Load Control System with Individual Switch Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems cannot control multiple loads individually, as they are designed to connect AC power supply and loads in series, limiting individual control and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A load control system with a first terminal, multiple second terminals, switch circuits, and a control circuit that allows each second terminal to be connected to a load, enabling individual power control through a power supply circuit that receives power from the first terminal and second terminals, reducing wire count and enabling independent load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If AC power supply and multiple loads are connected in series between terminals, then wire count is reduced, but individual load control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into separate switch circuits (first switch circuit and second switch circuit) that can independently control different loads. Each switch circuit is associated with specific terminals, allowing individual load control while maintaining the series connection structure for wire reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the first switch circuit for the first load and the second switch circuit for the second load. This multi-functionality enables individual control of multiple loads through a single control unit, resolving the contradiction between wire reduction and individual control capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If series connection is used to reduce wires, then installation complexity is reduced, but control precision for individual loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct control paths for each load through separate switch circuits. The control circuit can independently adjust the first switch circuit and second switch circuit, enabling precise control of each load's power supply while maintaining simple series wiring for easy installation.
3Device complexity
If multiple loads are connected in series, then system simplicity is improved, but reliability under no-load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to detect no-load conditions in advance and respond by switching off the disconnected load while maintaining power supply to other loads. This preliminary detection and response mechanism ensures system reliability by preventing complete power supply failure when one load becomes disconnected.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors the connection status of loads and provides feedback to adjust the switching state of switch circuits. When a no-load condition is detected, the feedback mechanism enables the control circuit to maintain power supply continuity to other loads, thereby improving system reliability while keeping the structure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
In a load control system as described, each of a plurality of switch circuits includes a switch electrically connected between an associated one second terminal out of a plurality of second terminals and a first terminal. A control circuit controls the switch that each of the plurality of switch circuits includes and thereby controls supply of power to a load associated with each of the plurality of switch circuits. A power supply circuit is electrically connected between the plurality of second terminals and the first terminal and receives power from a power supply via the first terminal and at least one second terminal out of the plurality of second terminals and thereby generates power to be supplied to at least the control circuit.