TRIAC Dimmer Setting Detection via Relaxation Oscillation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
TRIAC dimmer controls are not well suited for LED lighting sources, as they introduce radio frequency noise and interference, and their 'chopping' mechanism is not suitable for all lighting sources, leading to inconsistent dimming and potential operational issues with solid-state lighting.
Innovation Solution
A process and system that utilize a TRIAC dimmer control by inducing a relaxation oscillation in response to a test voltage, allowing the detection of the dimmer's setting through frequency or period measurement, enabling the dimming of lights without the typical negative effects associated with TRIAC dimmers, and allowing their use in systems with high voltage power signals regardless of lighting technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If TRIAC dimmer control uses chopping mechanism to reduce power delivery, then illumination intensity can be adjusted, but radio frequency noise and interference are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the control function of the TRIAC dimmer by applying a test voltage to induce relaxation oscillation, while eliminating the harmful chopping mechanism that generates RF noise. The oscillation frequency is measured to determine dimmer setting without actually chopping the power waveform to the lighting load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a test voltage signal as an intermediary to interact with the TRIAC dimmer's control circuitry. This intermediary signal allows the system to read the dimmer setting through relaxation oscillation frequency without using the harmful chopping mechanism for actual power delivery.
2Power
If TRIAC dimmer control chops voltage waveform to reduce power, then average power delivered is reduced, but waveform transients and edges cause system elements to vibrate and produce buzz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the control measurement function from the power delivery function. By measuring relaxation oscillation frequency from a test voltage, the system determines dimmer setting without using the chopping mechanism that creates voltage transients causing vibration and buzz.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TRIAC dimmer control is used with LED lighting sources, then compatibility issue arises, but alternative dimming solutions increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a test voltage signal as an intermediary to interface with the TRIAC dimmer's control circuitry. This approach maintains compatibility with existing TRIAC dimmers while enabling use with LED lighting sources that cannot tolerate chopped waveforms, as the actual power delivery uses clean sinusoidal or DC waveforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the TRIAC dimmer control interface universally compatible with different lighting types (incandescent, fluorescent, LED) by separating the control signal processing from the power delivery. The relaxation oscillation measurement works with any TRIAC dimmer, while the lighting load receives appropriate waveforms for its type.
4Power
If TRIAC dimmer control chops AC power waveform, then power adjustment is achieved, but the chopping mechanism is not well suited for solid state lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the control setting information from the TRIAC dimmer by measuring relaxation oscillation frequency, while eliminating the harmful chopping mechanism from the power delivery path. This allows power adjustment functionality to be maintained through digital control of the power supply rather than analog waveform chopping.
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 the use of TRIAC dimmer controls for both traditional and solid-state lighting systems, providing consistent dimming without radio frequency noise and interference, and allowing operation with high voltage power signals, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional TRIAC dimmer applications.
Implementation Method 1
A relaxation oscillation is induced within the dimmer device in response to the applied test voltage. A measure of the relaxation oscillation is determined by at least one of a frequency and a period of the dimmer's relaxation oscillation response.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling power delivered to a lighting system for controlling illumination. The system includes a TRIAC with an input capacitor connected in parallel to a phase delay circuit including a series combination of a potentiometer and a capacitor. A ramp voltage output from the timing circuit is connected through a DIAC to a gate input of the TRIAC. The TRIAC is connected between a DC voltage source and an electrical load. In response to the DC source, the input power storage capacitor, the phase delay timing circuit and the input terminal of the TRIAC have a direct current output voltage higher than a DIAC breakover voltage, used to drive a gate input of the TRIAC. The TRIAC operates in relaxation oscillation mode such that a frequency of oscillation of the TRIAC circuit, as controlled by the timing resistor, can be used to control power to the electrical load.