Integrated Switch Device with Electronic Timer for Safe Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch devices face issues with safe shutdown during sudden power switch-offs, energy wastage, increased production costs, and space requirements, while also failing to efficiently manage AC power shutdown and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A switch device system with a mechanical switch operation unit, a detecting unit, and mechanisms for maintaining and switching electrical contacts based on sequential electrical signals, which allows for safe shutdown, reduced energy consumption, and compact design without the need for relay circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If relay contacts are provided in parallel with AC contacts of a power switch and a switch unit with electronic timer means is used, then device off setup can be completed in a short time, but the switch unit increases several times in size as compared with the existing power switch and twice as many AC contact circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power switch and relay into a single integrated switch unit, merging the AC contact circuits and control functions into one compact device. This integration eliminates the need for separate relay contacts in parallel and reduces the overall size compared to having separate components, while still achieving rapid device off setup through the electronic timer means.
2Loss of time
If relay contacts are provided in parallel with AC contacts of a power switch, then device off setup can be completed in a short time, but twice as many AC contact circuits are required and there is always wasted power consumption for excitation current constantly passed through the relay
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the relay functionality into the power switch unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate parallel relay contacts. This merging reduces the number of AC contact circuits from two to one and allows the relay coil to be powered only during the brief period needed for device off setup, rather than consuming excitation current constantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic timer means controls the relay coil to receive excitation current only during the specific time period needed for device off setup, rather than continuously. This periodic action eliminates wasted power consumption while still achieving the required rapid shutdown functionality.
3Loss of time
If the switch and relay are separated and a different switch or detecting means is provided to the switch unit, then device off setup can be completed in a short time, but twice as many AC contact circuits are required and there is wasted power consumption for excitation current constantly passed through the relay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switch and relay into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate detecting means and reducing the number of AC contact circuits. This integration eliminates wasted excitation current consumption while maintaining rapid device off setup capability.
4Ease of operation
If AC contacts are closed/opened by on/off operation of a power switch, then energization/shutdown of AC power can be performed, but if AC power supply is interrupted by sudden on-to-off operation of the power switch, the device may be broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the electronic timer means to complete the device off setup process before the AC contacts are opened. When the power switch is operated to turn off, the system first executes necessary shutdown procedures (such as stopping motors or cooling processes) and only then opens the AC contacts, preventing device damage from sudden power interruption.
5Reliability
If the AC plug is pulled out of a socket after push-button switch setup for off, then device off setup can be completed, but AC power for detection of the push-button switch and setup for on is consumed all the time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power switch and relay into a single unit that controls AC power directly, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption for detection circuits. The integrated design allows the system to complete device off setup and then cut off AC power completely, rather than maintaining continuous power for detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a switch operation unit configured to be mechanically operated to be in on or off state; a detecting unit configured to detect whether the switch operation unit is in on or off state; a first mechanism configured to close electrical contacts of at least one circuit when the switch operation unit is operated to be in on state; a second mechanism configured to maintain the contacts in closed state and switch the contacts to open state in response to electrical signals of off, on, and, off while the switch operation unit is in off state when the switch operation unit is operated to be in off state; and a first unit configured to notify a user of an abnormal state when the contacts are in the closed state and the switch operation unit is in off state at start of control.