Self-Powered Micro-Relay Switch With Energy Harvesting Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical switches require external power for operation and can have a detrimental effect on the load and primary circuit when used for high-wattage applications, and they do not efficiently harvest energy from the circuit they control.
Innovation Solution
A two-terminal switching device incorporating a micro-relay, such as a MEMS device, that selectively conveys or interrupts power to a load while harvesting energy from the primary circuit, using an energy harvesting scheme to charge a storage device during both on and off modes, and employing a bypass switch and series switch to manage voltage and current effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical switch is used to control high-wattage power, then the switching function is achieved, but the switch has detrimental effect on the load and primary circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches with a micro-relay (MEMS device) that uses electromagnetic fields to control the switching function. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact wear and reduces detrimental effects on the load and primary circuit while maintaining reliable switching capability for high-wattage power control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a micro-relay as an intermediary device between the control circuit and the high-wattage power circuit. This intermediary allows electrical control without direct mechanical contact with the high-power circuit, reducing harmful effects while maintaining switching functionality.
2Ease of operation
If an electrically-controllable switch is used, then external power control is achieved, but external power source is required to operate control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy harvesting circuitry that draws power from the primary circuit being controlled. The micro-relay and control components are powered by harvesting energy from the high-wattage circuit itself, eliminating the need for separate external power sources while maintaining electrical controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the switching device self-powered by integrating energy harvesting functionality into the same device that performs switching control. This multi-functionality allows the device to both control the circuit and power itself from that circuit, removing the external power dependency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy is harvested from the primary circuit, then the switching device becomes self-powered, but energy is withdrawn from the controlled circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent harvests only a small portion of energy from the primary circuit—sufficient to power the micro-relay and control components but minimal enough to have negligible impact on the overall circuit operation. This partial energy withdrawal achieves self-powered operation without significant energy loss to the controlled circuit.
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 self-contained, electrically controlled switching device with minimal impact on the load and primary circuit, enabling efficient energy harvesting and reducing wear on the micro-relay, thus extending its lifespan and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-relay disposed between a first terminal and a second terminal. The micro-relay selectively electrically couples the first terminal to the second terminal
Implementation Method 2
an energy harvesting circuit that (i) withdraws a portion of energy flowing into the switch device, (ii) stores the portion of energy in an energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device may comprise a micro-relay disposed between a first terminal and a second terminal. The micro-relay may be configured to selectively electrically couple the first terminal to the second terminal. The switch device may further comprise a bypass circuit configured to selectively divert at least a portion of electrical current flowing from the first terminal to the micro-relay, and direct the diverted electrical current to the second terminal. The switch device may further comprise an energy harvesting circuit configured to (i) withdraw a portion of energy flowing into the switch device, (ii) store the portion of energy in an energy storage device, and (iii) supplying the energy stored in the energy storage device to one or more components within the switch device.