AC Power Switching Circuit With Voltage-Triggered Bypass Relay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in powering multiple electronic devices simultaneously without resorting to complex and costly dedicated power supplies.
Innovation Solution
An alternating-current (AC) power-switching device is implemented, featuring first and second current input/output nodes, a current-limiting resistor, a bypass switch with a light-emitting-diode-input solid-state relay, a rectifier, a voltage regulator, and a controller that detects voltage levels and manages the bypass switch to switch power between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple electronic devices share a single AC power source, then power supply complexity and cost are reduced, but the power source may not provide sufficient power for all devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two power sources (first and second apparatus) based on real-time power availability detection. The controller monitors the power source output and activates bypass switches to route power appropriately, enabling the system to adapt to varying power conditions and ensure sufficient power delivery to electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the power sources and electronic devices, managing power distribution by detecting voltage levels and controlling bypass switches. This intermediary component enables intelligent power source selection and switching, ensuring reliable power delivery while maintaining system simplicity.
2Power
If dedicated power supplies are provided for each electronic device, then sufficient power is ensured for each device, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal power distribution architecture where a single controller manages multiple power sources and serves multiple electronic devices. The controller and bypass switches create a multi-functional power management system that can supply power to different devices from different sources as needed, eliminating the need for dedicated power supplies for each device while ensuring adequate power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as a central intermediary that intelligently manages power distribution across the system. By monitoring power availability and controlling bypass switches, it ensures each electronic device receives sufficient power from the appropriate source without requiring dedicated power supplies, thus reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If voltage level detection and bypass switching are implemented, then reliable power switching between apparatus is achieved, but control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically detects voltage levels and makes switching decisions without external intervention. The system self-manages power source selection by monitoring power availability and actuating bypass switches as needed, ensuring reliable power switching while keeping the control logic contained within a single integrated controller rather than requiring complex external control circuits.
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
The AC power-switching device effectively manages power distribution between devices, reducing complexity and cost by avoiding the need for dedicated power supplies while ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier connected in parallel with the bypass switch and the current-limiting resistor
Implementation Method 2
a bypass switch connected in series between the current-limiting resistor and the first current input/output node, the bypass switch comprising a first light-emitting-diode-input normally closed solid-state relay
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes methods implemented by and systems utilizing an alternating-current (AC) power-switching device. The AC power-switching device includes first and second current input/output (I/O) nodes, a current-limiting resistor, and a bypass switch connected between the first and second current I/O nodes. The bypass switch includes a first light-emitting-diode-input normally closed solid-state relay. Further, the AC power-switching device includes a rectifier, a voltage regulator, and a controller. The controller includes a programmable controller chip and is configured to detect a voltage level at the output of the rectifier, activate the bypass switch in response to the voltage level exceeding a first voltage level threshold, set a first lockout timer in response to activating the bypass switch, and deactivate the bypass switch in response to the voltage level dropping below a second voltage level threshold. Thus, the AC power-switching device is effective at switching power between a first and second apparatus.