Mechanical Latching Hybrid Switch for Home Automation
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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 excessive 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, featuring a mechanical latching structure for reduced power consumption and simplified installation, and equipped with a current sensor for accurate power monitoring and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If standard automation relays are used for remote control, then remote operation capability is achieved, but power consumption is excessive and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay coil is activated periodically or in pulses rather than continuously. The mechanical latching mechanism maintains the switched state after brief coil activation, allowing the relay to remain in position without continuous power supply to the coil, thereby dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining remote operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electromagnetic holding relays with mechanical latching relays that use mechanical springs and latches to maintain the switched state. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for continuous electrical power to maintain the relay position, reducing power consumption while preserving automation functionality.
2Measurement precision
If integrated power consumption reporting is added to switches, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power consumption measurement circuit is integrated into the existing switch structure, combining multiple functions (switching, monitoring, reporting) into a single device. This merging approach allows power consumption reporting capability to be added without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the measurement circuit shares components and housing with the switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch device is designed to perform multiple functions: manual switching, remote automated switching via relay, and power consumption monitoring/reporting. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby improving monitoring capability while actually reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If relay size is reduced to fit standard AC switch enclosures, then installation simplicity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay component is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be precisely manufactured and then integrated into the standard AC switch enclosure. This segmentation allows the relay to be manufactured with high precision in a controlled environment and then easily installed in the field, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerance requirements on overall installation complexity.
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 enables efficient, cost-effective remote control and monitoring of electrical appliances with reduced power consumption, simplified installation, and accurate power reporting, addressing the complexity and cost issues of existing systems while maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic latching relay or other mechanically latched relay
Implementation Method 2
equipped with a current sensor for accurate power monitoring and reporting
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 conductive structured contactors to connect the poles of the relay and the switch including PCB assembly, for operating electrical loads via the switch manual key 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.