Low-Voltage Switch Control Circuit for High-Voltage Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of wiring in residential, commercial, and industrial settings due to the need for high-voltage wiring when using multiple switches to control a single load, along with the inflexibility and safety concerns of solid high-voltage wiring, lead to expensive installations and limited use of multiple switches.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that couples a high-voltage AC source to a load using multiple low-voltage switches, featuring a low-voltage DC power supply circuit, a single pulse generator, a bistable circuit controller, and a high-voltage electronic switch, allowing for cost-efficient low-voltage wiring and flexible control of high-voltage power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to control a single load with high-voltage wiring, then the control capability is improved, but the wiring cost and complexity increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a low-voltage control circuit as an intermediary between the multiple switches and the high-voltage load. The switches control a low-voltage circuit that then controls a high-voltage electronic switch (thyristor or triac), allowing multiple switches to control a single load without requiring complex high-voltage wiring between each switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-voltage switch with an electronic switch (thyristor or triac) controlled by low-voltage signals. This substitution allows the use of low-voltage wiring for switch control connections, dramatically reducing wiring complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to control the high-voltage load.
2Reliability
If high-voltage solid wiring is used for switch control, then the safety is improved, but the flexibility and installation ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the control circuit from high-voltage to low-voltage. By operating the control circuit at low voltage, the wiring becomes more flexible and easier to install, while the high-voltage safety requirements are maintained in the power circuit through the use of isolated electronic switches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of switches is increased beyond two three-way switches, then the control versatility is improved, but the cost and difficulty increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control system where multiple low-voltage switches can be connected to a single low-voltage control circuit that controls a high-voltage electronic switch. This multi-functional system allows any number of switches to control the load without the exponential cost increase associated with traditional high-voltage multi-switch wiring.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed for controlling a high-voltage power source with multiple low-voltage switches. The electronic device includes a low-voltage DC power supply that allows for low-voltage wiring and components to be used to control the high-voltage power source using multiple low-voltage switches. The electronic device includes a single pulse generator that generates a pulse signal upon activation of any one of the multiple switches. The pulse signal activates a bistable circuit controller that is coupled the a high-voltage electronic switch to control high-voltage power to the load.