Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A fan speed controlling device (100) comprising:
a first sub sectional circuit (110) comprising a detection circuit (115) and a microcontroller (120), wherein the first sub-sectional circuit (110) is configured to:
receive an input from a user, wherein the input comprises a digital input received via a digital interface or a manual input received via a first pole (118) of a rotary switch (125) or an electrical switch (130);
detect a line voltage supply by the detection circuit to generate an interrupt signal;
enable the microcontroller (120) to generate a command based on a generated interrupt signal.
a second sub-sectional circuit (135), operatively coupled to the first sub-sectional circuit (110), wherein the second sub-sectional circuit (135) comprises one or more semiconductor switching devices (138) and one or more capacitors (140), wherein the second sub-sectional circuit (135) is configured to generate a switching signal representative of capacitance to drive a fan (155) based on a generated command received from the microcontroller (120).
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital input comprises a digital signal received through the digital interface of a handheld electronic device associated with the user.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary switch (125) comprises a dual pole rotary switch.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more semiconductor switching devices (138) comprises one or more triodes for alternating current (TRIAC).
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first semiconductor switching device and a second semi-conductor switching device from the one or more semiconductor switching devices (138) are coupled in series electrical connection with a corresponding first capacitor and a corresponding second capacitor from the one or more capacitors (140).
6. A method (200) for operating a fan in a running condition comprising:
receiving an input from a user, wherein the input comprises a digital input received via a digital interface or a manual input received via a rotary switch or an electrical switch (210);
detecting a line voltage supply by a detection circuit to generate an interrupt signal (220);
enabling the microcontroller to generate a command based on a generated interrupt signal (230); and
generating a switching signal representative of capacitance by a second sub-sectional circuit to drive a fan based on a generated command received from the microcontroller in the running condition (240).
7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the operating the fan in the running condition comprises operating the fan in the running condition when power supply is available for operation of one or more components of the device.
8. A method (400) for operating a fan in a failure condition comprising:
generating an input signal by a third input terminal of a relay of the third sub-sectional circuit to act on a power supply failure condition for activating one or more capacitors of a second sub-sectional circuit (410);
generating an output signal representative of capacitance by the one or more capacitors of the second sub-sectional circuit based on a generated input signal (420);
receiving a generated output signal by a second pole of a rotary switch from the one or more capacitors of the second sub-sectional circuit (430);
generating a switching output signal by a fourth input terminal of the relay upon receiving a rotary signal from the second pole of the rotary switch to drive the fan in the failure condition (440).
9. The method (400) as claimed in claim 8, wherein operating the fan in the failure condition comprising operating the fan in the failure condition when power supply failure occurs between the one or more components of the device for operation, wherein the one or more components of the device are automatically recovered when power supply is fixed.

Dated this 16th day of September 2019

Signature

Vidya Bhaskar Singh Nandiyal
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2912)
Agent for the Applicant

, Description:BACKGROUND
[0001] Embodiments of a present disclosure relates to a controlling device and more particularly, to a fan speed controlling device and a method to operate the same.
[0002] A home mechanization system is building automation for homes. The home mechanization system is utilised to control a plurality of activities such as lighting, climate, entertainment systems and other household appliances. Generally, digitally controlling the lighting activities and the entertainment systems are simple and includes easiest approaches of turning on and off mechanism. But, the climate control among the plurality of activities is challenging and such activity is achieved by either regulating speed of a digital fan, a digital air conditioner or an air cooler. The speed of the digital fan is controlled by a digital fan speed controller, wherein the digital speed controller uses one or more electronic based solutions. Various such digital fan speed controlling devices are available which utilises the one or more electronic based solutions for digitally controlling the speed of the fan.
[0003] Conventionally, the digital fan speed controlling devices available for digitally controlling the speed of the fan includes one or more power electronic devices. However, such power electronic devices for controlling the fan speed creates an unpleasant acoustic noise. Also, such digital fan speed controlling devices operates only in normal power supply condition and in case of system failure or power supply failure, operation stops. Moreover, provision of manual operation of the digital fan speed controlling devices are also unavailable.
