Switchable Luminance LED Bulb With Segmented Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

White LED light bulbs lack the ability to provide multiple light outputs like traditional incandescent bulbs, specifically 3-way Edison bulbs, which are switchable and versatile for different lighting needs.

Innovation Solution

A switchable LED light bulb with a low-power, transformerless power supply that allows for varying levels of electric current to power different numbers of LEDs, enabling multiple light output levels without requiring specialty lamps or bulbs, using a switch with multiple positions to direct current through resistors and/or capacitors to achieve varying light intensities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional incandescent bulbs are used to provide multiple light outputs, then switchable light outputs are achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitchable light outputsVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The LED array is divided into multiple independently controllable groups or strings, each capable of being switched on or off individually. This segmentation allows the bulb to provide multiple discrete light output levels by activating different combinations of LED groups, replacing the need for multiple incandescent bulbs while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs dynamic control circuitry that can selectively activate different numbers and combinations of LEDs based on user selection. This dynamic switching capability enables variable light output levels from a single LED bulb, providing adaptability similar to 3-way incandescent bulbs but with superior energy efficiency and extended lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialty lamps are used to achieve different lighting needs, then various light outputs are provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting optionsVSAvoidnumber of bulbs required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single LED bulb incorporates multiple LED groups that can be selectively activated to provide various light output levels, making the bulb multi-functional. This universal design eliminates the need for users to purchase and manage multiple specialty bulbs (3-way, dimmable, etc.), simplifying the lighting system while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines multiple LED groups and their control circuitry into a single integrated bulb unit. By merging the functionality of what would traditionally require separate bulbs into one device, the invention reduces overall system complexity while providing equivalent or superior lighting options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If LED bulbs are used to improve energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidswitchable outputs
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The LED bulb incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows users to select between multiple discrete light output levels by activating different combinations of LED groups. This dynamic control maintains energy efficiency while providing adaptability comparable to traditional multi-way incandescent bulbs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the LED array by selectively activating different numbers and combinations of LEDs. This parameter variation enables multiple discrete light output levels from a single energy-efficient LED bulb, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables a single LED bulb design to replace multiple standard bulbs, offering customizable lighting outputs and increased versatility, making it a cost-effective and practical replacement for traditional bulbs by allowing users to set desired lighting levels at installation.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifier to rectify AC to DC

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

the selected DC output current is fed into at least one of a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein the selected DC output current corresponds to the light output of the light emitting diodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9144129B2Switchable luminance LED light bulb
Publication Date: 2015.09.22 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA
  • US9144129B2 patent drawing
  • US9144129B2 patent drawing
  • US9144129B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A switchable luminance LED light bulb, including embodiments that may be used with any common commercial fitting.