Multi-Voltage LED Lighting Devices with Switchable Circuit Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED technologies are limited by their inability to operate efficiently at multiple voltage levels and brightness levels, particularly for AC power sources, which restricts their versatility and application in various lighting scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-voltage and multi-brightness LED devices that can be configured for direct AC voltage, bridge rectified AC voltage, or constant DC voltage operation by integrating multiple single voltage AC LED circuits on a single chip or substrate, allowing for adjustable forward voltage levels and brightness through series or parallel connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LEDs are driven by DC voltage sources using resistors or regulators, then current can be limited and LEDs can operate, but the driving circuit becomes complex and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The LED circuit is designed to self-regulate current through the inherent properties of the LED array configuration and AC voltage operation, eliminating the need for external current regulators or complex control circuits. The circuit automatically adapts to voltage variations without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes resistors and current regulators from the LED driving circuit, extracting these components entirely from the system. This simplification is achieved by operating LEDs directly from AC voltage sources through proper circuit configuration, eliminating the need for current-limiting resistors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single LED chip or package is designed for a fixed voltage level, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different voltage sources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The LED circuit incorporates switchable configurations that allow dynamic reconfiguration of LED strings between series and parallel arrangements. This enables the same circuit to adapt to different AC voltage levels (e.g., 120V or 240V) by switching between configurations, providing voltage adaptability without requiring multiple different LED chips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal LED circuit that can operate with multiple AC voltage sources and configurations. A single LED package with switchable series/parallel arrangements can serve multiple voltage levels and application scenarios, making the LED device universally applicable across different regional voltage standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED circuits are integrated on a single chip for multi-voltage operation, then versatility increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LED circuit is divided into separate, modular LED strings that can be independently configured. Each string consists of a manageable number of LEDs (e.g., 60-120 LEDs per string), making the segmentation practical for manufacturing. These modular segments can be independently tested and assembled, reducing the complexity of integrating all LEDs simultaneously on a single chip.
Solution Approach 2:
LED strings are pre-assembled and tested as complete functional units before final integration into the multi-voltage circuit. This preliminary assembly and testing of individual strings ensures that each module meets specifications before being combined, reducing the precision requirements during final chip integration and simplifying quality control.
4Ease of operation
If LEDs operate at fixed brightness levels, then control circuits are simple, but ability to provide multiple brightness settings is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit incorporates switchable configurations that allow dynamic selection between different brightness levels by reconfiguring LED strings between series and parallel arrangements. This provides multiple brightness settings without requiring complex dimming circuits, achieving brightness control through straightforward circuit switching.
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 LED devices to operate efficiently at various voltage levels and brightness settings, enhancing their adaptability for different lighting applications while improving production efficiency and inventory management for manufacturers.
Implementation Method 1
LEDs are semiconductor devices that produce light when a current is supplied to them
Data Source
AI summary
An LED lighting device is disclosed. The example LED lighting device includes a first LED circuit having at least two phosphor coated LEDs connected in series and at least one additional LED circuit having at least two phosphor coated LEDs connected in series. The LED lighting device also includes a switch having user selectable positions for providing user control to select DC voltage level options to change a DC voltage level that is delivered to at least one of the first LED circuit or the at least one additional LED circuit. One user selectable position decreases a brightness level individually of the first LED circuit and the at least one additional LED circuit. Another user selectable position individually disconnects the first LED circuit and the at least one additional LED circuit from a mains power source.