Self-Adjusting Power Supply for LED Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supplies for LED-based channel letter lighting systems struggle to maintain a constant current, leading to potential overdriving and premature failure of LEDs due to variable voltage drops in wiring, which are difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting power supply system with a feedback circuit that senses current and adjusts voltage output to maintain a constant current mode by increasing voltage until current stabilization is achieved, compensating for wire resistance and environmental variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard power supply is used with fixed voltage output, then the power supply structure is simple, but the current delivered to LEDs varies due to wiring resistance causing potential overdriving and premature LED failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the power supply continuously monitors the actual current delivered to the LED modules and adjusts its output voltage accordingly. This closed-loop system ensures that despite variations in wiring resistance or environmental conditions, the current remains within safe operating limits, thereby extending LED lifespan without requiring overly complex external circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply incorporates self-adjusting capabilities through integrated sensing and control circuitry that automatically compensates for wiring resistance variations. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by detecting current deviations and autonomously adjusting voltage output, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external regulation components
2Reliability
If the power supply voltage is increased to compensate for high wiring resistance, then current delivery is improved, but LEDs may be overdriven and fail prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply uses real-time current monitoring with feedback control to detect when the actual current approaches dangerous levels. When high wiring resistance causes voltage drop, the system automatically increases voltage to maintain current, but the feedback mechanism simultaneously monitors to prevent overdriving, adjusting voltage dynamically to keep current within safe operating parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the output voltage parameter based on actual operating conditions. By continuously adjusting voltage in response to measured current and resistance variations, the power supply optimizes current delivery while preventing harmful overdriving effects, adapting to each specific installation's wiring characteristics
3Adaptability or versatility
If LED modules are installed at different locations with varying wire lengths and gauges, then installation flexibility is improved, but current consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply implements local quality control by providing individualized current regulation for each LED module or group. Through distributed sensing and independent control channels, the system adjusts voltage output specifically for each location's wiring characteristics, ensuring current consistency despite variations in wire length and gauge across different installation locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic voltage adjustment capabilities that adapt to each installation's specific electrical characteristics. By continuously measuring actual current delivery and autonomously modifying voltage output in real-time, the power supply maintains current consistency across all LED modules regardless of their position in the electrical distribution network
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
Ensures consistent current delivery to LEDs, preventing overdriving and extending their lifespan by dynamically adjusting voltage to match the specific requirements of the LED modules, regardless of the number of modules or wire length and gauge.
Implementation Method 1
A feedback circuit is included from the constant current device to the power supply causing the power supply voltage to equal the constant current voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are disclosed that control power supplies to automatically provide the appropriate voltage to drive constant current devices. A lighting system according to the present invention comprises a lighting module having a constant current device that provides a constant current in response to constant current voltage. A power supply is included that generates a power supply voltage coupled to the lighting module. A feedback circuit is included from the lighting module to the power supply causing the power supply voltage to be sufficient to provide a constant current voltage at the LED module. A method according to the present invention for generating a constant current voltage to drive a constant current device, comprises providing a drive voltage to a constant current device. The current at the constant current device is sensed a first time, and the drive voltage is increased. The current to the constant current device is sensed a second time. The drive current is held at its increased level if the current did not increase from the first to the second sensing. The increasing of the drive voltage and sensing of the current is repeated of the current did increase between the first and second sensing.