Selector switch

Description

Docket No. : 15720.1142WOU1SELECTOR SWITCHRelated Application

[0001] The present application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202411073687, filed September 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by this reference.Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a selector switch, and more specifically to increasing a current capacity of a selector switch.Background

[0003] A selector switch is a device that controls the flow of current in a circuit by turning a knob or an actuator back and forth. Selector switches can be used to make, break, or change circuit connections. Selector switches can be mechanical, electrical, or electronic and may have two or more positions.Summary

[0004] In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a method of operating a selector switch, comprises: determining a mode of operation of the selector switch; and connecting each contact of a pair of primary contacts of the selector switch to an associated contact of a pair of secondary contacts of the selector switch, wherein connecting each contact of the pair of primary contacts to the associated contact of the pair of secondary contacts comprises: connecting a second terminal of a primary contact of the pair of primary contacts to a first terminal of a first secondary contact of the pair of secondary contacts; and connecting a second terminal of an auxiliary contact of the pair of primary contacts to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of the pair of secondary contacts; and sensing a status of the selector switch through a current sensor connected to the second secondary contact, wherein: a first terminal of each of the pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source, and a second terminal of each of the pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures.

[0005] In accordance with some other aspects of the present disclosure, a selector switch comprises: a first pair of primary contacts, wherein a first terminal of each of contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source; a second pair of primaryDocket No. : 15720.1142WOU1 contacts, wherein a first terminal of each of contact of the second pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source; a first pair of secondary contacts, wherein a second terminal of each of contact of the first pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures; a second pair of secondary contacts, wherein a second terminal of each of contact of the second pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures; a mode selection knob to configure the selector switch in one of the following three modes: an auto mode, a manual mode, and an off mode, wherein in the manual mode: a second terminal of a first primary contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a first secondary contact of the first pair of secondary contacts; and a second terminal of an auxiliary contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of the first pair of secondary contacts.

[0006] In accordance with some other aspects of the present disclosure, a selector switch comprises: a first pair of primary contacts, wherein a first terminal of each of contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source; a second pair of primary contacts, wherein a first terminal of each of contact of the second pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source; a first pair of secondary contacts, wherein a second terminal of each contact of the first pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures; a second pair of secondary contacts, wherein a second terminal of each contact of the second pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures; a mode selection knob to configure the selector switch in one of the following modes: an auto mode, a manual mode, and an off mode, wherein in the auto mode the first pair of primary contacts are connected to the first pair of secondary contacts, and wherein in the manual mode the second pair of primary contacts are connected to the second pair of secondary contacts.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an operating environment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating components of a selector switch.Docket No. : 15720.1142WOU1

[0010] FIG. 3 is a placement diagram of some components of the selector switch.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating other components of the selector switch.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a front panel of an enclosure including the selector switch.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of method of operating the selector switch.Detailed Description

[0014] In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as top, bottom, front, back, etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0015] The disclosure provides processes to increase capacity of a selector switch. More specifically, the disclosure provides techniques to increase an operating capacity of a selector switch by configuring all contacts of the selector to carry a load current thereby increasing a current carrying capacity of the selector switch. Increasing the current carrying capacity may lead to an increase in a number of loads that can be connected to and controlled by the selector switch. This is beneficial in hazardous environments where a number of selector switches may be limited in order to reduce fire or explosion risks.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example operating environment 100. As shown in FIG. 1, operating environment 100 includes a plurality of fixtures 102. Plurality of fixtures 102 may be installed in an hazardous environment, for example, a mine or a factory. Operating environment 100 may further include a selector switch 110 and a controller 120. Selector switch 110 and controller 120 control operation of plurality of fixtures 102. Selector switch 110 may be provide power to plurality of fixtures 102. For example, selector switch 110 may be connected between a power source and plurality of fixtures 102. Selector switch 110 is described in greater detail in the following sections of the disclosure.Docket No. : 15720.1142WOU1

[0017] Plurality of fixtures 102 may include, for example, a first fixture 102a, a second fixture 102b, a third fixture 102c, a fourth fixture 102d, a fifth fixture 102e, a sixth fixture 102f, a seventh fixture 102g, an eighth fixture 102h, and a ninth fixture 102i. Each of plurality of fixtures 102 may be a light fixture, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a fan, etc.

