Reconfigurable Relay Control for Conventional and Latching Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay systems require separate designs and procurement for conventional and latching relays, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when design changes occur, as they cannot be easily converted between modes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a logic controller to receive configuration, power, and command signals to generate pulses that allow a single relay to operate in either conventional or latching mode, using pulse generators to manage latching and unlatching operations based on input signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate designs for conventional and latching relays are used, then each relay type can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and procurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single relay design that can operate in multiple modes (conventional and latching) by using a reconfigurable control circuit. The relay includes a control coil and control circuitry that can be programmed to provide either conventional relay operation or latching relay operation, eliminating the need for separate physical designs for each relay type while maintaining functional optimization.
2Reliability
If separate designs for conventional and latching relays are used, then each relay type can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay incorporates a reconfigurable control circuit that can be programmed during manufacturing or operation to provide either conventional or latching functionality. This allows a single manufacturing process to produce relays that can be configured for different applications, reducing inventory complexity and simplifying supply chain requirements while maintaining functional optimization for each mode.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single relay design is used for both conventional and latching modes, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to be reconfigurable through programming, allowing the relay to dynamically switch between conventional and latching modes. The control circuitry includes logic that can be programmed to provide conventional relay operation or latching relay operation based on configuration signals, enabling a single hardware design to adapt to different operational requirements without increasing physical complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If design changes are needed in relay applications, then functional requirements can be updated, but separate relay designs must be procured and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The relay includes a reconfigurable control circuit that can be programmed to change operational modes (conventional or latching) without requiring physical replacement of the relay component. This allows design changes to be implemented through software or configuration updates, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with design modifications while maintaining full adaptability to different application requirements.
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 a single relay design to be programmably configured as either conventional or latching, providing operational flexibility and reducing the need for multiple relay designs, thereby simplifying manufacturing and design processes.
Implementation Method 1
Relays are known in the electrical art as being electromagnetic switches that can receive a control current to operate electrically-isolated electrical contacts to control a separate current path
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3+
Figure 4
AI summary
A method of controlling the behavior of a latching relay includes receiving a configuration signal of either a first behavior signal or a second behavior signal, receiving a power status signal of either a powered or unpowerered signal, receiving either a low-to-high or a high-to-low signal command signal, generating latching pulse in response to receiving a powered signal input as the power status signal and a low-to-high signal as the command signal, generating an unlatching pulse in response to receiving a powered signal input as the power status signal and a high-to-low signal as the command signal input, and generating an unlatching pulse in response to receiving the second behavior signal as the configuration signal and the unpowered signal as the power status signal.