Wireless Relay Switch Layout for Compact Remote Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical switches, such as contactors, require additional control devices and extensive wiring for local and remote control, leading to a large size and complex wiring, which is not efficient for compact installations and smart control.

Innovation Solution

An electrical switch with a compact design integrating a relay assembly and a control assembly in a single module, utilizing wireless communication to remotely control the relay, reducing the overall volume and simplifying wiring, and incorporating dual circuit boards for improved space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional contactors use additional control devices and extensive wiring for local and remote control, then control functionality is achieved, but device size becomes large and wiring becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the control assembly and relay assembly into a single contactor unit, merging previously separate components (contactor, control devices, wiring) into one integrated device. This eliminates the need for extensive external wiring and additional control devices, directly resolving the contradiction between control functionality and wiring complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control board as an intermediary component that receives control signals and directly actuates the relay assembly within the same housing. This intermediary approach replaces complex external wiring systems with an internal signal transmission path, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining control versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional contactors include additional control devices, then remote control capability is achieved, but the overall size of the electrical switch becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontactor size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control assembly and relay assembly are merged into a single integrated unit housed together, eliminating the need for separate control devices mounted externally. This integration dramatically reduces the overall volume while preserving remote control capability through the wireless communication unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a wireless communication unit that operates in the electromagnetic dimension rather than requiring physical wiring connections. This dimensional shift from wired to wireless control eliminates the space required for control wiring and external control devices, reducing overall device volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If conventional contactors use separate control modules, then control functions are provided, but the structure becomes complicated and installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function provisionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control board and relay assembly are merged into a single integrated structure within one housing, eliminating the need for separate control modules mounted on adjacent surfaces. This integration reduces the installation footprint from multiple separate components to a single compact unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 results in a significantly reduced size, simplified wiring, and enhanced intelligence, allowing for more efficient installation and control of electrical switches, particularly suitable for low-current loads and two-phase power supply systems.

Implementation Method 1

a control assembly arranged in parallel with the relay assembly in the same housing, the control assembly being configured to control the relay assembly, and the control assembly comprising a wireless communication unit configured to receive signals to remotely control the relay assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3657524B1Electrical switch and switchgear
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3657524B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3657524B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3657524B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrical switch and a switchgear. The electrical switch (100) comprises: a housing (141, 142); a relay assembly arranged within the housing (141, 142) and configured to turn on and off a circuit connected to the electrical switch (100), the relay assembly comprising a first relay (110-1); and a control assembly arranged in parallel with the relay assembly in the housing (141, 142), the control assembly being configured to control the relay assembly, and the control assembly comprising a wireless communication unit (160) configured to receive signals to remotely control the relay assembly. The electrical switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure has advantages such as compact structure, simple wiring and more intelligence, and can be adapted for low-current load control.