Latching Relay Power Control for Zero-Standby AC Cutoff
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices consume standby power even when not in use, preventing them from being operated upon user request without separate control operations.
Innovation Solution
A standby power reducing device that physically cuts off AC power using a latching relay controlled by a switch driver and controller, with a bridge rectifier and pulse generator to manage power supply through a transformer, allowing user-controlled reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the power of the electronic device is cut off to reduce standby power, then standby power consumption is reduced, but the electronic device cannot perform operations when the user requests to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The power control system is divided into two distinct modes: standby mode and normal mode. The switch driver segregates power delivery by routing power through different paths - completely disconnecting during standby to eliminate consumption, and enabling full power delivery during normal operation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating distinct operational states with clearly defined power flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining the ability to quickly restore power through the latching relay mechanism. When a user requests operation, the controller activates the switch driver which sets the latching relay, instantly restoring power connection without requiring complex sequential startup procedures. This preliminary preparation of the power restoration path eliminates operational delays.
2Loss of energy
If a switch is used to cut off AC power for reducing standby power, then power consumption is reduced, but additional control operations are required to restore power
Solution Approach 1:
The latching relay implements self-service by maintaining its switched state without continuous control input. Once the switch driver sets or resets the latching relay, the relay maintains the power connection state autonomously. This eliminates the need for continuous control signals or complex control operations to maintain the power state, reducing system complexity while achieving complete power disconnection during standby.
3Device complexity
If the power supply device performs the same function in standby state as in operating state, then the device is simple to control, but standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device transitions from a static control approach to a dynamic one by implementing state-dependent power delivery. The controller dynamically adjusts the switch driver output based on operational state - completely disabling power delivery in standby mode while enabling full functionality in normal mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain simplicity in control architecture while dramatically reducing standby power consumption through intelligent state management.
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
Effectively reduces standby power consumption by disconnecting AC power in non-use modes while enabling user-initiated power restoration without additional controls.
Implementation Method 1
a bridge rectifier which receives and rectifies the AC power and controls a gate of a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor MOSFET
Implementation Method 2
a transformer, and the transformer supplies DC power to a power controller included in a secondary side of the external device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a standby power reducing device and a method for reducing standby power by physically cutting off an AC power of an electronic device. According to an exemplary embodiment, a standby power reducing device which cuts off an AC power to be supplied to an external device includes a switch driver which controls a switch connected to an AC power to be supplied to the external device; and a controller which receives a control signal to control a switch driver.