Latching Relay Hybrid Switch with Springy Lock Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems face high costs and complexity due to the need for significant electrical wiring changes and malfunctions, and they lack the ability to efficiently report power consumption data for individual appliances, which is essential for smart grid integration.
Innovation Solution
A compact hybrid switch and relay system is developed, integrating an SPDT or DPDT relay with a power consumption calculation circuit, allowing for remote operation and reduced power consumption, using a mechanical latching structure with a small magnetic coil that operates with lower force and power, and incorporating a springy guided lock pin for simplified latching mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If standard electrical wiring changes are implemented for home automation, then remote control capability is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication module that serves as an intermediary between existing electrical wiring and control systems. This module can communicate via RF, AC power line signals, or other wireless protocols, allowing remote control without requiring fundamental changes to the electrical wiring infrastructure. The intermediary enables automation while preserving the simplicity of standard electrical installations.
2Extent of automation
If multiple separate relays are used for home automation control, then remote operation is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple relay functions into a single integrated relay device. This consolidation reduces the total number of relays needed in the system, thereby reducing cumulative power consumption. The integrated relay can handle multiple circuits and control functions while operating as one unit, eliminating the redundant power consumption associated with multiple separate relay devices.
3Reliability
If mechanical latching structures with strong spring force are used, then reliable latching is achieved, but the magnetic coil requires higher power to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spring force parameter to achieve an optimal balance between latching reliability and coil power consumption. By carefully selecting and adjusting the spring constant and pre-load force, the system achieves reliable mechanical latching without requiring excessive magnetic coil power. This parameter optimization allows the coil to overcome the spring force efficiently during actuation while maintaining reliable latched state during operation.
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 system reduces installation costs and complexity, enables efficient remote operation of electrical appliances, and provides accurate power consumption reporting, while minimizing the number of relays needed, thus lowering overall power consumption and improving system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
powering a coil of latching relays and hybrid switches... magnetic coil pull power... reducing the needed force to operate the mechanical latching
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for latching one pole contact of at least one springy pole in one of a relay and an hybrid switch for maintaining one of engaging and 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 combination with at least one discharge higher voltage to increase the magnetic pull power of the coil.