Passive Power Switch Control Device Harvesting Energy from Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for power supply management in electrical appliances and communication equipment face challenges of non-zero residual electrical consumption and complexity, leading to increased energy costs and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A completely passive remote controllable switch device that receives the energy necessary for control signal processing through the control signal itself, eliminating the need for local power supply and reducing consumption to zero when not in operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If remote control systems use active control units with local power supply to enable rapid reactivation, then reactivation speed is improved, but electrical consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactivation speedVSAvoidelectrical consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit harvests energy from the control signal itself to power its operation. The rectifier circuit converts the AC control signal into DC voltage, which is stored in a capacitor to power the control transistor and circuitry, eliminating the need for an external power supply while enabling rapid reactivation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A rectifier circuit acts as an intermediary between the AC control signal and the DC-powered control components. The rectifier converts the incoming AC control signal into usable DC voltage, bridging the energy gap without requiring a separate power supply system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If equipment remains connected to power supply via transformer to enable quick mode switching, then mode switching capability is improved, but residual electrical consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidresidual electrical consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the control function from the always-on power supply system. By using a passive control unit that only activates when receiving a control signal, the system separates the control capability from continuous power consumption, allowing mode switching without residual transformer load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when a control signal is received. The capacitor stores energy temporarily to enable the switching action, then the system returns to a completely powered-off state, eliminating continuous residual consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If passive switch devices are used to eliminate local power supply, then electrical consumption is reduced to zero, but control signal processing capability is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical consumptionVSAvoidcontrol signal processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the voltage parameter of the control signal through rectification and voltage multiplication. The AC control signal is converted to high-voltage DC, providing sufficient energy to activate the control transistor and circuitry temporarily, enabling signal processing without continuous power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit combines multiple components (rectifier, capacitor, control transistor) into a composite passive switching device. This composite structure enables complex control signal processing functions while maintaining the ability to operate without local power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables zero electrical consumption when devices are not in operation while allowing for rapid reactivation, simplifying design and reducing costs compared to existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

receives the energy necessary for the processing of the control signal through the control signal itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

control means comprising at least one relay able to actuate said at least one switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2761721B1Device for controlling a power switch, and related electrical appliance
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 ORANGE SA
  • EP2761721B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2761721B1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP2761721B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for controlling at least one power switch. According to the invention, such a control device includes at least one input port capable of receiving a control signal from said switch and a control means capable of actuating said switch. Such a control means is electrically passive in the absence of the control signal, and configured so as to be supplied with electricity by means of said control signal.