[0018] In some implementations, each of plurality of fixtures 102 may include a Bluetooth device to communicate with each other and with controller 120. Moreover, each of plurality of fixtures 102 may be wired to or connected to selector switch 110. In addition, each of plurality of fixtures 102 may operate in an auto mode, a manual mode, or an OFF mode. In the auto mode, each of plurality of fixture 102 may control itself locally through a local controller. In the manual mode, each of plurality of fixtures 102 may be controlled by selector switch 110.

[0019] Each of plurality of fixtures 102 may include a plurality of sensors. For example, when plurality of fixtures 102 include light fixtures, the plurality of sensors may include a daylight sensor or an ambient light sensor, a time sensor, an occupancy sensor, etc. Each of plurality of fixture 102 may further include a local controller. The local controller may be programmed to switch ON and switch OFF its associated fixture of the plurality of fixtures 102 at a certain time of the day or based on ambient light. When operating in the auto mode, the local controller may receive sensed data from the plurality of sensors and locally switch ON and / or switch OFF an associated fixture. When operating in the manual mode, each of the local controllers are disabled and plurality of fixtures 102 are controlled centrally via a manual switch or selector switch 110. Controller 120 may be used to centrally program and control each of plurality of fixtures 102. Controller 120 may be connected to each of plurality of fixtures 102 through a wireless communication interface. In some examples, controller 120 may be a computing device, a cell phone, etc.

[0020] Selector switch 110 may be used to select an operating mode for plurality of fixtures 102. For example, selector switch 110 may select one of the following three operating modes for plurality of fixtures 102: the auto mode, the manual mode, and an OFF mode. In the OFF mode, each of plurality of fixtures 102 are switched OFF. In the auto mode, each of plurality of fixtures 102 are controlled by their respective local controllers. In the manual mode, each of plurality of fixtures 102 are centrally controlled, for example, through controller 120 and the local controllers are disabled. The modes of operation may be selected by turning an operating mode selection knob of selector switch 110. In example implementations.Docket No. : 15720.1142WOU1

[0021] Operating environment 100 may be within a hazardous environment presenting a risk of explosion via ignition of a surrounding gas or vapor dusts, fibers, or surrounding. To address such risks, each of the plurality of fixtures 102 and selector switch 110 may operate with a current rating to avoid explosion concerns. As a result, a number of plurality of fixtures 102 that can be connected to selector switch 110 may be limited by a current rating of selector switch 110 and a load current of each of plurality of fixtures 102. For example, selector switch 110 may have a current rating of 3 A and each of plurality of fixtures may have a load current of 0.4A. In this scenario, a maximum of 7 fixtures may be connected to selector switch 110 in order to have selector switch 110 operate within its rating of 3 A.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates details of selector switch 110. Selector switch 110 may include a pair of primary contacts (that is, a first pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b and a second pair of primary contacts 202c, 202d) and a pair of secondary contacts (that is, a first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b and a second pair of secondary contacts 206a, 206b). A first end or terminal of each of first pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b and a second pair of primary contacts 202c, 202d are connected to a power source 220. A second end or terminal of each of first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b and second pair of secondary contacts 206a, 206b are connected to plurality of fixtures 102.

[0023] In some examples, each of a first primary contact 202a of first pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b and a first primary contact 202c of second pair of primary contacts 202c, 202d are referred to as primary contacts as they are configured to carry a load current. Each of a second primary contact 202b of first pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b and a second primary contact 202d of second pair of primary contacts 202c, 202d are referred to as auxiliary contacts. In conventional systems, the auxiliary contacts are configured to be used to determine a status of the primary contacts and are not configured to carry any load current. However, each of the auxiliary contacts are capable of carrying a same amount of load current as the primary contacts.

