Two-Wire Electronic Switch With Parallel Self-Supply Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic switches for two-wire technology face challenges in reliably switching both high and low loads, including ohmic, inductive, and capacitive loads, while maintaining simplicity, compactness, energy efficiency, and gentleness on both the switch and the load.
Innovation Solution
The electronic switch employs a primary and secondary switch in parallel current paths, along with a high-impedance switching regulator and a low-impedance energy storage device to provide internal supply voltage. This configuration allows for efficient self-supply during both on and off states, minimizing current spikes and voltage drops, and enabling operation with mixed loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If phase-cutting principle is used for self-supply in conventional electronic switches, then the switch can operate with two-wire technology, but the load brightness is reduced and the switch cannot handle capacitive loads reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single current path into two parallel current paths: a first current path for main load current flow and a second current path for self-supply current. This segmentation allows the switch to operate reliably with two-wire technology while preventing brightness reduction and handling capacitive loads, as the self-supply current is extracted through the dedicated second path via the energy storage device rather than stealing current from the load path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an energy storage device (capacitor) as an intermediary element between the AC voltage source and the control electronics. This intermediary stores energy during voltage peaks and releases it during voltage drops, providing stable self-supply voltage without requiring continuous phase-cutting that would affect load operation. The energy storage device mediates between the fluctuating AC voltage and the steady requirements of the control electronics.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the switch is cyclically switched off to ensure self-supply, then operating voltage is maintained, but LED brightness is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by charging the energy storage device during voltage peaks before the control electronics need power. The energy storage device is pre-charged to sufficient voltage levels during high-voltage portions of the AC cycle, then maintains supply during low-voltage portions without requiring the switch to cycle off. This preliminary energy storage action ensures continuous load operation while providing stable self-supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the main switch closed throughout the entire AC cycle, allowing continuous current flow to the load. The energy storage device continuously charges and discharges in the background, providing uninterrupted power to both the load and the control electronics, thereby eliminating brightness reduction while maintaining self-supply.
3Power
If high current is drawn for self-supply, then the switch can operate independently, but small capacitive loads cannot supply sufficient current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of current draw timing and magnitude by using the energy storage device to buffer power extraction. Instead of drawing high current continuously from the load, the system draws current in controlled pulses during voltage peaks, storing energy in the capacitor. This parameter change in current waveform allows small capacitive loads to supply sufficient power while maintaining load operation, as the peak current requirements are smoothed out.
4Device complexity
If the switch structure is simplified for two-wire technology, then installation is easier, but the switch cannot handle mixed inductive and capacitive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a parallel current path architecture that can handle multiple load types through intelligent control. The first current path handles main power delivery to any load type (resistive, inductive, or capacitive), while the second current path with energy storage provides adaptive self-supply. The control electronics detect load characteristics and adjust switching strategies accordingly, making the simple two-wire structure universally compatible with mixed load types.
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 ensures reliable and efficient switching of loads with varying impedances, reduces undesirable brightness reduction in LED lamps, and minimizes current spikes, thereby protecting capacitive loads and achieving maximum brightness without significant loss.
Implementation Method 1
a low-impedance energy storage device is arranged in series with the secondary switch and the switching regulator, parallel to the first current path
Implementation Method 2
a high-impedance switching regulator is arranged parallel to the secondary switch in a third current path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic switch (1) for electrical installation technology, comprising a first electrical terminal (A) for connecting a live conductor (L) of an alternating voltage (UN) of a power supply network, a second electrical terminal (B) for connecting an electrical load (L), an electronic switching device at least for switching the load (L) between an on state (ON) and an off state (OFF), an electronic control unit (SE) for controlling the switching device, and means for an internal self-supply voltage (UE) for the control unit (SE) using a load current (IL) flowing through the load (L). Between the first terminal (A) and the second terminal (B), a primary switch (S1) of the switching device is arranged in a first current path (I1), and a secondary switch (S2) of the switching device is arranged in a second current path (I2) arranged parallel to the first current path (I1).A high-impedance switching regulator (SR) is arranged in a third current path (I3) in parallel with the secondary switch (S2). A low-impedance energy storage device (C) is arranged in series with the secondary switch (S2) and the switching regulator (SR).