Microcontroller-Less Damper Actuator With Voltage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional damper actuators in HVAC systems require microcontrollers, leading to increased complexity and cost, and existing solutions for power disruptions do not efficiently manage the transition between operational and stasis states without additional components.
Innovation Solution
A damper actuator system utilizing a switching circuit with high and low voltage modes, coupled with an active/return switch and diode/zener diode combination, to drive and hold the damper position without a microcontroller, ensuring efficient power management and controlled return to stasis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a microcontroller is used in the damper actuator, then the control functionality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the microcontroller from the damper actuator system, replacing it with a microcontroller-less control architecture using simple switching circuits, relays, and electronic components that provide the necessary control functionality without the complexity of a microcontroller
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic control system (microcontroller) with an electro-mechanical control system using relays, switching circuits, and electronic components that achieve the same control objectives through analog circuitry rather than digital processing
2Extent of automation
If a microcontroller is used in the damper actuator, then the control functionality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive electronic components such as switching circuits, relays, diodes, and resistors that are cheaper and more economical to manufacture than a microcontroller, achieving the desired control functionality through cost-effective parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the expensive microcontroller component from the system, replacing it with a combination of low-cost electronic components that collectively provide the necessary control capabilities at a lower manufacturing cost
3Power
If high voltage is continuously applied to the motor, then the driving power is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage switching that adjusts the voltage applied to the motor based on the operational requirements - using high voltage during the drive phase when movement is needed and low voltage during the hold phase when position maintenance is sufficient, thereby optimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between high voltage and low voltage states through a switching circuit and relay, applying high voltage only during the brief drive phase and low voltage during the extended hold phase, creating a periodic voltage pattern that reduces overall energy consumption
4Device complexity
If the damper returns to stasis state under spring power, then the simplicity of the system is improved, but the control over the return process is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay and electronic switching circuit as intermediary components between the spring mechanism and the motor, allowing the system to maintain the simple spring-powered return while adding controlled braking capability through the relay that can dissipate energy and regulate the return speed
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 solution reduces component count, minimizes heat loss, and allows for efficient power usage by eliminating the need for microcontrollers, while ensuring reliable operation and controlled transitions between operational and stasis states.
Implementation Method 1
a motor provided for driving the external device to a determined position when the motor is energized
Implementation Method 2
connect the motor with a combination of a diode and a zener diode and disconnect the motor from the high voltage or low voltage selected by the drive/hold switch to provide a braking load for the motor when no power is supplied to the motor and the external device is returning a stasis state under spring power
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems include an actuator (10) adapted to provide drive power and hold power to an external device. A motor (34) provides for driving the external device to a determined position when the motor (34) is energized. A switching circuit is configured to energize the motor (34) with a high voltage to drive the external device to the determined position and energize the motor (34) with a low voltage to hold the external device in the determined position.