{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853561","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853561","title":"Load control device for high-efficiency loads","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-04-15T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H02M","H02M","H02M"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor coupled between the source and the load, a gate coupling circuit comprising two MOS-gated transistors, and a control circuit. The control circuit generates first and second drive voltages for individually controlling the MOS-gated transistors, and controls the gate coupling circuit to cause the MOS-gated transistors to conduct a pulse of current through a gate terminal of the thyristor to render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a present half cycle of the AC power source, and to allow the MOS-gated transistors to conduct at least one other pulse of current through the gate terminal after the firing time during the present half cycle."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Load Control Device for High-efficiency Loads patent introduces a novel solution for managing power delivery to high-efficiency lighting loads, such as LEDs. The core innovation lies in its ability to provide smooth and flicker-free dimming while simultaneously improving energy efficiency. Traditional dimmer switches often struggle to effectively control LEDs, leading to flickering, buzzing, and reduced lifespan. This invention addresses these issues by employing a sophisticated control circuit that precisely regulates the current delivered to the LED load.\n\nThe key technical approach involves a two-wire load control device that includes a thyristor, a gate coupling circuit with MOS-gated transistors, and a control circuit. The control circuit generates drive voltages for the transistors, enabling precise control over the thyristor's conduction. By delivering controlled pulses of current to the thyristor's gate terminal, the device can accurately determine the firing time during each half cycle of the AC power source. Furthermore, the design allows for multiple current pulses after the initial firing, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the power delivery.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its ability to improve the user experience, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of LED lighting systems. This translates to cost savings for consumers and businesses, as well as a reduced environmental impact. The market opportunity is significant, as high-efficiency lighting continues to gain adoption across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The Load Control Device for High-efficiency Loads offers a timely and effective solution for optimizing power management in diverse applications, making it a compelling investment for manufacturers and installers seeking to enhance the performance and efficiency of their lighting systems.","layman_explanation":"The Load Control Device for High-efficiency Loads addresses a common problem with modern LED lighting: poor dimming performance. Many existing dimmer switches, designed for older incandescent bulbs, simply don't work well with LEDs. This results in flickering lights, buzzing sounds, and even reduced lifespan for the LED bulbs.\n\nThe core idea behind this innovation is to precisely control the amount of electricity flowing to the LED light. Instead of just cutting off parts of the electrical wave like traditional dimmers, this device uses a more sophisticated method. It employs a special type of electronic switch, called a thyristor, along with other components to carefully regulate the current delivered to the LED. Think of it like a smart faucet that precisely controls the flow of water, rather than just slamming the tap on and off.\n\nThis matters because it solves several problems at once. First, it eliminates the annoying flickering that many people experience with LED dimming. Second, it improves the energy efficiency of the lighting system, saving money on electricity bills. Third, it can potentially extend the lifespan of the LED bulbs by providing a more stable and controlled power supply. The Load Control Device for High-efficiency Loads represents a significant improvement in lighting technology, offering a better dimming experience and reduced energy consumption.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be integrated into smart home systems, allowing for remote control and automation of lighting. As LED lighting becomes even more prevalent, the demand for effective and efficient dimming solutions will continue to grow. This innovation is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering a compelling value proposition for both consumers and businesses.","technical_analysis":"The Load Control Device for High-efficiency Loads patent details a system designed to improve the performance of dimmer switches when used with high-efficiency loads like LEDs. Traditional dimmer switches, often designed for incandescent bulbs, struggle with the unique electrical characteristics of LEDs, leading to flickering and inefficient power delivery. The invention addresses this with a sophisticated control circuit.\n\nThe technical architecture centers around a two-wire configuration, making it relatively easy to integrate into existing electrical systems. The key components are a thyristor, which acts as the main switching element, a gate coupling circuit comprised of MOS-gated transistors, and a control circuit. The control circuit is the brain of the operation, generating the necessary drive voltages to control the MOS-gated transistors. These transistors, in turn, regulate the current flow to the thyristor gate.\n\nA critical aspect of the invention is the ability to deliver multiple current pulses to the thyristor gate during each half cycle of the AC power source. This ensures stable and reliable conduction, even at low dimming levels. The design also focuses on minimizing harmonic distortion and improving the power factor, which is essential for efficient energy usage and reducing stress on the electrical grid. Implementation involves careful selection of components and precise calibration of the control circuit to optimize performance for different LED loads. Integration patterns would typically involve replacing existing dimmer switches with this new device. Performance characteristics include smoother dimming curves, reduced flicker, lower harmonic distortion, and improved energy efficiency. Code-level implications would involve programming the control circuit to implement the desired dimming algorithms and feedback loops.","business_analysis":"The Load Control Device for High-efficiency Loads patent presents a significant market opportunity within the rapidly growing high-efficiency lighting sector. The increasing adoption of LED lighting, driven by energy efficiency mandates and cost savings, creates a demand for improved control systems. Traditional dimmer switches often fail to provide satisfactory performance with LEDs, leading to flickering, buzzing, and reduced lifespan. This invention addresses these shortcomings, offering a superior dimming experience and enhanced energy efficiency.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to provide smooth and flicker-free dimming, reduce harmonic distortion, and improve power factor. These features differentiate it from existing dimmer switches and position it as a premium solution for high-efficiency lighting control. The revenue potential is substantial, as the device can be sold to both residential and commercial customers. Business models could include direct sales to consumers, partnerships with lighting manufacturers, and licensing agreements with other technology companies.\n\nStrategically, this invention allows a company to establish itself as a leader in the smart lighting control market. By focusing on innovation and customer satisfaction, the company can build a strong brand reputation and capture a significant market share. ROI projections are favorable, given the increasing demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions and the superior performance of this technology. The Load Control Device for High-efficiency Loads offers a compelling investment opportunity with the potential for significant financial returns.","faqs":null,"topics":["LED dimming","load control","energy efficiency","dimmer switch","thyristor","control","device","efficiency"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Load Control Device for High-efficiency Loads - Patent US-9853561","description":"Discover the Load Control Device for High-efficiency Loads patent, enabling smooth, flicker-free LED dimming & energy savings. Full analysis & claims.","keywords":["LED dimming","load control","energy efficiency","dimmer switch","thyristor","MOS-gated transistors","power management","smart lighting","patent","patent US-9853561"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853561","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853561","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Load control device for high-efficiency loads\" (US-9853561). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853561","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853561","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853561","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T06:37:13.699Z"}