Low Voltage Control Bus Interface for Actuator Wiring Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of installing and maintaining control interfaces for high-power effectors in residential and public establishments are exacerbated by the need for multiple cables and intricate wiring, which can lead to errors and increased costs, and existing solutions require specialized knowledge and hardware for pairing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A power effector control interface featuring a passive transformation block with multiple input ports connected via a low-voltage BUS-type communication system, allowing for simple and reliable connection of very low voltage control receivers, which transform control commands into electrical commands for effectors, using removable sockets and internal information buses for efficient control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control interfaces with multiple cables and switch wiring are used, then control functionality is achieved, but installation complexity and wiring errors increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system (multiple cables and physical switches) with an electronic control bus system. The control interface uses a communication bus to transmit control signals digitally, eliminating the need for complex physical wiring connections between switches, cables, and effectors. This substitution of mechanical connections with electronic communication resolves the contradiction by maintaining control functionality while dramatically reducing installation complexity and potential wiring errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of effectors (lights, shading devices, power outlets) through a single standardized control bus connection. The interface can handle various control functions (on/off, dimming, timing) through software configuration rather than requiring different physical wiring arrangements for each function. This multi-functionality allows a single interface design to serve multiple purposes, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If control buses with pairing procedures are used, then control functionality is achieved, but maintenance complexity and specialized knowledge requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface incorporates automatic device detection and configuration capabilities that eliminate the need for manual pairing procedures. When a effector is connected to the control bus, the interface automatically detects it and configures the connection without requiring specialized tools or technical knowledge. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining control functionality while making the system maintainable by standard technicians rather than requiring specialized expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions automatically during the connection establishment phase. The control interface pre-configures communication parameters, device addresses, and control protocols before the user needs to use the system. This preliminary automation of configuration tasks eliminates the need for complex post-installation pairing procedures and reduces maintenance complexity.
3Ease of operation
If direct wiring of phases and neutrals to control interfaces is used, then control functionality is achieved, but risk of malfunction and short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical wiring of phases and neutrals to the control interface with a isolated control bus system. The control bus transmits only low-voltage control signals and is electrically isolated from the high-power effector circuits. This substitution eliminates the risk of wiring errors causing direct short circuits or malfunctions in the control interface while maintaining the ability to control effectors reliably.
4Reliability
If larger cable cross-sections are used to withstand nominal operating current, then control functionality is achieved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical system into two separate circuits: a high-power power supply circuit that directly connects effectors to power sources, and a low-voltage control circuit that uses thin-gauge communication bus cables. The control interface draws minimal current from the control bus for signaling purposes, while power delivery is handled separately through dedicated power wiring. This segmentation allows the use of inexpensive thin cables for control connections while maintaining the ability to control high-power effectors, resolving the contradiction between current handling capability and cable cost.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The interface (1) has a passive transformation block (2) whose two of three input ports (5A-5C) are connected to a low voltage control receiver (10) via low voltage communication units (11) i.e. bus. The passive block has outputs (6) respectively interconnected to the two ports and connected to an active control block (3) via electrical low voltage connections (4). The active block has processing units for transforming low voltage control orders transmitted by the connections into a power control order based on programmed scenarios in the active block, to control a power effector (100). The processing units can be microprocessor or microcontroller. An independent claim is also included for a low voltage control receiver comprising control units.