1
\$\begingroup\$

I have a sectional couch with electrical recline. Each section reclines with a separate button. I would like to add a toggle switch that would allow the recline buttons to make all sections recline at the same time. Each section has a 29V DC power supply (1.8A) going to a motor and then push buttons to recline forward/backwards.

I've simplified the problem for now to 2 sections and one recline direction as I think I can generalize it from there.

I have a software background so I started by using boolean logic to understand the solution, which gave me:

Q_A = A + BT

Q_B = B + AT

A = switch on section A

B = switch on section B

T = toggle between individual recline and combined recline

Q_A = output to motor A

Q_B = output to motor B

So my first instinct was to just build that with relays:

Circuit with relays

So I have two questions:

  1. Is there a better way to solve this problem?
  2. If relays are a good approach, is there a better way than the circuit above?
\$\endgroup\$
7
  • \$\begingroup\$ Relays are fine. Why not arrange to use the existing 29 V supply for the new relay coils, though? Surely the extra relays coils won't overtax it. \$\endgroup\$
    – jonk
    Commented Oct 9, 2022 at 6:27
  • \$\begingroup\$ @jonk yeah the 9V was fairly arbitrary, but also I thought it would be easier to find relays that need a 9V coil voltage vs 29V (does that even exist?) \$\endgroup\$
    – midgetspy
    Commented Oct 9, 2022 at 7:16
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ So far it seems that your wiring diagram may have a few bugs, RLY_T has no -9 connection for the coil, Relay Q_B has the coil shorted. \$\endgroup\$
    – Nedd
    Commented Oct 9, 2022 at 7:17
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ @NicWolfe Relays work over a range. You could likely use 24 V to 32 V relays and get away with it. Worth trying, anyway. Also, you can add circuitry to mate them better, I suppose. \$\endgroup\$
    – jonk
    Commented Oct 9, 2022 at 7:23
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Any reason you wouldn't just short the outputs of buttons A an B with the toggle switch? Do you suspect that one push button couldn't power both motor relays? \$\endgroup\$
    – Nedd
    Commented Oct 9, 2022 at 7:30

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
4
\$\begingroup\$

It's as simple as this for two sections and one recline direction.

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ OK, you beat me by 4 minutes, (identical answer and wiring diagram withdrawn). However I'll add this: The recliner must have a forward and reverse recline circuit so it may be required that a double pole toggle switch be used, (as the added shorting switch), that way both the recline and un-recline switching circuits can be shorted together on separate poles of the switch. \$\endgroup\$
    – Nedd
    Commented Oct 9, 2022 at 8:21
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Nedd - Hi Nedd, I suppose luck was with me! I've limited my answer to the simplified version of the problem ("I've simplified the problem for now to 2 sections and one recline direction as I think I can generalize it from there.") \$\endgroup\$
    – vu2nan
    Commented Oct 9, 2022 at 15:49
0
\$\begingroup\$

Only need two relays, here's one on ebay that would work for one, and another switch C to connect input lines A and B, to simplify circuit above.

For three motors, just three relays and four switches, maybe three push buttons and one 3PST toggle switch.

Also the 29V supply would work on the relay linked above.

\$\endgroup\$
1
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ There is a schematic editing tool available when you write/edit an an answer in EESE. While one can make a messy diagram using any tool, I think you would have a better chance at a clean schematic using this tool (CircuitLab) than using MS Paint. \$\endgroup\$
    – Math Keeps Me Busy
    Commented Oct 9, 2022 at 10:36

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.