Universal AC DC Solenoid Control Device for Irrigation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems require separate control devices for AC solenoids and DC bistable solenoids, leading to increased engineering costs, complexity in installation and maintenance, and reduced competitiveness due to the need for customized designs and extensive wiring.
Innovation Solution
A control device capable of driving both AC and DC bistable solenoids, featuring power supply terminals for selective connection to AC or DC voltage sources, a triac device, and inverter means to invert voltage polarity, allowing for universal compatibility with different types of solenoids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control devices are used for AC solenoids and DC bistable solenoids, then each device can be optimized for its specific type, but device complexity and engineering costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates a triac device and inverter means that enable it to operate with both AC and DC voltage sources. The triac can control AC power delivery to AC solenoids, while the inverter converts DC voltage to AC waveform suitable for DC bistable solenoids. This multi-functionality allows a single control device design to replace what would otherwise require two separate specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized designs are created for different irrigation systems, then system performance can be optimized, but engineering costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device provides standardized universal compatibility through its ability to interface with both AC and DC solenoid types using the same hardware platform. The triac and inverter means enable the device to adapt to different voltage sources without requiring customized design variants, thereby reducing engineering costs while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If AC solenoids are used, then cost-effectiveness and safety are improved, but power supply requirements and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the power source and the solenoid. When used with DC bistable solenoids, it incorporates inverter means that convert DC voltage into an AC-like waveform, enabling the solenoid to operate from a DC battery or solar power source while maintaining the electrical characteristics needed for reliable operation. This mediator function allows flexible power source selection.
4Use of energy by moving object
If DC bistable solenoids are used, then power consumption is reduced, but safety and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control device monitors the electrical characteristics of the connected solenoid and adjusts its output accordingly. When detecting a DC bistable solenoid, it activates the inverter means to provide appropriate voltage polarity switching. The device also tracks power source availability and solenoid state, providing feedback control that ensures reliable operation while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 cost-effective and simplified installation and maintenance by allowing a single control device to operate both AC and DC bistable solenoids, reducing engineering costs and enhancing system adaptability to various irrigation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one triac device connected in series to said driven solenoid, means which may be controlled to switch on said triac
Implementation Method 2
inverter means which may be controlled to invert the polarity of the voltage at the load terminals with respect to that applied to the supply terminals when the control device is selected in said second configuration
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
There is described a control device (1) that allows to drive both AC solenoids and DC bistable solenoids. The control device (1) comprises power supply terminals (2, 3; 11, 12, 17) which may selectively be connected to an AC or DC voltage source, load terminals (4, 5) which may be connected to a driven solenoid (L), at least one triac device (T) connected in series to said driven solenoid (L), means (G) which may be controlled to switch on said triac (T). There are further provided selector means (S) interposed between said power supply terminals (2, 3; 11, 12, 17) and said load terminals (4, 5) to switch the control device (1) between a first configuration suitable for the power supply of an AC solenoid (L) and a second configuration suitable for the power supply of a DC bistable solenoid (L) and inverter means (A) which may be controlled to invert the voltage polarity at the load terminals (4, 5) with respect to that applied at the power supply terminals (2, 3; 11, 12, 17) when the control device (1) is selected in said second configuration (Fig. 1)