Explosion-Proof Separation Contacts for Relay Exchange

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In electrical entities operating in Ex environments, safely separating the relay assembly from the load current circuit during operation is challenging due to potential sparking and sticking relay contacts, which can ignite explosive mixtures, necessitating additional safety measures and personnel with special authorizations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating separation contacts in the supply line with explosion protection features, allowing for safe disconnection of the load current circuit during operation, and a two-stage release mechanism to prevent abrupt contact separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the relay assembly is separated from the load current circuit during operation in an Ex environment, then the device can be exchanged during operation, but sparks may ignite the surrounding explosive mixture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation continuityVSAvoidignition risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit separation function is divided into two independent parts: separation contacts for circuit interruption and relay assembly for switching. The separation contacts remain in the device while the relay assembly can be exchanged, allowing safe separation during operation without requiring full device replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Separation contacts act as an intermediary element between the load current circuit and the relay assembly. These contacts provide a safe disconnection point that prevents sparking at the relay connector, enabling relay exchange during operation in Ex environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the relay assembly is separated at the plug connector during operation, then the device can be maintained without shutdown, but additional safety measures and personnel with special authorizations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance convenienceVSAvoidsafety requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation contacts are pre-installed and integrated into the device structure before operation. This preliminary configuration enables safe relay exchange during operation without requiring additional safety measures or specialized personnel, as the separation function is already built-in

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7679881B2Electrical entity with opening of the load current circuit in an explosion-vulnerable environment

Publication Date: 2010.03.16 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

There is described an electrical system including a device which features a load current circuit and connection terminals for connection of the load current circuit. In the supply line to the connection terminals, separation contacts are present for separating the load current circuit during operation of the device. Means for explosion protection are provided in connection with the separation contacts.