Switchless Diac Equivalent Circuit Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control devices for electrical consumers connected to AC voltage supply networks are costly due to the use of multiple components, including mechanical switches and microprocessors, which can be reduced without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device is integrated with the setting element and ignition device to detect the setting position, allowing the circuit element to be deactivated when a predetermined position is reached, eliminating the need for a mechanical mains switch and reducing component costs by using discrete components instead of microprocessors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical mains switch is used to disconnect the load, then the device can be switched off, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element (potentiometer) is designed to serve dual functions: it adjusts the phase angle for power control and simultaneously acts as a switch-off mechanism. When the potentiometer is adjusted to a specific position (end stop), the monitoring device detects this position and deactivates the ignition device, thereby switching off the load. This eliminates the need for a separate mechanical mains switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical mains switch is replaced by an electronic monitoring system. The monitoring device uses a transistor whose base is supplied with a largely constant voltage and whose emitter is connected to the output of the potentiometer. When the potentiometer reaches a specific position, the transistor switches to the conducting state, deactivating the ignition device and thus switching off the load electronically without mechanical moving parts.
2Measurement precision
If microprocessors are used for phase-angle control, then control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive microprocessors with inexpensive discrete electronic components. The phase-angle control is achieved using a timing element with a capacitor and a transistor-based monitoring device, which are significantly cheaper than microprocessors while maintaining adequate control precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device automatically detects the position of the adjusting element and controls the ignition device without requiring complex processing. The transistor self-regulates based on the voltage at its emitter, which reflects the potentiometer position, providing simple yet effective control.
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
This solution significantly lowers costs by eliminating the mechanical switch and reducing the number of components required, while maintaining precise control over the power supplied to the electrical consumer, with the monitoring device using a transistor to detect voltage changes and deactivate the ignition device.
Implementation Method 1
the monitoring device comprises a transistor whose base is supplied with a largely constant voltage, whose emitter is connected to the output of the potentiometer and the timing element, such that the transistor switches to the conducting state when the voltage at the output falls below a certain value determined by the voltage at the base
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the power control of an electrical consumer that is connected to an alternating voltage supply network, comprising a circuit element (12, 14) which lies in series with the consumer and which has a control input, an ignition device for controlling the circuit element (12, 14) and for carrying out a phase control with an adjustable phase angle, and an adjusting element (39) which is associated with the ignition device and which enables an adjustment of the phase angle. A monitoring device (60) is provided which is associated with the adjusting element (39) and the ignition device and which is designed to detect the adjusting position of the adjusting element (39) and to deactivate the ignition device dependent on said position.