Bidirectional DC Breaker Circuit for Vehicle Arc Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC circuit switching in vehicles poses a risk of persistent arcs due to the absence of zero voltage points, leading to potential damage or fires, and existing solutions require large and costly electromagnets or complex transient current switch circuits.
Innovation Solution
A compact DC circuit switching apparatus with a simple structure, utilizing first and second voltage holding circuits comprising diodes and capacitors in series, connected in parallel to a breaker, to suppress arcs in both directions by maintaining voltage equality across breaker contacts, thereby reducing potential differences and preventing arc occurrence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanism for extinguishing an arc that includes a magnet is adopted, then arc extinguishment is achieved, but the size and cost of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
A capacitor is introduced as an intermediary component between the power supply and the load. The capacitor absorbs transient current surges and maintains voltage during switch operation, preventing arc formation without requiring electromagnetic mechanisms. This mediator approach eliminates the need for large magnets while achieving reliable arc suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic arc extinguishment system (using magnets and electromagnetic fields) with an electrical field-based solution using capacitors and diodes. This substitution eliminates moving parts and large magnetic components, significantly reducing apparatus size and complexity while maintaining arc suppression effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a mechanism for extinguishing an arc that includes a magnet is adopted, then arc extinguishment is achieved, but the cost of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive passive electronic components (capacitors and diodes) instead of expensive electromagnetic mechanisms. These components are mass-producible, have simple manufacturing processes, and significantly reduce the overall apparatus cost while achieving the same arc extinguishment function through electrical field management rather than electromagnetic force.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing electromagnetic arc extinguishment mechanisms with an electrical circuit-based approach using capacitors and diodes, the patent eliminates complex manufacturing processes associated with magnets and electromagnetic coils, thereby reducing production costs and simplifying assembly.
3Reliability
If a transient current switch circuit is used for discharging current, then arc suppression is achieved, but the circuit cannot handle charging current from motor-side circuit to battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal voltage holding circuit using a capacitor and diode that functions effectively in both discharge modes (battery to motor) and charge modes (motor to battery). The circuit topology remains the same regardless of current direction, providing consistent arc suppression and voltage management across all operating conditions without requiring mode-specific configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor in the voltage holding circuit maintains equipotential conditions across the switch contacts during both charging and discharging operations. By holding the voltage potential stable regardless of current flow direction, the circuit prevents potential differences that would cause arcing, thereby achieving bidirectional arc suppression with a single unified circuit design.
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 apparatus effectively suppresses arcs in both directions without the need for large electromagnets or complex structures, reducing size and manufacturing costs, and enables bidirectional arc extinguishment, suitable for vehicle applications including regenerative braking.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor for delaying a voltage increase due to a transient current
Implementation Method 2
a diode for preventing a reverse current flowing from the capacitor
Implementation Method 3
a breaker configured to cut off the current
Data Source
AI summary
A DC circuit switching apparatus is connected between an automobile battery and a motor-side circuit and cuts off current that flows in two directions. The DC circuit switching apparatus includes a breaker that cuts off current, a first voltage holding circuit, which is constituted by a first diode and a first capacitor that are connected in series, that is provided in parallel to the breaker and is configured to allow power supply from the automobile battery to the motor-side circuit, and a second voltage holding circuit, which is constituted by a second diode and a second capacitor that are connected in series, that is provided in parallel to the breaker and is configured to allow power supply from the motor-side circuit to the automobile battery.