Series LED Light Socket with Bypass Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting technologies face challenges in efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness when integrated into existing lighting fixtures, particularly due to the need for built-in power supplies, vulnerability to series string failures, and compatibility with AC power sources.
Innovation Solution
A light socket designed for series LED lighting that includes a bypass mechanism to maintain continuous operation of other LEDs in case of a defective lamp or connection, with manual or automatic reset options and a time delay to prevent flickering, allowing for flexible use with various LED configurations and power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If LEDs are connected in series configuration, then efficiency and wiring cost are improved, but reliability deteriorates because one defective lamp causes entire string failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the series string into multiple segments by introducing bypass circuits at each socket location. When one LED fails, only that segment is bypassed while other segments remain operational, transforming a single-point-failure system into a segmented fault-tolerant system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass circuit acts as an intermediary component between the series-connected LEDs. It provides an alternative current path when a lamp fails, mediating the failure effect to prevent propagation to other LEDs in the string.
2Reliability
If bypass mechanism is added to maintain operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass circuit is merged with the existing socket structure rather than being a separate addition. The bypass components are integrated into the socket housing and contact system, combining multiple functions (electrical connection, mechanical support, and failure bypass) into a single unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical holder and electrical connector for the LED, and simultaneously as a bypass circuit controller. The same socket structure performs normal operation and failure recovery functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If built-in power supplies are used with each LED, then operation flexibility is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is extracted from individual LED units and consolidated at the system level. Instead of each LED having its own power supply, a single centralized power supply serves the entire series string, reducing component count while maintaining operational control.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical and mechanical connection for a series connected LED lamp to an appropriate electrical circuit. The circuit contains additional series connected light producing elements. To enable continuous operation of all the other light producing elements in the series circuit, the socket contains a device to bypass the series current to the remaining circuit elements in the case of a defective lamp or connection. Operation of the bypass device is controlled within the socket with operational parameters controlled either from within the socket or in conjunction with an external element in the lamp. The operation of the bypass circuit is latching, once operating the bypass will continue to operate until reset preventing unwanted flicker in the case of intermittent connections. The method of resetting the bypass circuit may be either manual or automatic. The socket bypass may contain a time delay to allow internal bypass circuits included within the lamp to operate before the socket bypass activates.