High Intensity Marine LED Strobe Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high power LED light systems face challenges in achieving high intensity while maintaining a small form factor due to the limitations of constant current drivers, which result in larger components and potential LED failure when exceeding current limits, and the need for higher current levels to achieve higher light outputs.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage pulse driver system utilizing a microprocessor and capacitors to deliver high voltage pulses to an LED array, allowing for both strobe and torch modes with adjustable pulse duration and repetition rate, enabling high intensity output up to 30,000 lumens in a compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If higher current levels are provided to achieve higher light outputs, then illumination intensity is improved, but device size increases significantly due to larger drive circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed action by delivering high current to the LED array in short bursts rather than continuous operation. The controller provides energy in discrete pulses, allowing the LED to achieve high illumination intensity during each pulse while the drive circuit remains small because it only needs to handle peak power momentarily, not continuously. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high light output without requiring a large continuous power delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses capacitors to store energy in advance before delivering it to the LED array. The capacitors are charged during low-power intervals and then discharge rapidly to provide the high current needed for intense light output. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to achieve high illumination intensity without requiring a large continuous current capability from the drive circuit, thus maintaining a compact form factor.
2Illumination intensity
If higher current levels are provided to achieve higher light outputs, then illumination intensity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to LED failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
By delivering current in periodic pulses rather than continuously, the LED array experiences high current only during brief intervals. The duty cycle is controlled to ensure that the average power remains within safe operating limits while peak power during pulses achieves the desired illumination intensity. This periodic operation allows the LED to withstand higher peak currents without continuous thermal stress, improving reliability while maintaining high light output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates thermal management and current control mechanisms that prepare for and cushion against potential LED damage. The controller monitors and limits the duration and frequency of pulses to prevent overheating, and the capacitor discharge is controlled to provide current within safe limits. This beforehand protection allows the system to operate at high intensity without compromising LED reliability.
3Power
If constant current driver size is increased to provide higher power levels, then power output is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a complex continuous constant current driver with a simpler pulsed power delivery system. Instead of requiring a large, complex circuit to continuously regulate high current, the system uses a controller that switches capacitors in and out of the circuit in periodic pulses. This approach achieves high power output with a simpler circuit topology, as the capacitors handle the energy storage and release rather than requiring a continuously operating high-power regulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from the constant current driver circuit and places it in separate capacitors. This separation allows the drive circuit to remain simple while the capacitors provide the necessary energy for high power output. The controller manages the capacitors' charging and discharging, eliminating the need for a complex continuous power regulation system and reducing overall device complexity.
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 achieves high intensity light output of up to 30,000 lumens in strobe mode and 10,000 lumens in torch mode while maintaining a small form factor, ensuring the LED array's protection and compatibility with marine applications, including deep-sea operations.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitors store a charge that is at least two times the forward voltage of the LED array. The capacitors may store and provide a charge of ten times the forward voltage of the LED array.
Implementation Method 2
an LED array within the outer casing behind the window including a plurality of light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 3
The discharging circuit delivers power from the at least one capacitor to the LED array in discrete pulses at a voltage of at least two times the forward voltage of the LED array
Data Source
AI summary
A driver and a light fixture including an LED array and the driver. The driver including a microprocessor, at least one capacitor, a charging circuit, and discharging circuit. The charging circuit is controlled by the microprocessor and charges the at least one capacitor to a voltage such as at least two times a forward voltage of the LED array. The discharging circuit is controlled by the microprocessor and delivers power from the at least one capacitor to the LED array in discrete pulses.