Dual Power Transfer Switch Conduct Transition Time Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring conduct transition time in dual power transfer switches are inefficient and lack accuracy, requiring manual collection of ON-OFF conditions for multiple circuits simultaneously, which is cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that correlate the contacts groups of a dual power transfer switch with a computer keyboard, using the keyboard's keys to collect and measure conduct transition time by obtaining and storing counter values, calculating differences, and dividing by device frequency to achieve precise time measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual collection of ON-OFF conditions for multiple circuits is used, then measurement capability is achieved, but efficiency is low and errors are prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical collection methods with an automated computer-based system that uses keyboard key correspondence to detect and record contact states. The computer automatically collects ON-OFF conditions of multiple circuits through electrical signal detection rather than manual observation, thereby improving both efficiency and accuracy simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where a single computer-based apparatus can measure conduct transition time for multiple circuits (3-pole or 4-pole switches) simultaneously by establishing correspondence between keyboard keys and contact groups. This multi-functional system eliminates the need for separate manual measurement processes for each circuit.
2Productivity
If counter values are obtained and stored for multiple contacts groups, then simultaneous measurement of multiple switches is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary device that manages the complexity of simultaneous measurements. The computer stores counter values for multiple contact groups in its memory and processes the data through software algorithms, thereby externalizing the complexity management to a dedicated computing system rather than requiring complex hardware circuitry for each measurement channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the computer's memory to create digital copies of contact state information and timing data. Instead of requiring complex real-time hardware processing for multiple switches, the system captures snapshots of contact states as counter values and stores them for subsequent analysis, simplifying the real-time measurement requirements through data replication and storage.
3Ease of operation
If keyboard correspondence method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to correspondence setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by establishing the correspondence between keyboard keys and contact groups before actual measurements begin. This setup phase creates a mapping relationship that simplifies subsequent operations, as the computer can then directly interpret keyboard key presses as specific contact group states without requiring complex real-time identification logic during measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A collecting and measuring method has corresponding a contacts group to a key of a computer keyboard; corresponding a contacts group state to a key state; corresponding a first keys group and a second keys group to a first power contacts group and a second power contacts group respectively; obtaining and storing a first values group and a second values group when the first keys group and the second keys group are closed respectively; calculating a difference value between the second and first values groups; dividing the difference value by the device frequency value to get a time value; and storing the time value. The time value is a conduct transition time value of a corresponding pole.