[0004] Hence, there is a need for an improved fan speed controlling device in order to address the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fan speed controlling device is disclosed. The device includes a first sub-sectional circuit which includes a detection circuit and a microcontroller. The first sub-sectional circuit is configured to receive an input from a user, wherein the input comprises a digital input received via a digital interface or a manual input received via a first pole of a rotary switch or an electrical switch. The first sub-sectional circuit is also configured to detect a line voltage supply by the detection circuit to generate an interrupt signal. The first sub-sectional circuit is also configured to enable the microcontroller to generate a command based on a generated interrupt signal. The device also includes a second sub-sectional circuit, operatively coupled to the first sub-sectional circuit. The second sub-sectional circuit includes one or more semiconductor switching devices and one or more capacitors, wherein the second sub-sectional circuit is configured to generate a switching signal representative of capacitance to drive a fan based on a generated command received from the microcontroller.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a fan in a running condition is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input from a user, wherein the input comprises a digital input received via a digital interface or a manual input received via a rotary switch or an electrical switch. The method also includes detecting a line voltage supply by a detection circuit to generate an interrupt signal. The method also includes enabling the microcontroller to generate a command based on a generated interrupt signal. The method also includes generating a switching signal representative of capacitance to drive a fan based on a generated command received from the microcontroller.
[0007] In accordance with a yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a fan in a failure condition is provided. The method includes generating an input signal by a third input terminal of a relay of the third sub-sectional circuit to act on a power supply failure condition for activating one or more capacitors of a second sub-sectional circuit. The method also includes generating an output signal representative of capacitance by the one or more capacitors of the second sub-sectional circuit based on a generated input signal. The method further includes receiving a generated output signal by a second pole of a rotary switch from the one or more capacitors of the second sub-sectional circuit. The method further includes generating a switching output signal by a fourth input terminal of the relay upon receiving a rotary signal from the second pole of the rotary switch to drive the fan in the failure condition.
[0008] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a fan speed controlling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for operating a fan in a running condition in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of one exemplary operating condition of a fan speed controlling device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for operating a fan in one exemplary condition in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0015] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0017] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a fan speed controlling device and a method for operating a fan in an operating condition is disclosed. The device includes a first sub-sectional circuit which includes a detection circuit and a microcontroller. The first sub-sectional circuit is configured to receive an input from a user, wherein the input comprises a digital input received via a digital interface or a manual input received via a first pole of a rotary switch or an electrical switch. The first sub-sectional circuit is also configured to detect a line voltage supply by the detection circuit to generate an interrupt signal. The first sub-sectional circuit is also configured to enable the microcontroller to generate a command based on a generated interrupt signal. The device also includes a second sub-sectional circuit, operatively coupled to the first sub-sectional circuit. The second sub-sectional circuit includes one or more semiconductor switching devices and one or more capacitors, wherein the second sub-sectional circuit is configured to generate a switching signal representative of capacitance to drive a fan based on a generated command received from the microcontroller.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a fan speed controlling device (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device (100) includes a first sub-sectional circuit (110) which includes a detection circuit (115) and a microcontroller (120). The first sub-sectional circuit (110) is configured to receive an input from a user, wherein the input comprises a digital input received via a digital interface or a manual input received via a first pole (118) of a rotary switch (125) or an electrical switch (130). As used herein, the term ‘electrical switch’ is defined as an electrical component which makes or breaks an electrical circuit by interrupting a current flow or diverting the current flow from one conductor to another. In one embodiment, the input may include a digital signal received through a digital interface of a handheld electronic device associated with the user. In some embodiment, the handheld electronic device may include a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop and the like.
[0020] In one embodiment, the first pole (118) of the rotary switch (125) may include a Pole-B (118) of the rotary switch (125). The Pole-B (118) of the rotary switch (125) gets connected to an ADC pin of the of the microcontroller (120) and supplies direct current (DC) voltage flowing through S1, S2, S3 and S4. The poles in rotary encode are given DC voltage and fixed value resistors. All pole has fixed but different valued resistors in order to identify which pole user has selected.
[0021] The first sub-sectional circuit (110) is also configured to detect a line voltage supply by the detection circuit (115) to generate an interrupt signal. In one embodiment, the line voltage supply may be detected by the detection circuit (115). The first sub-sectional circuit (110) is also configured to enable the microcontroller (120) to generate a command based on a generated interrupt signal.
