Shared LED Driver Topology for Luminaire Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LED luminaires, the failure of a single LED driver causes the corresponding LED string to fail, leading to maintenance issues due to the need for replacement of drivers with limited lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple LED drivers connected in parallel to each LED string, where a switch ensures that power is redirected from a non-failing driver to the LED string when a driver fails, using one-way conductors like FETs or diodes to prevent backflow and maintain lighting, and sensors for active detection of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple LED drivers are connected in parallel to LED strings, then the reliability of the lighting system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lighting load into separate LED strings that can be independently powered by dedicated LED drivers. Each LED string is a discrete segment that can fail independently, and the segmentation allows for modular redundancy where not all segments need to be operational for the system to function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundancy by providing multiple LED drivers that can take over if one fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the system can withstand driver failures without complete system failure, cushioning against the harmful effect of driver lifespan limitations.
2Device complexity
If a single LED driver is used for an LED string, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when the driver fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundancy by providing multiple LED drivers that can take over if one fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the system can withstand driver failures without complete system failure, cushioning against the harmful effect of driver lifespan limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that monitors the operational status of LED drivers and manages power redistribution. When a driver fails, the controller mediates the transition by redirecting power from healthy drivers to affected LED strings, enabling seamless failover without requiring direct complex interconnections between all drivers and strings.
3Reliability
If LED drivers are replaced frequently due to limited lifespan, then the reliability is maintained through replacement, but the loss of time for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-repair through automatic driver failure detection and power redistribution. The controller monitors driver status and automatically redirects power to maintain LED operation without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating maintenance time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the operational status of LED drivers and adjusts power distribution accordingly. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of driver failures and automatic compensation, maintaining system reliability without requiring manual inspection or replacement.
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 configuration ensures that LED strings remain operational even if one driver fails, reducing brightness but maintaining light output, and allows for redundant drivers to minimize brightness reduction, thereby extending luminaire lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a first one-way conductor having an input that that is electrically connected to an output of the first LED driver, and an output that is electrically connected to an input of the first LED string
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for emitting light (such as a luminaire) includes a first light emitting diode (LED) string and a first LED driver that is electrically connected in parallel to the first LED string. The system also may include a second (or more) LED string(s), each associated with an additional LED driver. One-way conductors and normally-open switches are used so that if one LED driver fails, the remaining LED driver(s) will deliver power to the failed driver's LED string so that the light remains operational, but with a reduced brightness.