Latching Relay Coil Drive With Mechanical Lock Pin and Capacitor Pulse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems for controlling electrical appliances are costly and complex, requiring significant changes to electrical wiring and suffering from frequent malfunctions, while they also fail to efficiently report power consumption data and often use power-hungry magnetic latching relays that degrade over time.
Innovation Solution
A compact hybrid switch and relay system integrated into standard AC switch sizes, using a mechanical latching structure with a small power-consuming coil and a springy guided lock pin to reduce the force needed for latching and release, and employing controlled power feed from a capacitor for efficient magnetic pull, allowing remote and manual operation with reduced electrical power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a mechanical latching structure with springy guided lock pin is used, then the force needed for latching and release is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The springy guided lock pin automatically returns to its original position after latching, providing self-service functionality that reduces the force needed for release without requiring additional active components
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is divided into separate functional elements (guided lock pin, spring, indentation path, ridges) that work independently but coordinate together, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall force requirements
2Use of energy by moving object
If a small power-consuming coil is used, then the power consumption is reduced, but the magnetic pull force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a large power-consuming electromagnetic coil system with a small coil combined with a mechanical springy guided lock pin system, where the mechanical spring provides additional force to compensate for the reduced magnetic pull force from the smaller coil
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism uses a composite approach combining electromagnetic force from the coil with mechanical elastic force from the springy guided lock pin, creating a hybrid force system that achieves sufficient total force with lower power consumption
3Ease of manufacture
If the relay size is reduced to fit standard AC switch sizes, then the ease of installation is improved, but the reliability of the relay decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the design parameters of the relay components, particularly using a springy guided lock pin with specific geometric features (indentation path, ridges) that maintain reliable latching engagement even in a compact form factor suitable for standard AC switch sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The guided lock pin uses curved indentation paths and rounded ridge features that ensure smooth and reliable engagement, maintaining latching reliability while accommodating the reduced space available in compact relay designs
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 simplifies installation, reduces power consumption, and extends the lifespan of the relays by minimizing mechanical force and electrical power usage, while enabling efficient remote control of electrical appliances with improved reliability and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The coil is fed with a controlled power feed for providing a magnetic pull commensurate with the actuation of the armature
Implementation Method 2
The coil is fed with a controlled power feed from a capacitor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Apparatus and method for latching one pole contact of at least one springy pole in a relay or hybrid switch for maintaining an engaging or disengaging state of at least one first contact with said pole contact by a mechanical latching device comprising a springy lock pin exerting minute force, a slider with indentation path for guiding the lock pin and a track for the slider, the latching device extends from an armature or the springy pole to a base or a body of the relay or the hybrid switch, said springy pole is guided by said slider movement propelled by one of a pull by a voltage rated magnetic coil fed by a pulse of said rated voltage and a push by a plunger, and for operating a stronger coil for switching higher electrical current the magnetic coil is fed with at least one discharge higher voltage to increase the magnetic pull power of the coil.