Multi-Winding Transformer Power Converter for LED Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multichannel LED drivers face challenges with high overall voltage levels, increased size, weight, and cost due to redundant components, and lack fault tolerance and independent control over each LED channel.
Innovation Solution
A power converter system utilizing a transformer with multiple secondary windings and shared regulation circuitry, where loads are alternately interspersed between secondary modules in a ring-like series circuit, allowing for bypass circuits to redirect current in case of faults and providing independent control over each channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant power conversion modules are used for each LED string, then reliability is improved, but device complexity, size, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power conversion functions into a single integrated power converter that can drive multiple LED strings. Instead of using separate redundant power modules for each LED string, the invention uses one power converter with multiple output channels that share common components including the controller, transformer, and sensor, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control each LED string.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple LED strings simultaneously. The single power converter unit can independently control multiple LED strings through shared regulation circuitry, making the system more versatile and reducing the need for multiple dedicated power conversion modules.
2Loss of energy
If LED strings are arranged in series, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but overall voltage level increases to dangerous levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LED strings into parallel groups where each group is driven by its own output channel of the power converter. This segmentation allows the system to maintain efficient power conversion while keeping voltage levels manageable, as each parallel group operates at a lower voltage than would be required if all strings were connected in series.
3Ease of operation
If redundant components are used for each channel, then independent control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated controller that can independently regulate each LED string through shared regulation circuitry. This approach maintains independent control capability while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for multiple separate control modules and their associated redundant components.
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 system achieves lower overall voltage levels, reduced size and weight, increased reliability, and independent control over LED channels, ensuring continued operation and stable power delivery even if one or more channels fail.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer with a primary winding and a plurality of secondarily windings
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, method and system are disclosed for supplying power to a load such as a plurality of light emitting diodes. An exemplary apparatus comprises a primary module (515), a first secondary module (5201) couplable to a first load (1301), and a second secondary module (5202) couplable to a second load (1302). The primary module (515) comprises a transformer having a transformer primary. The first secondary module comprises a first transformer secondary magnetically coupled to the transformer primary, and the second secondary module comprises a second transformer secondary magnetically coupled to the transformer primary, with the second secondary module couplable in series through the first or second load to the first secondary module. When energized by a power source (110), the first secondary module (5201) has a first voltage polarity and is couplable in a series with the first load (1301) configured to have an opposing, second voltage polarity, which substantially offset each other to provide a comparatively low resultant voltage level.