Solid State Lighting Apparatus with Constant Current Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting technologies, such as incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps, are inefficient, expensive to operate, have short lifespans, and pose environmental hazards due to the use of hazardous materials, while also being unsuitable for compact spaces and low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A solid state lighting apparatus using LEDs with a current limiting device configured as a constant current source, powered by a bridge rectifier that converts AC to DC, allowing for efficient operation at less than 100% duty cycle and eliminating the need for bulky ballasts, enabling compact and long-lasting lighting solutions that can fit into existing fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If incandescent bulbs are used, then they are inexpensive to buy, but they generate 90% heat and merely 10% light, making them inefficient and expensive to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal radiation mechanism of incandescent bulbs with electroluminescence in LEDs, eliminating the need for heat generation as an intermediate step. The solid state lighting elements directly convert electrical energy to light, achieving superior energy efficiency without the 90% heat loss characteristic of incandescent technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters from thermal radiation at high temperatures to electroluminescence at low temperatures. By operating LEDs at room temperature with controlled current through a constant current source, the system achieves high efficiency while minimizing heat generation and energy loss.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fluorescent lamps are used, then they are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they utilize hazardous materials such as mercury and require bulky ballasts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates hazardous materials such as mercury from the lighting system by using solid state LED technology. The invention achieves efficient lighting without requiring toxic substances, thereby removing the harmful factors associated with fluorescent lamp disposal and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive fluorescent lamps with more affordable LED-based solid state lighting. Although early LEDs had shorter lifetimes, the constant current driver circuitry and modular design extend operational life, while the overall system cost decreases due to elimination of mercury, ballast components, and maintenance requirements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If fluorescent lamps are used, then they exhibit longer life than incandescent bulbs, but they require frequent maintenance fulfilled by intensive labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the constant current driver circuit that automatically regulates LED operation without manual intervention. The modular housing design enables easy replacement of entire lighting modules without complex maintenance procedures, eliminating the intensive labor required for fluorescent lamp maintenance while extending operational life to 50,000 hours or more.
4Reliability
If fluorescent lamps are used, then they perform poorly in low temperatures, but they are unsuitable for smaller spaces due to bulky ballasts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gaseous discharge mechanism of fluorescent lamps with solid state electroluminescence. This substitution eliminates temperature-dependent gas pressure requirements, enabling reliable operation in low temperature environments. The solid state lighting elements and integrated constant current drivers function consistently across a wide temperature range without the performance degradation characteristic of fluorescent technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests the constant current driver circuitry, power converter, and LED arrays within a compact modular housing that fits into standard lighting fixtures. This nested integration eliminates the need for external ballasts, reducing the overall volume and enabling installation in smaller spaces where traditional fluorescent lamps with bulky ballasts cannot be accommodated.
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
The solution provides energy-efficient, long-lasting (up to 50,000 hours), environmentally friendly lighting that is compact and suitable for various applications, including small spaces, with reduced heat generation and minimal maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
bridge rectifier for converting AC power to DC power for the current limiting device
Implementation Method 2
solid state lamp including one or more solid state lighting elements
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus includes a solid state lamp including one or more solid state lighting elements, and a power circuit including a current limiting device electrically connected to the lamp. The current limiting device configured to impose a maximum threshold on the current delivered to the lamp, wherein the current limiting device functions as essentially a constant current source. The lighting apparatus includes a housing for the power circuit and lamp, as a module unit.