[0024] A second end or terminal of first pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b is connectable a first end or terminal of first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b through first contactors 208a for the auto mode of operation. For example, a second terminal of first primary contact 202a of first pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b is connectable to a first terminal of first secondary contact 204a of first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b through first contactors 208a. In addition, a second terminal of second primary contact 202b of first pair of primaryDocket No. : 15720.1142WOU1 contacts 202a, 202b is connectable to a first terminal of second secondary contact 204b of first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b through first contactors 208a.

[0025] A second terminal of each of second pair of primary contacts 202c, 202d is connectable to a first terminal of one of second pair of secondary contacts 206a, 206b through second contactors 208b for manual mode of operation. For example, a second terminal of first primary contact 202c of second pair of primary contacts 202c, 202d is connectable to a first terminal of a third secondary contact 206a of second pair of secondary contacts 206a, 206b through second contactors 208b. In addition, a second terminal of a second primary contact 202d of second pair of primary contacts 202c, 202d is connectable to a first terminal of a fourth secondary contact 206b of second pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b through second contactors 208b. In some examples, selector switch 110 may only include one pair of primary contacts that is connectable to both first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b and a second pair of secondary contacts 206a, 206b for different modes of operation.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, selector switch 110 may further include a sensing circuit 210, a interface circuit 212 and a communication module 214. Sensing circuit 210 is connected to second contactors 208b or second pair of secondary contacts 206a, 206b for the manual mode of operation. In one example, sensing circuit 210 nay include a current sensor. The current sensor may sense an amount of current flowing through second pair of secondary contacts 206a, 206b and provide that sensed current to an interface circuit 212. Sensing circuit 210 and / or interface circuit 212 may determine, based on the sensed current that, the manual mode is selected for selector switch 110. In response to determining that the manual mode is selected, interface circuit 212 may create a disable command or a manual mode message. The disable command or the manual mode message may be sent to each of plurality of fixtures 102 through interface circuit 212 and communication module 214. In response to receiving the disable command or the manual mode message, a local controller on each of plurality of fixtures 102 is disabled to allow a central control or control by controller 120.

[0027] Interface circuit 212 may determine a status of plurality of fixtures 102 based on the sensed current and provide the status to controller 120 through a communication module 214. In some examples, communication module 214 may be a Bluetooth (that is, a BLE) module, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module, a cellular network module, etc. In examples, sensing circuit 210, interface circuit 212, and communication module 214 are together referred to as a status sensing system.Docket No. : 15720.1142WOU1

[0028] In accordance with example implementations, each of first pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b are connected to a respective first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b for the auto mode of operation. Connecting both first pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b to respective first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b increases the load current carrying capacity of selector switch 110. For example, and as stated above, selector switch 110 may have a rating of 3 A, therefore, each of first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b may have a load current carrying capacity of 3 A. By using both first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b (that is, both the primary contact and the auxiliary contact) to carry the load current, the load current carrying capacity of selector switch 110 is increased to 6A thereby increasing (or doubling) a number of plurality of fixtures 102 that can be connected to selector switch 110. In addition, in the auto mode, the sensors of each of plurality of fixtures 102 remain active, and hence there may not be a need for any current sensor at first pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b to determine a status of any fixtures.

[0029] Similarly, both second pair of primary contacts 202c, 202d are connected to a respective second pair of secondary contacts 206a, 206b for the manual mode of operation. Connecting both second pair of primary contacts 202c, 202d to a respective second pair of secondary contacts 206a, 206b increases (doubles) total current carrying capacity of selector switch 110 in the manual mode of operation. In addition, sensing circuit 210, interface circuit 212, and communication module 214 are utilized to determine a status of plurality of fixtures 102 in the manual mode. In addition, the current sensor of sensing circuit 210 can sense even a small amount of current when selector switch in the OFF mode. The current sensor of sensing circuit 210 is isolated from functioning of selector switch 110 and therefore it may provide a status of selector switch 110 or plurality of fixtures 102 without affecting its functionality. In some implementations, only one pair of secondary contacts may be provided in selector switch 110 instead of two. In such embodiment, sensing circuit 210, interface circuit 212, and communication module 214 may be disabled when selector switch 110 is operating or configured in the auto mode.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a placement diagram of some components of selector switch 110. As shown in FIG. 3, sensing circuit 210 and a capacitor 310 are located on a circuit board 304 that is attached inside an enclosure 302. In addition, and as shown in FIG. 3, capacitor 310 is isolated from sensing circuit 210. Enclosure 302 may be an explosion-proof and / or flameproof enclosure.Docket No. : 15720.1142WOU1

