Low-Voltage Utility Switch Retrofit for Latching Solenoid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote utility control systems face challenges in accessing high voltage for installation and power distribution, leading to difficulties in meeting building codes and generating excess heat at valves, which can cause calcifications and reduce water flow.
Innovation Solution
A retrofitting kit that converts a light switch into a remote utility control system using low-voltage DC power to control solenoids, reducing the need for extensive high-voltage wiring and minimizing heat generation through latching solenoids and pulse control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage is used for remote utility control system installation and power distribution, then the system can provide sufficient power to control valves, but it leads to difficulties in meeting building codes and generating excess heat at valves
Solution Approach 1:
A low-voltage DC power system serves as an intermediary between the high-voltage mains power and the solenoid valves. The system includes a low-voltage power supply that converts high voltage to low voltage DC, and latching solenoids that are designed to operate efficiently at low voltage, thereby eliminating the need to run high voltage to the valve locations while still providing sufficient control power
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters from high voltage AC to low voltage DC. This parameter transformation allows the system to deliver adequate power for valve control without the harmful effects of high voltage, including heat generation and building code compliance issues. The latching solenoids are specifically designed to operate at low voltage with high efficiency
2Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to solenoids for remote utility control, then the valves remain reliably controlled, but it causes excess heat generation and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous power supply, the system uses periodic pulsed power delivery through latching solenoids. These solenoids are designed to be actuated by short duration pulses (typically 1-5 seconds) that change the valve state, after which they maintain that state without requiring continuous power. This periodic action dramatically reduces power consumption and heat generation while maintaining reliable valve control
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the power-intensive function from the continuous operation and concentrates it into brief activation pulses. The latching mechanism separates the control function (requiring power) from the maintenance function (requiring no power), allowing the system to achieve reliable valve positioning with minimal energy input
3Length of stationary object
If extensive high-voltage wiring is installed for remote utility control, then sufficient power can be delivered to distant valves, but it increases installation complexity and creates building code compliance issues
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized low-voltage power supply unit acts as an intermediary that converts high-voltage mains power to low-voltage DC. This allows the system to use standard low-voltage wiring (which has no building code restrictions on length or routing) to reach distant valve locations, eliminating the need to run restricted high-voltage wiring through walls and ceilings
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/electrical constraint of high-voltage wiring routes with a more flexible low-voltage electrical system. Low-voltage wiring can be routed through existing building infrastructure (conduit, cable trays, even surface mounting) without requiring penetration of structural elements, dramatically simplifying installation while maintaining adequate power delivery capability
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 allows for efficient remote control of utilities like water and gas with reduced power consumption and heat, while avoiding compliance issues with building codes by using low-voltage wiring and latching solenoids, thus improving system reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
control circuitry for controlling at least one utility; at least one solenoid configured to be controlled by the control circuitry of the enclosure box
Data Source
AI summary
A utility control system that includes a switch control unit for selectively controlling a utility. The switch control unit may include a visual indicator configured to illuminate a first color when a switch selection mechanism is in a first position to indicate the on state of the utility and a illuminate a second color when the switch selection mechanism is in a second position to indicate the off state of the utility. Control of the utility may be accomplished through generating low-voltage pulses that cause a latching solenoid to latch to a first state or a second state. The utility system may also be provided as a retrofitting kit for a light switch.