N-Conductor Electronic Switch for Flicker-Free Low-Power Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic switches for two-wire systems face challenges in providing self-sufficiency when connected to low or low-power loads, leading to issues such as flickering, glowing, or reduced brightness due to inadequate current flow when switched off, and difficulties in determining optimal switching times for inductive or capacitive loads, resulting in malfunctions or damage.
Innovation Solution
The electronic switch incorporates a tertiary switch connected to the neutral conductor via a diode, allowing a quiescent current flow when off, and utilizes a switching regulator with a secondary path to maintain load power without interrupting current, along with a control system to manage voltage and current flow, ensuring minimal voltage drop and stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the switch is switched off to provide self-sufficiency voltage, then the voltage drop across the switch increases, but the load current is interrupted causing perceptible flickering
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is cyclically switched off in brief intervals to generate self-sufficiency voltage, with the time interval chosen so that the load disconnection is imperceptible to the human eye. This periodic action allows energy accumulation while maintaining continuous operation appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch accumulates energy in advance by cyclically switching off before the load requires power, ensuring sufficient self-sufficiency voltage is available when needed. The energy storage prepares the system for subsequent operation without interruption.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If phase-cut switching is used for self-sufficiency, then the current flow is controlled, but inductive or capacitive loads cause malfunctions and potential destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the load type (inductive, capacitive, or resistive) and adjusts the switching strategy accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents malfunctions by adapting the phase-cut or phase-angle control to the specific load characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching strategy dynamically adapts based on load type detection. The system transitions between different control modes (phase-cut for capacitive, phase-angle for inductive) to optimize performance and prevent damage for each load category.
3Power
If the switch is continuously on to maintain load power, then the voltage drop across the switch is minimized, but the self-sufficiency voltage cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The switch operates in periodic cycles, alternating between on-state (providing load power) and off-state (generating self-sufficiency voltage). The brief off-intervals are imperceptible, maintaining continuous power appearance while enabling energy accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring the load remains powered throughout the cycle, with the switch only briefly interrupting power to accumulate self-sufficiency energy. The continuous operation perception is maintained despite periodic energy harvesting.
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 ensures stable operation of low-power loads by minimizing current draw when off, preventing flickering and maintaining brightness, while protecting against overvoltage and current spikes, suitable for mixed loads and reducing the need for additional protective components.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic switching device comprises a diode bridge consisting of two discrete diodes and two MOSFET body diodes
Implementation Method 2
The third electrical connection is connected to the self-supply switching electronics via a fifth diode in the forward direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic switch for electrical installation technology, comprising a first electrical connection (A) for connecting a live (L) phase conductor of an alternating voltage (UN) of a power supply network, a second electrical connection (B) for connecting an electrical load (L), a third electrical connection for connecting a neutral (N) conductor of the alternating voltage (UN) of the power supply network, an electronic switching device at least for switching the load (L) between an on state (ON) and an off state (OFF), an electronic control (SE) for controlling the switching device, and a self-supply switching electronics with an internal self-supply voltage (UE) for the control (SE) using a load current (IL) flowing through the load (L). The electronic switching device comprises a diode bridge consisting of two discrete diodes (D1, D3) and two MOSFET body diodes (D2, D4).The third electrical terminal is connected to the self-supply switching electronics via a fifth diode in forward direction. The self-supply switching electronics are connected to the third electrical terminal via a sixth diode (D6) in forward direction, and a tertiary switch is arranged in series with the sixth diode between the terminal and the self-supply switching electronics.