DC Power Connector Arc Suppression via Movable Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC power supply systems face challenges in suppressing arc discharge during power off without increasing the configuration scale or reducing power efficiency, and they also generate excessive heat when trying to prevent arc discharge.
Innovation Solution
A DC power supply connector with a current limiting circuit that includes a switching element and a movable contact piece, which decreases current flow when the terminal is removed, preventing arc discharge without consuming power during DC power supply and reducing heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a configuration for suppressing arc discharge is added, then arc discharge suppression is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional parts: a first contact for power supply and a second contact for arc suppression. The movable contact piece selectively connects to either the first or second contact based on plug insertion state, segmenting the arc suppression function from the main power path to minimize complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second contact is pre-configured in parallel with the first contact but remains inactive during normal operation. When arc discharge risk is detected (plug removal), the system automatically switches to the pre-prepared second contact configuration to suppress the arc, eliminating the need for complex active control circuits
2Reliability
If a configuration for suppressing arc discharge is added, then arc discharge suppression is improved, but power supply efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable contact piece dynamically switches between the first contact (for efficient power supply) and the second contact (for arc suppression) based on the operational state. During normal operation, the system uses the low-resistance first contact path to maintain power efficiency, while automatically switching to the second contact only when needed for arc suppression
3Reliability
If a configuration for suppressing arc discharge is added, then arc discharge suppression is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc suppression function is extracted into a separate parallel path through the second contact, which is specifically designed with higher resistance to limit current during arc events. This extracts the heat-generating arc suppression function from the main power path, confining heat generation to a dedicated suppression path rather than affecting the entire power supply system
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 and reducing heat generation, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of DC power supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
an arc discharge occurs at power off. In the case of AC, since there is an instant at which the voltage becomes zero at every predetermined time (for example, every 10 milliseconds), the arc discharge stops spontaneously
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
An object is to provide a DC power supply connector that can suppress occurrence of an arc discharge at DC power off with a small-scale configuration without reducing power efficiency during DC power supply and can reduce heat generation. The connector includes, on at least any of a positive-electrode-side electrode side and a negative-electrode-side electrode side, a movable contact piece (20c) that touches a first contact (25) in a state where a terminal (11) on a power receiving side has been inserted and to touch a second contact (24) in a state where the terminal has not been inserted, and a current limiting circuit (30) including a switching element (T1). The current limiting circuit (30) does not flow a current to the switching element (T1) in the case where the movable contact piece (20c) is touching the first contact (25), and flows a current to the terminal (11) through the movable contact piece (20c) until the movable contact piece (20c) is linked to the second contact (24) after separation from the first contact (25), and gradually decreases the flowing current.