Switch Driving Device for Sequential Lighting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light-emitting devices with sequential lighting functions require a microprocessor for control, leading to increased complexity, power consumption, and component count, as well as the need for multiple control lines and EMC testing challenges.

Innovation Solution

A switch driving device with a logic circuit that automatically controls the ON/OFF states of switch elements in a sequential pattern without a microprocessor, using a start delay circuit, frequency setter, and watchdog timers, and can operate in both sequential and all-lit modes, reducing the need for external control signals and components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a microprocessor is used to control sequential lighting in light-emitting devices, then the lighting control function is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequential lighting control functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the microprocessor from the light-emitting device, removing the complex control unit while retaining the sequential lighting function through a simplified driving device that uses basic logic circuits and timing mechanisms instead of a full microprocessor system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving device is designed to automatically generate sequential lighting patterns through internal timing circuits and logic operations, eliminating the need for external microprocessor control. The system serves itself by using simple circuit elements to create the desired lighting sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a microprocessor is used to control sequential lighting, then the lighting control function is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequential lighting control functionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive, high-power microprocessor with simple, low-power logic circuits and timing components that consume minimal energy. These basic electronic components achieve the same sequential lighting control function with significantly reduced power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a microprocessor is used for control, then sequential lighting is achieved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequential lighting control functionVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (timing, sequencing, control logic) into a single integrated driving device that uses a small number of components. Instead of having separate microprocessor, memory, and control circuits, these functions are merged into a compact circuit implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control lines are used for microprocessor control, then the control function is achieved, but EMC testing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionVSAvoidEMC testing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the microprocessor control system that requires multiple control lines and complex signal interfaces. The simplified driving device uses fewer signal lines and simpler control mechanisms, thereby reducing electromagnetic compatibility testing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3272585B1Switch driving device, light-emitting device, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 ROHM CO LTD
  • EP3272585B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3272585B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3272585B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A switch driving device 10 comprises: multichannel switch elements SW1 to SW8 which are connected in parallel to a plurality of light-emitting elements included in a vehicle-mounted light-emitting device; and a logic portion 120 which automatically starts a series of switch driving sequence so that the on-off states of the switch elements SW1 to SW8 are sequentially switched in a predetermined pattern in response to the power-on of the device.