Power Supply Apparatus for Wireless Switch Controller Using Single AC Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems for wireless switch controllers require complex configurations with multiple paths to supply power to RF switch controllers, both when the lamp is on and off, complicating the circuit design and requiring additional components.

Innovation Solution

A power supply apparatus that generates DC power using AC power input into a lamp through a single path, employing a main switch element, AC to DC converter, comparator, and control signal generator to manage the switching operation based on AC signal phases, allowing DC power generation regardless of the lamp's state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate paths are used to supply power when lamp is on and off, then proper AC power can be supplied in both states, but the circuit configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply paths for when the lamp is on and off into a single integrated circuit configuration. The AC to DC converter and main switch element operate through one unified path that adapts its operation based on the lamp state, eliminating the need for separate power supply circuits and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable power supply in both conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single power supply path is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply power when the lamp is on through the main switch element, and supply power when the lamp is off through the AC to DC converter. This multi-functional design allows one circuit to replace what would traditionally require two separate circuits, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional components are added to supply power to RF switch controller, then proper power can be supplied, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply apparatus uses the existing lamp circuitry and AC power line to generate the necessary DC power for the RF switch controller. The system serves itself by utilizing the lamp's power consumption characteristics and the available AC line voltage to create the power supply, eliminating the need for additional external power components or batteries in the RF switch controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The AC to DC converter and main switch element are designed to serve dual purposes: controlling the lamp operation and simultaneously generating power for the RF switch controller. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count by making existing components perform multiple roles rather than adding dedicated power supply components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables stable DC power generation using the same path for both lamp on and off conditions, simplifying the circuit configuration and eliminating the need for additional components, thereby providing a convenient and efficient power supply to wireless switch controllers.

Implementation Method 1

an AC to DC converter configured to generate DC power by using a signal of an AC hot line and a signal of the terminal of the lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10015862B1Power supply apparatus and method of supplying power
Publication Date: 2018.07.03 EZEX CORP
  • US10015862B1 patent drawing
  • US10015862B1 patent drawing
  • US10015862B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply apparatus includes: a main switch element connected to a terminal of a lamp and configured to perform a switching operation; an AC to DC converter configured to an AC to DC converter configured to generate DC power by using a signal of an AC hot line and a signal of the terminal of the lamp; a comparator configured to compare a comparison input signal with a predetermined first reference voltage; and a control signal generator configured to generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the main switch element by using an output signal from the comparator.