication without additional hardware and rapid setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hardware communication means are used for calibration, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor element's magnetic field dependent permeability is exploited to serve dual purposes: its primary function in power conversion and a secondary function as a magnetic transceiver for calibration communication. By modulating the magnetic field affecting the inductor core material, data can be transmitted without adding dedicated communication hardware, thus achieving multi-functionality and resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system uses the existing inductor element within the power converter to perform both power conversion and data reception functions. The inductor element itself 'services' the communication need through its magnetic field dependent permeability characteristic, eliminating the requirement for separate communication components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration communication methods are used, then communication accuracy is improved, but calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical or wireless communication systems with a magnetic field-based communication method. By using magnetic coupling between an external magnet and the inductor element, data can be transmitted rapidly through magnetic field modulation and detection, substituting slower traditional communication mechanisms and reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy through precise magnetic field measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is added for communication, then communication capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor element serves multiple functions: power conversion in the switched-mode power converter and data reception during calibration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication hardware components, reducing part count and assembly complexity, which directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining full communication capability for calibration purposes.
4Reliability
If complex communication setup is used, then communication reliability is improved, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based communication system replaces complex electrical connection setups with simple magnetic coupling. An external magnet is positioned near the inductor element, and communication begins immediately through magnetic field interaction, eliminating the need for physical connections or complex initialization sequences, thus reducing setup time while maintaining reliable data transmission during calibration.
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
This solution enables efficient calibration of SSL light bulb assemblies by allowing high-data-rate communication, reducing costs and calibration time, and improving manufacturing yield without requiring extra hardware.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet and the inductor core material of the inductor element are magnetically coupled
Implementation Method 2
an inductor element with an inductor core material having a magnetic field dependent permeability
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system with SSL light bulb assemblies comprises a first and a second transceiver. The first transceiver comprises a magnet, and the second transceiver comprises a switched-mode power converter which comprises an inductor element with an inductor core material having a magnetic field dependent permeability. The magnet and the inductor core material of the inductor element are magnetically coupled. The first transceiver is configured to modulate a magnetic field generated by the magnet to generate a modulated downstream magnetic field indicative of downstream data, and the second transceiver is configured to extract the downstream data from a measurement signal from the power converter. The measurement signal is dependent on an inductor value of the inductor element.