Latching AC Power Switch for Zero-Standby Supply Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply units waste electrical power and pose a fire hazard due to residual current when left connected to AC mains, and prior solutions either consume power or decrease efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power supply assembly comprising a power supply unit, a power connection control unit, and an AC controllable switch that connects and disconnects AC power without consuming electrical power, using a latching relay with low energy control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply unit is left permanently connected to AC mains, then the device is ready to power immediately, but residual current flows causing electrical power waste and fire hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power connection from the always-on state by introducing a controllable switch that physically disconnects the power supply unit from AC mains when not in use. This extraction eliminates the residual current flow path while maintaining the ability to quickly reconnect when needed, resolving the contradiction between readiness and energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability that allows the power connection state to change between connected and disconnected based on usage requirements. The controllable switch enables the system to transition from a static always-connected state to a dynamic state where connection is maintained only when needed, eliminating residual current while preserving rapid readiness.
2Loss of energy
If a mechanical switch is used to disconnect AC power, then residual current is eliminated, but the switch consumes power for operation and decreases efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a controllable switch that requires minimal energy for state changes and then maintains its state without continuous power consumption. The switch operates like a mechanical switch in terms of energy efficiency - requiring only momentary energy input to change state, then maintaining the disconnected state without power, effectively eliminating both residual current and switch operation power waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllable switch, once actuated to the disconnected position, maintains that state autonomously without requiring continuous power input. The switch serves itself by using its own mechanical or magnetic latching mechanism to maintain the open position, eliminating the need for external power to maintain the disconnected state.
3Loss of energy
If electronic circuits are used to cut idle current, then residual current is eliminated, but the circuits consume power to operate and decrease efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power disconnection function from electronic control circuits and implements it through a controllable switch that operates with minimal energy. By removing the need for continuous electronic circuit operation to maintain disconnection, the solution eliminates both the residual current and the power consumption associated with control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control circuits with a controllable switch that uses mechanical or magnetic principles to maintain the disconnected state. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous electronic power consumption while achieving the same goal of eliminating residual current, as the switch maintains its state through physical rather than electronic means.
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 completely disconnects the power supply unit from AC mains when not in use, minimizing electrical waste and eliminating fire hazards, while maintaining high efficiency and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the power connection control unit and the AC controllable switch are configured to maintain one of two states without consuming electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply assembly is disclosed comprising a power supply unit adapted to provide power to a user's device in accordance with power requirements of the user's device, a power connection control unit and an AC controllable switch, configured to connect and disconnect AC power source from the power supply unit in response to respective control provided by the power connection control unit, wherein the power connection control unit and the AC controllable switch are configured to maintain one of two states without consuming electrical power, wherein the two states of the power connection control unit are set state adapted to switch on the AC controllable switch and unset state adapted to switch off the AC controllable switch and wherein when the power supply assembly is in its unset state it is completely disconnected from the AC power source.