[0022] The device (100) also includes a second sub-sectional circuit (135), operatively coupled to the first sub-sectional circuit (110). The second sub-sectional circuit (135) includes one or more semiconductor switching devices (138) and one or more capacitors (140), wherein the second sub-sectional circuit (135) is configured to generate a switching signal representative of capacitance to drive a fan based on a generated command received from the microcontroller (120). In one embodiment, the one or more semiconductor switching devices (138) may include an opto-coupler. In some embodiment, the opto-coupler may include at least one of one or more triodes for alternating current (TRIAC), a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photo-resistor, a Photo silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) and diac. In another embodiment, the one or more capacitors (140) may include one or more ceramic high voltage capacitors. In such embodiment, the one or more capacitors (140) may work with 230 ~ 250 Volts alternating current (VAC) or 120 Volts alternating current (VAC) directly. A first semiconductor switching device and a second semi-conductor switching device from the one or more semiconductor switching devices (138) are coupled in series electrical connection with a corresponding first capacitor and a corresponding second capacitor from the one or more capacitors (140). The microcontroller (120) triggers the respective second sub-sectional circuit (135), wherein, the second sub-sectional circuit (135) is made of opto-coupler which receives signals from the microcontroller (120) and provide supply to respective triac’s gate for turning the triacs on.
[0023] In a specific embodiment, the device (100) may also include a relay (150) of a third sub-sectional circuit (145), wherein the relay (150) is configured to receive a generated switching signal from the second sub-sectional circuit (135). In one embodiment, the relay (150) may include a double pole double throw (DPDT) relay. A first input terminal (152) of the relay (150) receives the generated switching signal from the one or more semiconductor switching devices (138) of the second sub-sectional circuit (135). In one embodiment, the first input terminal (152) may include a second pin of the relay (150). Again, a second input terminal (154) of the relay (150) in the running condition gets connected to the first input terminal (152) of the relay (150). In some embodiment, the second input terminal (154) may include a fourth pin of the relay (150). The relay (150) is also configured to transform a position, based on a received switching signal, to drive the fan (155) upon receiving the generated switching signal as an output from the fourth input pin of the relay (150) when power supply failure occurs. Here, the relay (150) transforms the position in order to switch from a running condition to the failure condition. In the coil of the relay (150) direct VCC (DC- Voltage) and GND are received from power supply. So, whenever the system failure occurs the voltage at the coil is 0 or no voltage. Then, the relay (150) transforms the position and disconnects the third sub-sectional circuit (145) from the input of the user such as the digital interface and Pole-B of the rotary switch (130). At similar point of time, the relay (150) gets connected to Pole-A of the rotary switch (125) and the second sub-sectional circuit (135). So, when the user changes the position of rotary switch (130) the one or more capacitors gets connected to the fan (155) directly as per normal regulator and controls the speed.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (200) for operating a fan in a running condition in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes receiving an input from a user, wherein the input includes a digital input received via a digital interface or a manual input received via a rotary switch or an electrical switch in step 210. In one embodiment, receiving the input from the user may include receiving a manual input from the user via an electrical switch. In such embodiment, receiving the input from the user for controlling the speed of a fan may include receiving the manual input from the user via the rotary switch when digital interface failure occurs. In another embodiment, receiving the input from the user may include receiving a digital signal received through a digital interface of a handheld electronic device associated with the user.
[0025] The method (200) also includes detecting a line voltage supply by a detection circuit to generate an interrupt signal in step 220. The detection circuit detects presence of the mains supply of the switch, whenever user turn on the switch. The detection circuit upon detection of the line voltage supply sends a generated interrupt signal to the microcontroller (MCU) for turning on the load and vice versa.
[0026] The method (200) also includes enabling the microcontroller to generate a command based on a generated interrupt signal in step 230. In one embodiment, the microcontroller of the first sub-sectional circuit may generate the command upon receiving the digital input from the user via the digital interface of the wireless electronic device associated with the user. In such embodiment, the microcontroller generates triggers such as T1, T2 and T3. The generated triggers switch on or switch off the one or more semiconductor switching devices of the second sub-sectional circuit. The generated triggers change a supply to gates of respective one or more semiconductor switching devices (G1, G2, G3) in order to turn on or turn off the gates of the respective one or more semiconductor switching devices.
