Redundant Electric Fuse Switching for Self-Diagnostic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for electrical protection lack redundancy and self-diagnostic capabilities, leading to potential operational unreliability and inability to assess the functional state of individual safety components.
Innovation Solution
A redundant arrangement of semiconductor and galvanically isolating switching elements, combined with current and voltage sensors, and a processor unit for rapid control and monitoring, enabling full diagnostic capabilities and high operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single semiconductor switching element and single galvanically isolating switching element are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and diagnostic capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switching function into multiple independent components: a first semiconductor switching element, a second semiconductor switching element, a first galvanically isolating switching element, and a second galvanically isolating switching element. Each component can be independently monitored by dedicated current sensors, enabling segment-level diagnostics while maintaining overall system reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary protective measures by arranging multiple switching elements and current sensors in a redundant configuration before faults occur. The processor unit continuously monitors current through each sensor and can detect failures in individual components, providing a buffer against complete system failure and enabling proactive maintenance.
2Reliability
If multiple current sensors and redundant switching elements are implemented, then the diagnostic capability and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the processor unit to perform multiple functions: it controls all switching elements, monitors current through all sensors, performs plausibility checks, and generates diagnostic information. This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic into a single unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased number of physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where current sensors provide real-time current information to the processor unit, which then monitors the operational state of switching elements. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection of faults and provides diagnostic information without requiring additional complex monitoring hardware.
3Reliability
If redundant safety components are arranged in series, then the safety and diagnostic capability are enhanced, but the arcing and corrosion during shutdown increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs semiconductor switching elements that can open circuits rapidly and cleanly before the galvanically isolating switching elements are activated. This preliminary action by the semiconductor devices minimizes arcing and contact wear in the isolating switches, while the redundant arrangement ensures safety through multiple layers of protection.
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 provides a highly reliable and redundant safety device capable of self-diagnosis, ensuring safe and rapid shutdowns with minimal arcing and corrosion, and maintaining operational integrity through diverse component sourcing and symmetrical fuse component arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
The current sensors are, for example, designed as magnetic field sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety device (1) for electrically protecting a conductor (10) and a method for operating the safety device (1), wherein the conductor (10) extends from an input contact (K1) to an output contact (K2) and in which several safety components (11) are arranged which are controllable and monitorable by means of a processor unit (12), wherein the safety components (11) comprise at least the following: - a first and a second current sensor (H1, H2) for monitoring the current currently flowing in the conductor (10); - a first and a second semiconductor switching element (T1, T2) for interrupting the current flow in the conductor (10); - a first and a second galvanically isolating switching element (S1, S2) for interrupting the current flow in the conductor (10); - a third and a fourth current sensor (H3, H4) for monitoring the current currently flowing in the conductor (10);- wherein the first and second semiconductor switching devices (T1, T2) and the first and second galvanically isolating switching devices (S1, S2) are enclosed by the first and second current sensors (H1, H2) on a first side and by the third and fourth current sensors (H3, H4) on a second side along the current conductor (10).