Switch Device With Controlled Signal Shutdown For Safe Power Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices face issues with safely stopping apparatuses when power is suddenly turned off, inefficient energy usage, and increased space and cost due to complex mechanical structures and unnecessary power consumption during both operation and off modes.
Innovation Solution
A switch device with a switch manipulation portion, a detecting unit, and mechanisms that allow the switch to maintain the ON state of electrical contact points until a controlled signal changes them to an OFF state, reducing unnecessary power consumption and simplifying the structure to minimize space and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the power switch is suddenly manipulated from ON to OFF position, then the apparatus can be quickly turned off, but the apparatus breaks due to unsafe stopping during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a preparation period mechanism that activates when the switch is turned OFF. During this preparation period, the control unit performs necessary shutdown procedures (such as stopping HDD operations, cooling DC power sources, and draining heating units) before actually cutting power. This ensures the apparatus is safely prepared for power interruption, preventing damage while still allowing quick switching.
2Reliability
If the AC plug is pulled out from outlet to turn off power, then the apparatus can be reliably prepared for turning off, but energy is continuously consumed to detect switch manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by making the switch device autonomous in detecting its own state and managing power consumption. The control unit continuously monitors the switch position and automatically activates the preparation period mechanism only when needed (when switch is turned OFF). This eliminates the need for continuous power consumption to detect manipulation, as the system only activates processing when a state change occurs, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining reliable shutdown preparation.
3Reliability
If a push-button switch is used to prepare for turning off, then the apparatus can be ready to be turned off, but the structure becomes complex and space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the power switching function and the shutdown preparation control into a single integrated switch device. The control unit is incorporated within the switch device itself, allowing it to detect switch position and automatically manage the preparation period without requiring separate push-button switches or external control circuits. This integration simplifies the overall structure, reduces the number of components, and decreases space requirements while maintaining reliable shutdown readiness.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device includes: a switch manipulation portion that is manipulated between an ON position and an OFF position; a detecting unit that detects which position the switch manipulation portion is positioned at, the ON position or the OFF position; a first mechanism that, when the switch manipulation portion is manipulated from the OFF position to the ON position, causes a first electrical contact point to enter an ON state; and a second mechanism that, when the switch manipulation portion is manipulated to the OFF position, causes the switch manipulation portion to enter an OFF state and to maintain the ON state of the first electrical contact point, and changes the state of the first electrical contact point to the OFF state by making an electrical signal be in an OFF state, an ON state, and an OFF state in this order.