Hybrid SPDT Switch Relay Integration for Home Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems are complex and costly due to the need for significant changes in electrical wiring and lack of integrated power consumption monitoring and reporting capabilities, leading to installation challenges and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid switch combining an SPDT or DPDT switch with an SPDT relay and power consumption measurement circuit, designed to fit standard AC switch sizes, allowing for manual and remote operation of electrical appliances while reporting power usage through a video interphone or automation controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate SPDT or DPDT switches and relays are combined as add-on devices, then advanced residence automation is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the SPDT or DPDT switch, SPDT relay, power consumption measurement circuits, and reporting circuits into a single integrated hybrid switch device. This merging eliminates the need for separate add-on components and reduces installation complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid switch integrates multiple functions including manual switching, remote automation control, power consumption monitoring, and data reporting within a single device that fits standard wall boxes. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Extent of automation
If relays are installed in electrical cabinets with control switches, then remote operation is enabled, but wiring complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automation functionality by placing intelligent hybrid switches at individual appliance locations rather than centralizing all control in electrical cabinets. Each hybrid switch independently handles local switching and monitoring, reducing overall wiring complexity while enabling remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid switch performs self-monitoring of power consumption and self-reporting of data without requiring complex external measurement circuits. The device autonomously measures and communicates power usage information, simplifying the system architecture.
3Extent of automation
If standard switches are replaced with control switches for relay operation, then automation control is achieved, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control switch functionality, relay operation, and power monitoring into a single hybrid switch device that maintains compatibility with standard switch installations. This eliminates the need for separate control switches and relays, reducing installation costs while preserving automation control capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If power consumption reporting is added through separate devices, then power monitoring capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates power consumption measurement circuits and reporting circuits directly into the hybrid switch device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate power monitoring devices and simplifies the overall system while providing accurate power consumption data and statistics.
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 hybrid switch simplifies installation, reduces costs, and provides reliable power consumption data reporting, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of home automation systems by integrating power monitoring directly into standard switch formats.
Implementation Method 1
an SPDT relay and power consumption measuring and reporting circuits, integrated into an enclosure or package, which can be plugged into a socket enclosure
Implementation Method 2
power consumption measuring and reporting circuits
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Method and apparatus for integrating one of single and plurality of hybrid SPDT or DPDT switch with one of SPDT and DPDT relay via contactors structured to connect the poles of the relay and the switch directly or via conductive structures including PCB assembly, for operating electrical appliances via the switch manual key and remotely by powering the relay coil having latching or non-latching armature, with a CPU program providing the manual key and the manual keys of each SPDT or DPDT connected in a traveler lines to the integrated switch-relay to switch on-off group of loads and all the loads of home automation network or grid via optical cable, RF, IR in line of sight and bus line.