Parallel Bypass Components in Series LED Light Strings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional series wired LED light strings fail if a single LED burns out or becomes unplugged, and while parallel-series wired strings improve reliability, they increase wire costs and can still fail if both LEDs in a module burn out.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bypass component connected in parallel with the LEDs in a series wired LED light string, which allows current to flow through alternative paths when an LED fails, reducing the need for additional wires and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a parallel-series wired structure is used to improve reliability, then the light string continues to function if one LED fails, but the wire cost increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bypass component with the LED lamp housing to create an integrated assembly. The bypass component is positioned within the same housing as the LED, eliminating the need for separate wiring structures and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the parallel-series reliability benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass component serves multiple functions: it provides an alternative current path when the LED fails, maintains circuit continuity, and is integrated into the existing lamp housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components and simplifies the overall wiring architecture
2Reliability
If a parallel-series wired structure is used to improve reliability, then the light string continues to function if one LED fails, but the wire cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass component is integrated into the lamp housing rather than being implemented through separate wire connections. This merging of functions eliminates the need for additional wire spans and reduces material costs while achieving the same reliability improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the bypass function from the wiring system and implements it through a dedicated component integrated into the lamp housing. This separation of the bypass function from the main wiring structure reduces the quantity of wire needed while maintaining reliability benefits
3Adaptability or versatility
If twinkle LED elements are added to create flashing effects, then the decorative functionality is improved, but the current interference with other LEDs occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current path by providing a dedicated bypass component that handles the intermittent current demands of the twinkle LED. This segmentation isolates the twinkle LED's current interference from the main LED circuit, allowing decorative functionality without compromising circuit stability
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass component acts as an intermediary element between the power source and the twinkle LED. It mediates the current flow by providing an alternative path that absorbs the intermittent current demands, preventing interference with other LEDs while enabling the decorative flashing effect
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 enables series wired LED light strings to maintain functionality even if individual LEDs fail, reducing costs and improving reliability without the need for extra wires, and allows for the use of twinkle LEDs without interfering with other LEDs.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass component connected to the first lead and to the second lead... allows current to flow through alternative paths when an LED fails
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an LED light string that uses parallel connected bypass components that are connected across the leads of the LEDs and are disposed in the socket of the LED lamp holder. The use of parallel connected bypass components across the leads of the LEDs greatly enhances the reliability of the light string. Bypass components are also included in the LED lamp structure, both internally to the LED lamp proxy and externally across the leads of the LED lamp element. A resistive wire can also be connected between conductors in an LED socket structure inside a lamp holder. Using the bypass components, twinkle lamps can be inserted in series wired LED light strings.