Multi-Output Electronic Ballast with Shared AC/DC Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-output electronic ballasts are bulky and expensive due to the need for multiple AC/DC converters and external switches, making them costly and difficult to manage for selectively turning off lamp assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-output electronic ballast design that includes an AC/DC converter connected to a DC bus and external switches, with an auxiliary voltage generator and control circuit to selectively activate inverters, allowing for the conversion of AC input voltage into high-frequency AC voltages for lamp assemblies, reducing the need for multiple converters and switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple AC/DC converters are used to drive multiple lamp assemblies independently, then each lamp assembly can be controlled separately, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple AC/DC converter functions into a single AC/DC converter that serves all lamp assemblies. The converter generates a common high-voltage DC output that is then distributed to multiple inverters, each controlling a separate lamp assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple independent AC/DC converters, reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to selectively control each lamp assembly through its dedicated inverter.
Solution Approach 2:
The single AC/DC converter is designed with universal functionality to support multiple lamp assemblies simultaneously. It provides a common high-voltage DC output that can be distributed to any combination of inverters, allowing the system to adapt to different lighting scenarios. The converter's universal design enables it to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated converters for each lamp assembly.
2Ease of operation
If multiple external switches are connected in series with each AC/DC converter input, then selective turning off of lamp assemblies is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the switching control architecture so that a single external switch per lamp assembly controls the inverter input rather than requiring switches at the AC/DC converter level. This merging of control functions reduces the number of high-power switching components needed, thereby reducing the overall device size and weight while maintaining ease of operation for selectively turning off individual lamp assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent power circuits are used for each lamp assembly, then selective illumination control is possible, but manufacturing cost increases due to multiple expensive electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion function into a single AC/DC converter that serves all lamp assemblies, eliminating the need for multiple expensive AC/DC converter units. Each lamp assembly retains its own inverter for independent control, but the expensive dual-conversion (AC/DC and DC/AC) stages are consolidated into one shared unit, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while preserving independent lamp control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single AC/DC converter is designed with universal functionality to support multiple lamp assemblies, providing a common high-voltage DC output that can be distributed to any number of inverters. This universal design reduces the total component count and manufacturing complexity compared to having dedicated AC/DC converters for each lamp assembly, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
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 design results in a smaller, less expensive electronic ballast that allows users to selectively turn off lamp assemblies while maintaining efficient energy management and high-quality illumination, reducing manufacturing costs and size.
Implementation Method 1
an AC/DC converter (21) for converting an AC input voltage into a high DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
converting an AC input voltage into a high DC voltage through the second external switch
Implementation Method 3
an inverter is able to provide illumination with high efficiency, zero flickering, and high quality through the regulation of operating frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-output electronic ballast is disclosed. The multi-output electronic ballast is used to drive a plurality of lamp assemblies and includes an AC/DC converter, a first inverter, a second inverter, an auxiliary voltage generator, and a control circuit. The AC/DC converter converts an AC input voltage to a high DC voltage. The first inverter converts the high DC input voltage to a first AC voltage selectively. The second inverter converts the high DC voltage to a second AC voltage. The auxiliary voltage generator generates an auxiliary voltage. The control circuit receives the auxiliary voltage generating circuit and outputs a control signal to the first inverter according to the switching operation of a first external switch. When the control signal is transmitted to the first inverter, the first inverter comes into operation and converts the high DC voltage to the first AC voltage.