Ceiling Fan Speed Control Using Diode Rectified Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling fan control structures waste energy and pose safety risks due to continuous power supply when not in use and lack individual function selection convenience.
Innovation Solution
A DC brushless ceiling fan speed control device with a switch module incorporating forward and reverse diodes to output sine waves for varying speed control, including a control panel with detectors and a microcontroller unit to manage power efficiently and safely, applicable to pull switches, wall switches, and remote control switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control switch is situated at a stop gear position to stop the ceiling fan operation, then the fan stops rotating, but the power supply continues to be inputted wasting energy and creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using half-wave rectified current signals with different positive half-cycle counts to represent different operating states including stop position. The control switch receives current during specific half-cycles and remains open during others, creating a periodic signal pattern where the stop position is indicated by a specific number of positive half-cycles, enabling the system to distinguish between operational states and trigger appropriate power management actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control circuit that includes a rectifier bridge, capacitor, and control switch working together as a mediator between the power supply and the motor. This intermediary system processes the periodic current signals and controls power delivery, allowing the system to automatically cut power when detecting the stop position while maintaining the ability to restart operation, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and energy waste.
2Ease of operation
If the conventional ceiling fan control structure uses a whole integrated control unit with microcontroller and remote receiving, then all functions are available, but individual function selection cannot be performed and the structure is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control functionality into separate independent components: a simple control switch for local operation and an optional remote control receiving unit. The control switch alone can perform all basic functions including speed control and stop position detection, while the remote control unit can be added or removed independently. This segmentation allows users to operate the fan with just the simple switch if desired, improving ease of operation while reducing perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the control switch to handle multiple functions through a single interface. The same control switch circuitry is used for both local wall/panel switch operation and as the receiving end for remote control signals. The control switch can interpret different signal patterns to perform speed control, direction control, and stop position detection, making the basic control mechanism universally applicable to multiple control methods without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
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
Prevents unnecessary power consumption, ensures safety by cutting power when not in use, and provides convenient and efficient speed control for ceiling fans.
Implementation Method 1
the second wire connecting member having a forward diode, and the third wire connecting member having a reverse diode, and the first wire connecting member, second wire connecting member and third wire connecting member being conducted and coupled to an output contact, and the output contact having an output wire conducted and coupled thereto, wherein the current inputted directly into the first wire connecting member from the power supply by the switch body and then outputted is a sine wave, and the current inputted into the second wire connecting member through the forward diode and then outputted is a positive half cycle, and the current passing through the third wire connecting member and outputted from the reverse diode is a negative half cycle
Data Source
AI summary
In a DC brushless ceiling fan speed control device and method, the control device includes a switch module having a switch body, a power supply connected to a side of the switch body, and first, second, and third wire connecting members connected to the other side of the switch body. The second and third wire connecting members have a forward diode and a reverse diode respectively, and the switch body is provided for controlling the input of a power supply to directly and electrically supply power to the first wire connecting member, or supply power to the second and third wire connecting members through the forward and reverse diodes. When current is inputted, the waveform signal will be different, and this phenomenon is used for controlling the rotating speed of a ceiling fan to achieve the effects of good safety and convenience.