Pump Switching Device Using Triac and Relay for Heat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sump pump switching devices face issues with mechanical wear, entanglement, fouling, and heat buildup, leading to reduced longevity and reliability, especially in environments with dirt and debris.
Innovation Solution
A pump switching device configuration using a solid state sensor, a triac switch, and a mechanical relay, where the switch is activated before the relay to prevent arcing and heat generation, and a Hall effect sensor with a magnet for fluid level detection, ensuring efficient and durable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If tethered switches are used to increase pumping differential by increasing cord length, then the pumping differential is improved, but the system becomes prone to entanglement or hang-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tethered float switch system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The float contains a magnet that actuates a reed switch or Hall effect sensor, eliminating the need for long tethered cords while maintaining the ability to sense fluid levels and control pump operation for achieving pumping differential.
2Reliability
If solid state electronic switches are used, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but significant heat build-up occurs causing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the float and the switching mechanism. The float contains a magnet that actuates a reed switch or Hall effect sensor through magnetic field interaction, eliminating direct mechanical contact and reducing heat generation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces solid state electronic switches with magnetic field-based switching mechanisms (reed switches or Hall effect sensors) that operate with minimal heat generation, eliminating the heat build-up problem while maintaining wear-free operation.
3Reliability
If capacitive, optical, or pressure based sensing switches are used, then mechanical breakdown is avoided, but they become inoperable due to fouling on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field interaction as an intermediary mechanism that does not require direct contact between the sensor and the float. The magnet in the float actuates the reed switch or Hall effect sensor through magnetic field penetration, eliminating surface fouling issues while maintaining mechanical durability.
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 provides a robust, long-lasting pump switching device with minimal heat generation and resistance to mechanical wear, enhancing the reliability and longevity of sump pump systems.
Implementation Method 1
The Hall effect sensor is configured to generate a signal upon the detection of a magnetic field. The magnet is used to generate the magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
The relay selectively couples current to a pump motor
Data Source
AI summary
A pump switching device is provided. The pump switching device includes a relay, a switch, a sensor and a controller. The relay selectively couples current to a pump motor. The switch is coupled in parallel with the relay. The sensor is configured to generate a signal upon the detection of a condition. The controller is in communication with the sensor. The controller is further coupled to control the relay and the switch. The controller is configured to activate the switch a select amount of time before the controller activates the relay upon initial detection of the signal from the sensor. The controller is further configured to deactivate the switch a select amount of time after the relay is activated while the signal is being detected.