Capacitive Relay Emulator Voltage Boost Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Normal relays require constant current to maintain their state, leading to power drain, especially in larger relays, and bi-stable relays cannot switch back to a known position when power is interrupted, making them unsuitable for circuits that need to maintain a specific state during power loss, especially in low voltage systems where large energy storage devices are impractical.
Innovation Solution
A normal relay emulator system that boosts the input voltage to charge an energy storage device, allowing a bi-stable relay to change state when power is interrupted, using a boost converter and actuator to emulate a normal relay's behavior, reducing power consumption and enabling operation with low voltage supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normal relay is used to maintain a known position when power is interrupted, then the relay reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases due to constant current draw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic coil mechanism of a normal relay with a bi-stable relay mechanism that uses mechanical latching. The bi-stable relay maintains its state through physical positioning (open or closed) without requiring continuous electromagnetic force, thereby eliminating constant power consumption while ensuring the relay returns to a known position during power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a control circuit that periodically monitors the power supply status and actively switches the bi-stable relay to a predetermined position (normally open or normally closed) when power loss is detected. This periodic monitoring and active switching ensures reliability during power interruptions without requiring continuous power to maintain the relay state.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a bi-stable relay is used to reduce power draw, then the power consumption is reduced, but the relay cannot return to a known position when power is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the power supply voltage and detects when power is interrupted. Upon detecting power loss, the control circuit activates a switching mechanism that forces the bi-stable relay into a predetermined position (either normally open or normally closed). This feedback-based active control ensures the relay returns to a known state during power interruptions while maintaining the low power consumption benefits of the bi-stable mechanism during normal operation.
3Reliability
If a large energy storage device is used to enable bi-stable relay actuation during power loss, then the relay reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for large energy storage devices with a control circuit that actively manages the bi-stable relay switching. Instead of storing sufficient energy in a large capacitor to drive the relay coil during power loss, the control circuit detects power loss and uses a small switching mechanism to physically reposition the relay contacts. This mechanical switching approach eliminates the need for large energy storage components while ensuring reliable relay actuation during power interruptions.
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 system effectively reduces power drain by allowing bi-stable relays to maintain a known state without continuous power, enabling operation of large relays in low voltage systems without the need for large capacitors, thus addressing the limitations of bi-stable relays in maintaining specific states during power loss.
Implementation Method 1
boosting a voltage available on a first power rail from a first voltage supply level to a second voltage supply level
Implementation Method 2
charging an energy storage device based on the second voltage supply level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A normal relay emulator is described. The normal relay emulator may include a trigger circuit configured to detect a condition on a first power rail, the first power rail having a first voltage supply level. A boost converter electrically coupled to the first power rail and configured to boost the first voltage supply level to a second, higher, voltage supply level is provided. A bi-stable relay having a first terminal and a second terminal and an actuator electrically coupled to the boost converter and communicatively coupled to the trigger circuit is also provided. The actuator may be configured to energize the bi-stable relay using the second voltage supply level such that electrical contact between the first terminal and the second terminal changes between a first state and a second state based on the trigger circuit detecting the condition.