Underwater LED Light Depreciation Indicator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LED underwater lighting systems in swimming pools and spas lack an effective indication of when their lumen output has depreciated below a minimum level, making it difficult to ensure safe illumination as they do not provide a clear signal when they need to be replaced, unlike incandescent bulbs which maintain consistent output throughout their life.
Innovation Solution
A system that monitors the operating characteristics of an AC power source coupled to the LED assembly, using zero-crossing events to track the total time of operation and compare it to a threshold value, providing an indicator when the lumen output has depreciated, which can be visual or audible, to notify users of the need for replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED assemblies are used for underwater lighting, then energy efficiency and lifespan are improved, but lumen output depreciates predictably over time without providing indication when replacement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a monitoring system that tracks the operating hours of LED assemblies and provides feedback to users when the LEDs have been operating for a predetermined time period. This feedback mechanism (visual or audible indication) informs users that the LED lumen output has likely depreciated below acceptable levels and replacement is needed, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining LED energy efficiency benefits
2Duration of action of stationary object
If LED assemblies are used for underwater lighting, then lifespan is extended, but it becomes difficult to determine when replacement is needed to maintain safety standards
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of LED operating hours and provides advance indication before the LEDs actually fail or drop below minimum lumen output requirements. By tracking time and alerting users in advance (before the threshold is exceeded), the system ensures replacement occurs proactively, maintaining reliable safe illumination throughout the extended LED lifespan
3Device complexity
If no monitoring system is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but users cannot determine when LED lumen output has depreciated below minimum levels
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates autonomously, automatically tracking LED operating hours and generating replacement indications without requiring user intervention or complex external monitoring equipment. The system serves itself by internally timing LED operation and providing built-in alerts, maintaining simplicity while enabling easy maintenance monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of determining depreciation of a lumen output of an LED. More particularly, disclosed is a method of determining depreciation of a lumen output of an LED comprising monitoring, by a processing device, an operating characteristic of an AC power source operatively coupled to the LED; determining, by the processing device, whether a lumen output the LED depreciated beyond a specified lumen value based on the monitoring; and causing, by the processing device, an indicator to provide notification to a user based on determining the lumen output of the LED depreciated beyond the specified lumen value.