Contactor Drive Circuit with Automatic Type Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contactor drive circuits are limited in their ability to drive both bistable and normally closed contactors, as they are typically designed for a single type of contactor, preventing them from efficiently controlling both bistable and normally closed contactors with the same circuit.
Innovation Solution
A contactor drive circuit that includes a processor to determine the type of contactor connected between its drive ends and controls a line connection and control unit to appropriately connect the contactor to the power supply, allowing it to drive both bistable and normally closed contactors by adjusting the connection based on the current flowing through the contactor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a contactor drive circuit is designed for a single type of contactor, then it can reliably drive that specific type, but it cannot drive other types of contactors
Solution Approach 1:
The drive circuit is designed with dual drive ends (first drive end and second drive end) that can be flexibly connected to either the anode or cathode of the power supply through switch units. This universal design enables the same circuit to drive both normally closed contactors and bistable contactors by adjusting the connection configuration, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each contactor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates dynamic switching capability through first and second switch units that can change the connection configuration between drive ends and power supply terminals based on the detected contactor type. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the circuit to adapt its topology from a fixed single-type design to a flexible multi-type design, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a drive circuit uses fixed connection configuration, then it is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to different contactor types
Solution Approach 1:
The drive circuit incorporates a detection mechanism that automatically identifies the connected contactor type by monitoring current flow characteristics. Based on this self-detected information, the circuit automatically configures the appropriate connection through the switch units, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex external control. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while achieving adaptability to different contactor types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drive circuit automatically detects contactor type, then it achieves versatility, but it requires additional detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs a feedback mechanism where the processor detects current flow characteristics through the contactor and uses this feedback information to determine the contactor type. Based on this feedback, the processor automatically controls the switch units to configure the appropriate connection. This feedback-based approach achieves automatic type recognition with minimal additional complexity, as it utilizes existing current sensing capabilities rather than requiring separate detection hardware.
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
Enables a single drive circuit to effectively control both bistable and normally closed contactors, achieving efficient operation by determining the contactor type and adjusting the power supply connections accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
the processor determines, according to a value of a current flowing through the contactor, a type of the contactor connected between the first drive end and the second drive end
Implementation Method 2
a power supply, a processor, a line connection and control unit, a first drive end, and a second drive end... controls the line connection and control unit to enable the first drive end to be electrically connected to an anode of the power supply
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a contactor drive circuit, which is configured to drive a bistable contactor or a normally closed contactor. The contactor drive circuit includes a power supply, a processor, a line connection and control unit, a first drive end, and a second drive end, where the first drive end and the second drive end are configured to drive a bistable contactor or a normally closed contactor, and the processor is electrically connected to the line connection and control unit; when a contactor is connected between the first drive end and the second drive end, the processor determines, according to a value of a current flowing through the contactor, a type of the contactor connected between the first drive end and the second drive end; and according to a result of the determining, the processor controls the line connection and control unit to enable the first drive end to be electrically connected to an anode of the power supply, and controls the second drive end to be electrically connected to a cathode of the power supply; or the processor controls the line connection and control unit to enable the second drive end to be connected to the anode of the power supply, and controls the first drive end to be electrically connected to the cathode of the power supply. In the present invention, two types of contactors can be driven.