Analytical Device Power Control with Relay Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analytical devices face issues where the power supply is inadvertently turned off during data communication or operation, leading to instantaneous device shutdown and loss of measurement data due to accidental or erroneous operation of the power switch, resulting in communication errors and data loss.
Innovation Solution
The analytical device incorporates a main power supply switch that inputs signals to a control unit, which manages a relay switch to physically disconnect power from the main circuit, ensuring power remains on during operations and data transmission, and allows controlled ON/OFF states through a hard switch and relay switch configuration, preventing accidental disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a main power supply switch is provided to control power supply to the main circuit, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental or erroneous operation during data communication or measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control system is segmented into two independent switches: a main power supply switch (24) for controlling overall power supply to the main circuit, and a hard switch (26) for controlling power supply to the CPU unit. This segmentation allows the main power supply switch to be used confidently without risking interruption of ongoing operations, as the CPU remains powered through the hard switch during measurement and data communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The hard switch acts as an intermediary protective element between the main power supply switch and the CPU unit. When the main power supply switch is turned off, the hard switch maintains power supply to the CPU unit, serving as a buffer that prevents complete power interruption and protects ongoing operations from accidental shutdown.
2Loss of energy
If the main power supply switch is turned off during operation, then power consumption is reduced, but data loss occurs due to instantaneous shutdown during data communication or measurement
Solution Approach 1:
Before turning off the main power supply switch, the system performs preliminary actions through the control unit: detecting whether data communication is in progress or measurement is being performed, and if so, notifying the user and preventing power shutdown. This preliminary detection and notification mechanism prevents data loss by blocking power shutdown during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides feedback by detecting the operational state (data communication or measurement in progress) and notifying the user before allowing power shutdown. This feedback mechanism ensures that users are aware of ongoing operations and can prevent power shutdown that would cause data loss, while still allowing power savings when operations are complete.
3Reliability
If the power supply is continuously monitored to prevent shutdown during operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit (22) performs multiple functions: it controls the relay switch for power supply management, detects ongoing operations (data communication or measurement), provides user notification, and manages the interaction between the main power supply switch and hard switch. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex circuits into a single versatile control unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
This configuration ensures the power supply is never turned off during operation or data communication, allowing for safe data processing and storage, and enables controlled power management to maintain device state and data integrity, reducing errors and data loss.
Implementation Method 1
a relay switch (27) which assumes either an ON state in which electric power is supplied to said main circuit (21), or an OFF state in which electric power is not supplied to said main circuit (21)
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical device including a main circuit, a main power supply switch and a control unit which acquires measurement data from main circuit and exchanges data with another device. Said analytical device further includes a hard switch and a relay switch which assumes either an ON state in which electric power is supplied to the main circuit or an OFF state in which electric power is not supplied to the main circuit, wherein the control unit, upon receiving input of a first input signal for setting the main power supply switch to an OFF state, if the main circuit is causing the device main body unit to operate, provides notification of the fact that the device main body unit is operating, and upon receiving input of a second input signal for setting the main power supply switch to an OFF state, sets the relay switch to an OFF state.