Hybrid Switch with Mechanical Latching Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems are costly and complex due to the need for significant changes in electrical wiring and lack of integrated power consumption reporting, with existing relays consuming power and requiring complex circuitry, and there is a need for a compact, cost-effective solution that integrates a switch, relay, and power consumption measurement within standard AC switch sizes.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid switch combining an SPDT or DPDT switch with an SPDT relay and power consumption measurement circuit, designed to fit within standard AC switch sizes, using a mechanical latching structure for increased contact pressure and a current sensor to monitor power consumption, allowing for remote operation and data reporting through a video interphone or automation controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If standard home automation systems are installed with separate relays and control circuits in electrical cabinets, then remote operation capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switch, relay, power consumption measurement circuit, and communication interface into a single integrated hybrid switch device. This merging eliminates the need for separate relays in electrical cabinets and complex wiring between multiple components, directly resolving the technical contradiction by achieving remote operation while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid switch performs multiple functions including manual switching, remote operation, power consumption measurement, and data reporting within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace multiple separate components (switch, relay, power meter, communication device), thereby achieving automation capabilities without increasing system complexity
2Extent of automation
If electrical wiring is changed to install relays in main or sub electrical cabinets, then remote control capability is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the relay functionality into the wall-mounted hybrid switch itself, the patent eliminates the need to install separate relays in electrical cabinets and rewire electrical systems. The device maintains remote control capability while preserving standard electrical wiring configurations, directly addressing the installation ease contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid switch contains all necessary components (relay, measurement circuit, communication interface) within the wall box, making the device self-sufficient. This eliminates the need for complex centralized control systems in electrical cabinets, allowing for simpler installation while maintaining full remote control functionality
3Extent of automation
If existing automation relays are used, then remote operation is enabled, but power consumption increases and relay lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a latching relay mechanism that uses periodic pulsed signals to change state and then maintains that state without continuous power consumption. The mechanical latching structure holds the contact position mechanically, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power to maintain the switched state, thus resolving the power consumption contradiction while enabling remote operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic relay mechanisms with a mechanical latching system. The mechanical latcher uses a guided pin and grooved guide contour to maintain contact position through mechanical means rather than continuous electromagnetic force, significantly reducing power consumption while enabling remote operation through pulsed actuation signals
4Measurement precision
If hybrid switch integrates power consumption measurement circuit, then accurate power data reporting is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power consumption measurement circuit directly into the hybrid switch device, combining multiple functions (switching, measurement, communication) in one unit. This merging approach achieves accurate power measurement capability while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding separate external measurement devices and their associated wiring
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 accurate power consumption data, enabling efficient remote operation of appliances while minimizing power consumption and extending relay lifespan through mechanical latching.
Implementation Method 1
When a control signal is fed to a relay coil, a magnetic field is generated which moves an armature to close relay contacts
Implementation Method 2
latching relay providing the displacement of the armature with respect to the core via a guided pin via a grooved guide contour
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Method and apparatus for a mechanical latching of at least one pole of a relay selected from SPST, SPDT, DPDT, reversing DPDT, multi pole MPST and MPDT including the integration of one of a single and plurality of hybrid SPDT or DPDT switches with one of SPDT and DPDT mechanically latching relay using springy element to maintain the contacts between the poles and one of the relay contact and a structured contactors to connect the poles of the relay and the switch including PCB assembly, for operating electrical loads via the switch manual key including the introduction of a key-plunger combination into the latching relay and remotely by powering the relay coil by a power pulse, including a CPU program for providing any of 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.