Self-Repairing LED Lighting System with Automatic Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In various lighting environments, such as vehicular, aviation, and boating, there is a need for continuous functionality of lights to ensure safety and compliance, as nonfunctioning lights can lead to safety issues, fines, and accidents, and existing monitoring methods are inefficient, causing delays and risks.
Innovation Solution
A self-repairing lighting system with parallel sets of light-emitting diodes and switches, where a detector and local controller monitor operating parameters like voltage drops and current, automatically switching to alternate sets of lights when a failure is detected, and sending error messages when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring of light functionality is implemented, then operators can identify nonfunctioning lights, but this causes delays and requires immediate repair actions that disrupt operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own light elements through detectors that measure parameters like current and voltage. When a fault is detected, the system autonomously switches to backup lights without requiring operator intervention, thus maintaining continuous operation and eliminating operational delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring where detectors constantly measure operating parameters of light elements and feed this information to a controller. This real-time feedback enables immediate detection of failures and automatic activation of backup lights, preventing operational disruptions.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of lights is implemented, then light failures can be detected immediately, but this increases system complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The detectors in the system serve multiple functions: they monitor light element functionality, measure operating parameters for system control, and detect faults that trigger automatic switching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring and control functions are merged into an integrated system where detectors, controllers, and backup light elements work as a unified whole. The controller both monitors system status and executes switching decisions, combining multiple responsibilities into a single component to manage complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If backup light sets are implemented, then continuous lighting operation is maintained during failures, but this increases system complexity and resource requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into separate, independent light element modules with corresponding backup modules. Each light element can be independently monitored and switched, allowing granular fault management. This modular segmentation enables continuous operation by isolating failures to individual elements rather than the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Backup light elements are pre-configured and ready before failures occur. The system maintains standby light elements that can be immediately activated through simple switching actions when failures are detected, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making or resource allocation during emergencies.
4Reliability
If automatic switching between light sets is implemented, then continuous operation is maintained, but this requires sophisticated control systems that increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-diagnosis and autonomous decision-making based on detector inputs. When a light element failure is detected, the controller automatically activates the corresponding backup element without requiring external control or complex algorithms, thereby maintaining continuous operation with minimal control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with electronic control and detection circuits. Simple electronic switches and detectors substitute for complicated mechanical relay systems, reducing overall control system complexity while enabling automatic switching functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-repairing lighting system is provided, including: a power line; a ground line; a first lighting circuit arranged between the power line and the ground line, the first lighting circuit including a plurality of first lights arranged in series; and a first switch arranged in series with the plurality of first lights; a second lighting circuit arranged between the powerline and the ground, the second lighting circuit including a plurality of second lights arranged in series; and a second switch arranged in series with the plurality of second lights; a detector configured to detect an operating parameter of the self-repairing lighting system; a controller configured to operate the first and second switches based on the operating parameter. The operating parameter is one of a voltage drop on or a current passing through the power line, the ground line, or one of the lighting circuits.