[0031] Moreover, both sensing circuit 210 and a capacitor 310 may be placed in an enclosure 302 along with other components of selector switch 1 10 FIG 4 illustrates other components of selector switch 110 in enclosure 302. As shown in Fig. 4, enclosure 302 may include selector switch contacts 402. First ends of selector switch contacts 402 are connected to power mains and second ends of selector switch contacts 402 may be connected to plurality of fixtures 102 (not shown in FIG. 4). A power supply 404 may also be connected to the power mains. Power supply 404 may generate a 12V Direct Current (DC) power at output terminals. The output terminals of power supply 404 may be connected to a controller board 406. Controller board 406 thus may be powered by the DC power provided by power supply 404. Controller board 406 may include sensing circuit 212 and circuit components of communication module 214.

[0032] A capacitor board 408 may be connected to controller board 406. Capacitor board 406 may store a small amount of energy that can be used in case controller board is not receiving any power from a champ driver. Capacitor board 406 may include capacitor 310. An internal antenna bush 410 may be connected to the controller board 406. An antenna 412 may be connected to internal antenna bush 410. Antenna 412 may be located outside of enclosure 302. Antenna 412 may be communication module’s 214 antenna. Internal antenna bush 410 may control the signals of antenna 412 to make it compliant with operating in a hazardous environment. A pilot light 414 may be connected to controller board 406 to indicate status of the controller board.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a front panel of an enclosure including selector switch 110. As shown in in FIG. 5, front panel may include a mode selection knob 502, external status indicator 504, and antenna enclosure 506. Mode selection knob 502 may be rotatable or adjustable in three positions to select one of three operating modes for select switch 110. Antenna enclosure 506 may be include antenna 412. External status indicator 504 may indicate whether selector switch 110 is in the ON mode or OFF mode.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of method of operating selector switch 110. At stage 610 a mode of operation of selector switch 110 may be determined. At stage 620, each contact of pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b may be connected to an associated contact of pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b or 206a, 206b of selector switch 110. As discussed above connecting each contact of pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b to the associated contact of pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b includes connecting a second terminal of a primaryDocket No. : 15720.1142WOU1 contact of pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b to a first terminal of a first secondary contact 204a pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b and connecting a second terminal of an auxiliary contact of pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b. At stage 630, a status of selector switch 110 is sensed through a current sensor connected to the second secondary contact. As discussed above, a first terminal of each contact of pair of primary contacts 202a, 202b is connected to a power source and a second terminal of each contact of pair of secondary contacts 204a, 204b is connected to plurality of fixtures 102. Plurality of fixtures are powered through selector switch 110.

[0035] Implementations of the present disclosure, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and / or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to implementations of the disclosure. The functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved.

[0036] While the specification includes examples, the disclosure’s scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example for implementations of the disclosure.

Claims

Docket No. : 15720.1142WOU1What is claimed is:

