Switching Low Power Supply for Sub-One-Watt Appliance Standby
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control devices for household appliances fail to reduce standby-state energy consumption to below the one watt threshold, as required by recent energy regulations, despite efforts to automatically switch off power to appliance devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic control device utilizing a switching mode low power supply unit with control terminals and an output terminal to generate voltage variations, allowing the appliance to switch between standby and operating states, while maintaining a low voltage supply during standby to minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electronic control devices are used to automatically switch off power to devices at the end of an operating cycle, then standby-state energy consumption is reduced, but the consumption remains above the one watt threshold required by recent regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into multiple independent power supply units, each serving specific functions. The first power supply unit handles main power delivery while the second dedicated unit handles control circuit power during standby state, enabling granular power management that achieves sub-one-watt consumption while maintaining regulatory compliance
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage detection circuit acts as an intermediary between the power supply units and control circuits. This intermediary detects voltage variations and triggers state transitions without requiring continuous power consumption, enabling the system to meet energy regulations while maintaining reliable operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If power is completely cut off to devices during standby state, then energy consumption is minimized, but the appliance cannot respond to user commands to start new operating cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The second power supply unit is pre-configured to provide power to control circuits during standby state, and the voltage detection circuit is pre-positioned to immediately detect voltage variations when users interact with the appliance. This preliminary preparation enables instant response to user commands without requiring continuous full power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system alternates between different power supply modes: during normal operation, the first power supply unit is active; during standby, the second unit takes over with minimal power consumption. This periodic switching between power supply states enables both energy minimization and rapid response capability
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 effectively reduces standby-state energy consumption of household appliances to below one watt, complying with energy regulations by maintaining low power usage during standby states and efficiently switching between operational states upon user command.
Implementation Method 1
a switching mode low power supply unit which has a control terminal and an output terminal generating a prefixed supply voltage to the electronic control unit; the switching mode low power supply unit being configured to switch between a standby state and an operating state, when a prefixed voltage variation on the control terminal is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance (1) includes an electronic command device (3) configured to reduce standby-state energy consumption of the electric household appliance (1). The electronic command device (3) includes an electronic control unit (20) and a switching mode low power supply unit (6) with a switching regulator unit (13) having a first control terminal (11) and at least an output terminal (9) which supplies a main prefixed supply voltage (VB) to the electronic control unit (20). The switching mode low power supply unit (6) is further configured to switch from a standby state to an operating state, when a prefixed voltage variation (ΔV) on the first control terminal (11) is detected. The switching mode low power supply unit (6) includes auxiliary supply means (14) which supply a low supply voltage (V1) different than zero to the first control terminal (11) during at least the standby state.