Remote Transformer Lighting System for Long-Distance Gas Discharge Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems face limitations in efficiently transmitting high voltage high frequency signals over long distances without significant power loss, particularly in gas discharge tube applications, where traditional cables are inadequate beyond 20 feet, leading to reduced operational efficiency and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lighting system that uses a remote transformer and charge pump configuration, coupled with a power conditioning and control module, to convert low voltage high frequency PWM signals into high voltage high frequency signals, allowing for efficient operation of gas discharge tubes over extended distances via balanced differential transmission cables, and includes Hall effect sensors and opto-isolators for monitoring and feedback control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional cables are used to transmit high voltage high frequency signals, then power loss is significant, but the cable length is limited to about 20 feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote transformer as an intermediary device that converts low voltage high frequency PWM signals to high voltage high frequency signals at the remote location. This mediator enables efficient signal transmission over long distances by performing voltage conversion locally, eliminating the power loss issues associated with traditional long-distance high voltage cable transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the power transmission function into two parts: low voltage high frequency PWM signal transmission over long distances via balanced differential cables, and high voltage generation at the remote location through the transformer. This segmentation allows each part to operate in its optimal range, with cables handling low voltage transmission efficiently and the transformer handling high voltage generation locally.
2Ease of operation
If low voltage high frequency PWM signals are transmitted over long distances, then installation flexibility is improved, but signal conversion to high voltage is required at the remote location
Solution Approach 1:
The remote transformer serves as an intermediary that automatically performs the signal conversion from low voltage high frequency PWM to high voltage high frequency signals. This automated conversion process simplifies installation by eliminating the need for manual high voltage wiring, while the transformer handles the complexity of signal conversion internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical high voltage wiring and connection methods with an electrical signal-based approach. Low voltage PWM signals are transmitted through balanced differential cables, and the remote transformer electronically converts these to high voltage signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical high voltage connections and improving installation flexibility.
3Length of moving object
If remote transformer and charge pump configuration is used, then operation over extended distances is enabled, but feedback control mechanisms are required for stable performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms including Hall effect sensors for current monitoring and opto-isolators for signal isolation and feedback transmission. These feedback systems continuously monitor the operation of the remote transformer and charge pump, and automatically adjust parameters to maintain stable performance over extended distances, eliminating the need for manual calibration and ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system enables the remote transformer and charge pump configuration to self-regulate and self-correct during operation. The Hall effect sensors and opto-isolators automatically detect and compensate for variations in load conditions, cable characteristics, and environmental factors, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance without external intervention over extended operational distances.
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 the reliable operation of gas discharge tubes at varying light intensities over distances exceeding 20 feet, improving installation flexibility and reducing power loss, while ensuring stable performance through feedback mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The remote transformer may be adapted to convert the low voltage high frequency PWM signal to a high voltage high frequency PWM signal
Implementation Method 2
the charge pump may be adapted to receive the high voltage high frequency PWM signal and increase a voltage of the high voltage high frequency PWM signal
Implementation Method 3
A Hall effect sensor may be included, coupled to the controller, and located adjacent to the remote transformer
Implementation Method 4
a gas discharge tube may be coupled to the charge pump
Implementation Method 5
arc discharge (neon tubes and fluorescent tubes), or through electronic transitions (light emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent tubes)
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system. Implementations may include an AC input power source coupled with a power conditioning and control module adapted output a low voltage high frequency pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. A remote transmission cable may be adapted to carry the low voltage high frequency PWM signal to a remote transformer adapted to convert the low voltage high frequency PWM signal to a high voltage high frequency PWM signal. A charge pump may be included which is adapted to receive the high voltage high frequency PWM signal and increase a voltage of the signal. A gas discharge tube may be coupled to the charge pump. A controller may be coupled to the power conditioning and control module and adapted to operate the gas discharge tube at two or more light intensity levels with the low voltage high frequency PWM signal.