1. A method of operating a selector switch, the method comprising: determining a mode of operation of the selector switch; and connecting each contact of a pair of primary contacts of the selector switch to an associated contact of a pair of secondary contacts of the selector switch, wherein connecting each contact of the pair of primary contacts to the associated contact of the pair of secondary contacts comprises: connecting a second terminal of a primary contact of the pair of primary contacts to a first terminal of a first secondary contact of the pair of secondary contacts; and connecting a second terminal of an auxiliary contact of the pair of primary contacts to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of the pair of secondary contacts; and sensing a status of the selector switch through a sensing circuit connected to the second secondary contact, wherein: a first terminal of each of the pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source, and a second terminal of each of the pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the mode of operation of the selector switch comprises determining the mode of operation as one of the following: an auto mode, a manual mode, and an OFF mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein in the auto mode, the plurality of fixtures are controlled by a local controller located on each of the plurality of fixtures.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein in the manual mode, the plurality of fixtures are controlled by a single controller.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: setting the mode of operation of the selector switch by changing a position of a mode selection knob of the selector switch.Docket No. : 15720.1142WOU16. The method of claim 1, wherein connecting each contact of the pair of primary contacts to the associated contact of the pair of secondary contacts comprises connecting each contact of the pair of primary contacts to the associated contact of the pair of secondary contacts by changing a position of a mode selection knob of the selector switch.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing an indication of a status of the selector switch.

8. A selector switch comprising: a first pair of primary contacts, wherein a first terminal of each of contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source; a second pair of primary contacts, wherein a first terminal of each of contact of the second pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source; a first pair of secondary contacts, wherein a second terminal of each of contact of the first pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures; a second pair of secondary contacts, wherein a second terminal of each of contact of the second pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures; a mode selection knob to configure the selector switch in one of the following three modes: an auto mode, a manual mode, and an off mode, wherein in the manual mode: a second terminal of a first primary contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a first secondary contact of the first pair of secondary contacts; and a second terminal of an auxiliary contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of the first pair of secondary contacts.

9. The selector switch of claim 8, wherein in the auto mode: a second terminal of a second primary contact of the second pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of the second pair of secondary contacts; and a second terminal of an auxiliary contact of the second pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of the second pair of secondary contacts.Docket No. : 15720.1142WOU110. The selector switch of claim 9, wherein in the auto mode each of the plurality of fixtures is independently controlled by a local controller located on each of the plurality of fixtures.

11. The selector switch of claim 8, wherein in the manual mode each of the plurality of fixtures is controlled by a single controller.

12. The selector switch of claim 8, further comprising a sensing circuit connected to the first terminal of the first secondary contact of the first pair of secondary contacts, wherein the sensing circuit is configured to detect a current through the first terminal of the first secondary contact of the first pair of secondary contacts.

13. The selector switch of claim 8, further comprising a wireless communication interface to receive control commands from a controller.

14. The selector switch of claim 8, further comprising an indicator configured to indicate a status of the selector switch.

15. The selector switch of claim 8, each of the plurality of fixtures comprises a lighting fixture.

16. A selector switch comprising: a first pair of primary contacts, wherein a first terminal of each of contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source; a second pair of primary contacts, wherein a first terminal of each of contact of the second pair of primary contacts is connected to a power source; a first pair of secondary contacts, wherein a second terminal of each contact of the first pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures; a second pair of secondary contacts, wherein a second terminal of each contact of the second pair of secondary contacts is connected to a plurality of fixtures; a mode selection knob to configure the selector switch in one of the following modes: an auto mode, a manual mode, and an off mode, wherein in the auto mode the first pair of primary contacts are connected to the first pair of secondary contacts, and wherein in theDocket No. : 15720.1142WOU1 manual mode the second pair of primary contacts are connected to the second pair of secondary contacts.

17. The selector switch of claim 16, wherein in the manual mode: a second terminal of a first primary contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a first secondary contact of the first pair of secondary contacts; and a second terminal of an auxiliary contact of the first pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of the first pair of secondary contacts.

18. The selector switch of claim 16, wherein in the auto mode: a second terminal of a second primary contact of the second pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of the second pair of secondary contacts; and a second terminal of an auxiliary contact of the second pair of primary contacts is connected to a first terminal of a second secondary contact of the second pair of secondary contacts.

19. The selector switch of claim 16, wherein in the auto mode each of the plurality of fixtures is independently controlled by a local controller located on each of the plurality of fixtures.

20. The selector switch of claim 16, wherein in the manual mode each of the plurality of fixtures is controlled by a single controller.

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