Contactless Power Feeder Sync Bypass for Secondary Unit Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In contactless power feeders with series-connected secondary units, the failure of one secondary unit leads to asynchronous operation of all power supplies connected downstream, degrading the power feeding capability.
Innovation Solution
A contactless power feeder with a synchronization system that includes a primary unit and secondary units, each equipped with an input, processor, and output unit, and a switcher that switches between modes to ensure synchronization signals are transmitted around failed secondary units, maintaining synchronization among power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If secondary units are connected in series for synchronization signal transmission, then the system structure is simplified and ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because failure of one secondary unit causes all downstream power supplies to become asynchronous
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the synchronization network into multiple independent transmission paths by enabling downstream secondary units to receive synchronization signals from both upstream secondary units and the primary unit directly. This segmentation ensures that failure in one path does not affect other paths, maintaining reliability while preserving operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If the synchronization signal passes through each secondary unit sequentially, then device complexity is reduced, but the system becomes vulnerable to single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its signal transmission topology based on the operational status of secondary units. When a secondary unit fails, the system automatically redirects synchronization signals through alternative paths from the primary unit to downstream units, maintaining signal continuity without increasing structural complexity.
3Extent of automation
If all downstream secondary units depend on a single upstream path for synchronization, then the system is easier to control, but productivity decreases when failures occur due to widespread asynchronous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local autonomy where each secondary unit can independently receive synchronization signals from multiple sources (upstream secondary units or primary unit). This local quality enhancement ensures that control remains automated while preventing widespread asynchronous operation when failures occur, thereby maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple secondary units include a target unit including a switcher that switches between a first mode in which a synchronization signal input into an input unit is transmitted to a processor and output from the processor to an output unit and a second mode in which the synchronization signal input into the input unit is transmitted to the output unit without being through the processor. The switcher switches to the first mode when the processor is in operation and to the second mode when the processor is stopped.