Hybrid Switch Arc Extinction With Self-Powered Analog Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid switches require complex and digital electronics with an external power supply for controlling the extinction of electric arcs and interruption of current, complicating the circuit and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid switch and control device using an analog electronic control circuit based on a semiconductor to detect electric arcs and control the electronic switch through a time sequence of extinction and interruption in several phases, eliminating the need for complex microprocessor-based control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microprocessor-based digital control electronics are used to control the electronic switch, then the arc extinction and current interruption control precision is improved, but the device complexity and external power supply requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces microprocessor-based digital control electronics with an analog control circuit that directly processes voltage signals to control the electronic switch. This substitution eliminates the need for complex digital electronics and external power supply while maintaining effective arc extinction control through direct voltage signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to be self-powered, drawing its operating power directly from the voltage present at the electrical contact terminals during arc occurrence. This self-service approach eliminates the requirement for an external stable power supply that would be needed by microprocessor-based systems.
2Loss of time
If microprocessor-based digital control electronics are used, then the arc extinction timing control is improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces microprocessor-based digital control electronics with an analog control circuit that directly processes voltage signals to control the electronic switch. This substitution eliminates the need for complex digital electronics and external power supply while maintaining effective arc extinction control through direct voltage signal processing.
3Loss of energy
If the electronic switch is used alone, then the voltage drop is reduced, but the galvanic isolation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges an electromechanical switch with an electronic switch in a hybrid configuration. The electromechanical switch provides galvanic isolation when open, while the electronic switch assists in arc extinction and current interruption. This combination allows the system to maintain both galvanic isolation capability and reduced voltage drop characteristics.
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 allows for efficient arc extinction and current interruption without an external power supply, simplifying the control electronics and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an electric arc appears... detect the appearance of an electric arc occurring at the terminals of the electrical contact
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hybrid switch and control device allowing an electric arc to be extinguished and the electric current to be switched in an electrical circuit, said device comprising, firstly, a hybrid switch (1, 2) comprising an electromechanical switch (1) and, in parallel, an electronic switch (2) for assisting in extinguishing an electric arc and in switching the electric current resulting from said arc, said electromechanical switch (1) comprising at least one electrical contact (1a) across the terminals of which is connected said electronic switch (2) and, secondly, an electronic control circuit (3) able to control said electronic switch (2) when said electric arc occurs and until the electric current is switched. The electronic control circuit (3) consists of a semiconductor (Q2)-based analog electronic control circuit (3) and is configured to detect the inception of an electric arc occurring across the terminals of the electric contact (1a) and to deliver, to an output (S) of said electronic control circuit (3), an output signal able to control said electronic switch (2) according to a temporal sequence for extinguishing the electric arc and for switching the electric current in multiple phases.