Microcontroller Switch Circuit for Touchless Dimming and Spark-Free Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic switches, particularly mechanical and infrared sensor-based systems, face limitations in safety, efficiency, and user convenience for controlling lighting and electrical appliances, especially in environments prone to gas explosions and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller-based electronic switch that utilizes a detection means to convert external control signals into message-carrying sensing signals, controlling a controllable semiconductor switching element for on/off and dimming functions, ensuring safe and efficient power transmission without manual contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical-type electric switch is used for on/off control, then the switching operation is simple and reliable, but electric sparks are generated that can ignite gas explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switching system with a solid-state electronic switching system using triacs. The mechanical contacts that generate sparks are substituted with semiconductor devices that control power transmission electronically through gate signals, eliminating arc generation while maintaining reliable switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical coupling element as an intermediary between the control circuit and the triac gate. This optical mediator transfers control signals without direct electrical connection, providing isolation and preventing spark generation while maintaining precise control over the triac switching operation.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical toggle or spring button is applied on the electronic switch to facilitate manual operation, then the operation is straightforward, but hand contact is required which is inappropriate in kitchens or hospitals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based operation (toggles, buttons) with optical sensing operation. Infrared sensors detect hand movements or gestures without requiring physical contact, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive motion-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary for control signal transmission. The sensor detects infrared emissions from the human body to trigger switching operations, allowing contactless operation that prevents contamination in sensitive environments like kitchens and hospitals.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an infrared sensor is used to activate electronic switch for touchless operation, then hand contact is eliminated, but the sensor construction and circuit design become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single microcontroller unit that handles infrared signal reception, signal processing, and triac control. This consolidation simplifies the overall circuit design while maintaining touchless operation capability, as the microcontroller performs multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the infrared sensor, signal processing circuitry, and triac control logic into an integrated circuit assembly. By merging these previously separate components into a unified design, the system achieves touchless operation without the complexity of individual discrete components and their interconnections.
4Productivity
If traditional electronic switches are used for power transmission control, then basic on/off function is achieved, but efficient control of electric power transmission to various electric impedances is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of power transmission by varying the conduction angle of the triac through phase-angle control. The microcontroller adjusts the firing delay angle based on load requirements, enabling efficient power transmission control that adapts to different electric impedances and power demands in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (phase angle, conduction timing) of the power transmission control to optimize efficiency for different load types. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on detected load characteristics, the system achieves efficient and versatile power control for various electric impedances.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller based multifunctional electronic switch using a detection circuit design to convert external control signal into message carrying sensing signal readable to the microcontroller. Based on a time length of sensing signal and a format of the sensing signal received in a preset instant period of time the microcontroller is designed to recognize working modes chosen by the external control signal generated by user, and thereby selecting appropriate working process for execution. The system and method of the present invention may simultaneously be applicable to detection circuit design using infrared ray sensor, electrostatic induction sensor, conduction based touch sensor or push button sensor for performing multifunctions such as controlling on/off switch operation, diming or speed control and delay timer management within the capacity of a single lighting load or an electrical appliance.