[0027] The method (200) also includes generating a switching signal representative of capacitance by a second sub-sectional circuit to drive a fan based on a generated command received from the microcontroller in step 240. The capacitance generated by the second sub sectional circuit varies and such variation in values of the capacitance varies the speed of the fan.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of one exemplary operating condition of a fan speed controlling device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device (100) for operating the fan in a failure condition includes an electrical switch (115), wherein the electrical switch (115) gets connected to the line supply circuit (118). Here, a microcontroller (not shown in FIG. 3) of a first sub-sectional circuit (not shown in FIG. 3) does not operate when the power supply fails, or a digital interface fails. When the failure condition occurs, the relay (150) stops getting the supply voltage and changes a position to normally connected position. Similarly, when system fix has been occurred then in the running condition, the voltage at the relay (150) comes back in and poles are again shifted to work in the running condition. The relay (150) of a third sub-sectional circuit (145), wherein a third input terminal (160) of the relay (150) receives the line supply from the electrical switch (115). Upon receiving, the line supply, the third input terminal (160) of the relay (150) generates an input signal to act on a power supply failure condition for activating one or more capacitors (140) of a second sub-sectional circuit. In one embodiment, the third input terminal (160) of the relay (150) may include a pin 5 of the relay (150). A pin 3 of the relay (150) gets connected with the pin 5 of the relay (150).
[0029] Further, the pin 3 of the relay (150) supplies generated input signal to activate the one or more capacitors (140) of the second sub-sectional circuit (135). The one or more capacitors (140) generates an output signal representative of capacitance based on a generated input signal. Here, the output signal is represented as L1, L2 and L3. Again, a generated output signal is received by a pole-A (134) of the rotary switch (130) from the one or more capacitors (140). The pole-A (134) receives the supply from respective connected pin of the one or more capacitors (140). The pole-A (134) is the only operative pole in the failure condition and different capacitance is connected to the pins of this pole, so that user can change the speed in power failure mode if the system gets failed.
[0030] Further, a rotary signal is generated by the Pole-A (134) of the rotary switch (130) based on a generated output signal. A fourth input terminal (170) of the relay (150) generates a switching output signal upon receiving the rotary signal from the Pole-A (134) of the rotary switch (130). The rotary switch (130) is a dual pole switch so for manual operations pole-A (134) will function. It will directly connect to the one or more capacitors (140) and act like as normal rotary switch-based fan speed controller. Here, the fourth input terminal (170) of the relay includes a pin 6 of the relay. A pin 4 of the relay gets connected with the pin 6 of the relay (150), wherein the pin 4 supplies the generated switching output signal to a fan (155) in order to operate the fan (155) in the failure condition.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (400) for operating a fan in one exemplary condition in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the method (400) depicts the working of the fan in the failure condition. The method (400) includes generating an input signal by a third input terminal of a relay of the third sub-sectional circuit to act on a power supply failure condition for activating one or more capacitors of a second sub-sectional circuit in step 410. In one embodiment, generating the input signal by the third input terminal of the relay may include generating the input signal by a pin 5 of the relay. In such embodiment, generating the input signal by the third input terminal of the relay may include generating the input signal upon receiving line voltage supply directly through the electrical switch.
[0032] The method (400) also includes generating an output signal representative of capacitance by the one or more capacitors of the second sub-sectional circuit based on a generated input signal in step 420.
[0033] The method (400) also includes receiving a generated output signal by a second pole of a rotary switch from the one or more capacitors of the second sub-sectional circuit in step 430. In one embodiment, receiving the generated output signal by the second pole of the rotary switch may include receiving the generated output signal by a pole A of the dual pole rotary switch from the one or more capacitors of the second sub-sectional circuit.
[0034] The method (400) also includes generating a switching output signal by a fourth input terminal of the relay upon receiving a rotary signal from the second pole of the rotary switch to drive the fan in step 440. In one embodiment, generating the switching output signal by the fourth input terminal may include generating the switching output signal by a pin 6 of the relay to drive the fan.
[0035] Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable speed controlling of the fan through a digital speed controller device which is auto adjusted based on temperature of a room and controlled via human voice or one or more electronic gadgets.
[0036] Moreover, the present disclosed device also enables operation of the fan in a failure condition instead of completely turning off, wherein the failure condition may occur due to digital interface failure or internal power supply failure between one or more components of the device.
[0037] Furthermore, the present disclosed device removes harmonics created due to the switching because of an output waveform which is not pure sine wave and removes humming sound from the fan.
[0038] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0039] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0040] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.