Current Limiting Circuit for DC Power Connector Arc Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC power feeding technologies face challenges in suppressing arc discharge at power off without increasing the configuration scale or reducing power efficiency, particularly in DC power systems where voltage does not reach zero, leading to potential contact degradation and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A current limiting circuit is implemented with a MOSFET, capacitor, and resistor configuration that controls current flow between electrodes, ensuring no current flows when the plug is fully inserted and gradually reducing current as the plug is removed, thereby suppressing arc discharge without increasing the circuit scale or reducing power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a configuration for suppressing arc discharge is added to DC power feeding, then arc discharge suppression is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current limiting circuit as an intermediary component between the power source and load. This circuit includes a switching element and current detection mechanism that mediates the current flow during plug removal, suppressing arc discharge without requiring complex mechanical structures or additional contact systems. The current limiting circuit acts as a mediator that controls the electrical interaction during the critical disconnection phase.
2Reliability
If a configuration for suppressing arc discharge is added to DC power feeding, then arc discharge suppression is improved, but power supply efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The current limiting circuit operates periodically based on the plug insertion and removal cycles. The switching element within the circuit is activated only during the plug removal phase when arc discharge risk exists, and remains inactive during normal power supply. This periodic operation ensures arc discharge suppression while minimizing energy loss, as the circuit does not continuously consume power but only when needed for protection.
3Reliability
If current is continuously limited to suppress arc discharge, then arc discharge suppression is improved, but power supply efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The current limiting circuit employs dynamic control through a switching element that adjusts its state based on real-time conditions. During plug insertion and normal operation, the switching element remains off and current flows normally without limitation. During plug removal, the switching element activates to limit current. This dynamic adjustment ensures arc discharge suppression while maintaining high power supply efficiency during the majority of operational time.
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
The solution effectively suppresses arc discharge at DC power off with a small-scale configuration, maintaining power efficiency by controlling current flow through the current limiting circuit, preventing contact degradation and ensuring reliable power feeding.
Implementation Method 1
a switching element configured to be brought into an on state at a time point when the terminal is no longer connected to the first contact to decrease the current flowing into the terminal through the second contact
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive element configured to start being charged at a time point when the terminal is no longer connected to the first contact to raise a gate voltage of the switching element
Implementation Method 3
a resistive element configured to set a time for applying a voltage to a gate terminal of the switching element in conjunction with the capacitive element
Data Source
AI summary
A current limiting circuit configured to: before release of a touch between a second contact provided at a position where a terminal on a power receiving side in which a current flows at supply of DC power in an electrode that supplies the DC power touches before touching a first contact provided for the electrode at supply of the DC power and the terminal, decrease the current flowing into the terminal through the second contact; and avoid flowing a current in a case where the terminal is touching the first contact, and decrease the current flowing into the terminal through the second contact only in a case where the terminal is touching the second contact.