Contact Energization Circuit for Pulse Cleaning Without Signal Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning contacts in temperature monitors, such as those used in temperature and motor vehicle electronics, face challenges including high power consumption, interference with signal queries, and the need for additional evaluation circuits, which are not easily adaptable and maintain contact quality over time.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement that integrates the cleaning process directly into the signal circuit of a temperature monitor, generating cyclic current pulses simultaneously with signal queries, using a resistor that switches based on setpoint values and energy storage devices whose charging and discharging times adjust according to environmental conditions, allowing continuous cleaning without additional circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning current is applied to contacts, then contact quality is improved, but signal measurement is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic cleaning current pulses at specific intervals (e.g., every 10-30 minutes) rather than continuously, allowing signal measurement to proceed undisturbed during normal operation. The cleaning pulses are timed to occur when no signal query is active, thus maintaining both contact quality and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operation into distinct phases: signal query phase and cleaning phase. The control unit coordinates these phases so that cleaning current pulses are applied only during intervals when signal measurement is not occurring, effectively separating the two functions in time to avoid interference.
2Reliability
If additional evaluation voltage is applied for contact assessment, then contact cleaning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing signal circuit serve dual purposes: it both queries the setpoint signal and provides the path for cleaning current pulses. The same resistor R1 and circuit path are used for both signal measurement and contact cleaning, eliminating the need for separate evaluation circuits and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the signal query circuit and contact cleaning circuit into a single integrated circuit arrangement. The cleaning current pulses are applied through the same signal circuit path, combining two functions into one unified system that reduces component count and simplifies the overall device architecture.
3Reliability
If high current flows for extended period during burn-off, then contact cleaning is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic, pulsed cleaning current rather than continuous high current. The cleaning current flows in short bursts (e.g., 100mA for a few seconds every 10-30 minutes) which is sufficient to remove contaminants while consuming minimal overall power compared to continuous high-current applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the cleaning current parameters (amplitude and duration) to optimal values that achieve effective cleaning with minimal energy consumption. By carefully controlling the pulse width and amplitude, the system achieves sufficient cleaning effect while keeping power consumption low during normal operation.
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 approach maintains high contact quality by reducing corrosion and contamination while minimizing power consumption and avoiding interference with signal queries, enabling continuous cleaning during normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor connected between the contacts and the control unit, wherein the capacitor is charged and/or discharged depending on a charging and/or discharging time that changes as a function of at least one environmental condition
Implementation Method 2
This regeneration takes place with the same amplitude at the contact in order to avoid any adverse influence on the signal acquisition due to the current and voltage imprinting. The cleaning process is achieved by applying an overvoltage to the contact points
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement (1) for generating cyclically successive current impulses (I1, ... In) on contacts (K1, K2), which are to be cleaned, of a target value monitor, which, for continual querying of a target value signal (V1) to be monitored, forms a signal current circuit having a resistor (R1), the resistor (R1) having the behavior of a switch monitor, which, when in the target range of a target value to be monitored, is in a high-ohmic state and, when outside said target range, is in a low-ohmic state, allowing a control current to pass. The circuit arrangement (1) is designed integrated with the signal current circuit, the contacts (K1, K2) being cleaned by means of cyclical current impulses (I1, ... In) and the cyclical current impulses (I1, ... In) being generated simultaneously together with the signal query of the target value in the signal current circuit.