Lighting Switch With DC Auxiliary Power During AC Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems require frequent battery replacements for auxiliary loads due to the disconnection of AC power, which is burdensome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A switch that provides DC power to auxiliary loads through a power converter when the AC power is disconnected, ensuring continuous power supply to these loads even when the main light source is turned off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If AC power is disconnected to turn off the light source, then energy consumption is reduced, but auxiliary loads lose power and require battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is divided into two independent contactors: a first contactor that controls AC power to the light source, and a second contactor that controls DC power to auxiliary loads. This segmentation allows independent control of power supply to different components, enabling the light source to be turned off while auxiliary loads remain powered.
Solution Approach 2:
A rectifier circuit is introduced as an intermediary device that converts AC power to DC power. The rectifier receives AC power from the power source and provides DC power to auxiliary loads, acting as a mediator that enables power conversion and continuous operation of auxiliary loads even when AC power is disconnected from the light source.
2Device complexity
If a single switch controls both light source and auxiliary loads, then device complexity is reduced, but auxiliary loads cannot operate independently when light source is off
Solution Approach 1:
The single switch structure is segmented into two separate contactors within the same switch device. The first contactor controls the light source circuit while the second contactor controls the auxiliary loads circuit, allowing independent operation of each load type while maintaining a unified switch interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch device is designed with multi-functionality to control both AC power distribution to the light source and DC power distribution to auxiliary loads through the rectifier circuit. This universal control capability allows a single switch to perform multiple power management functions.
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
Reduces the need for battery replacements by maintaining power to auxiliary loads, enhancing energy efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier configured to convert alternating current power from the power source to direct current power
Data Source
AI summary
A switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The switch includes an output node coupled to the second terminal and the third terminal. The switch includes a contactor coupled to the first terminal and movable between at least a first position and a second position. The first terminal is coupled to the second terminal when the contactor is in the first position. The first terminal is coupled to the third terminal when the contactor is in the second position. When the contactor is in the first position, the switch is configured to provide direct current power at the output node. When the contactor is in the second position, the switch is configured to provide alternating current power at the output node.