Hybrid Switch Device Zero-Crossing Control Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switching devices for frequent load operations, such as those in busbar systems, face complexity in assembly and high electrical power loss due to individual wiring of solid-state relays, necessitating a more efficient and reliable solution.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with a hybrid circuit design, incorporating a semiconductor switch and a mechanical relay in parallel, which includes a measuring unit to monitor current phase profiles, a local control unit to manage semiconductor switches at zero crossings, and a monitoring unit to detect operating deviations and report errors, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solid-state relays are individually wired to a rail adapter, then reliable power supply for loads is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and assembly space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable power supplyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individually wired solid-state relays into a single integrated switching device with a common housing and shared rail adapter interface. This merging reduces assembly complexity and space requirements while maintaining the reliable power supply function through the hybrid circuit design that includes both semiconductor switches and mechanical relays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching device is designed as a universal module that can control multiple loads through a single integrated unit. The device includes multiple switching units within one housing, each capable of independent operation, allowing one assembly to replace multiple individual relay installations while providing the same reliable power control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If solid-state relays are used for frequent switching operations, then switching capability is achieved, but electrical power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching capabilityVSAvoidelectrical power loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs zero-crossing detection and control to switch loads only at the periodic zero-crossing points of the AC waveform. This periodic switching action minimizes electrical power loss during transitions while maintaining the ability to perform frequent switching operations. The control unit monitors the current phase and triggers switching events at optimal moments in the AC cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs preliminary detection of the current phase and zero-crossing points before executing the switching action. By anticipating the optimal switching moment through continuous monitoring of the AC waveform, the system prepares to switch at the precise moment of zero current flow, thereby minimizing power loss during the switching transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If zero-crossing switching control is implemented, then power loss is reduced, but switching precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidswitching precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a control unit that continuously monitors the current phase and provides feedback to determine the exact zero-crossing moment. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust switching timing based on actual waveform conditions, achieving precise zero-crossing detection without requiring fixed timing circuits. The feedback ensures accurate switching precision while maintaining reduced power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical timing mechanisms with electronic detection and control circuits that can precisely identify zero-crossing points through electrical signal analysis. This substitution of mechanical timing with electronic sensing and processing achieves high switching precision while maintaining the power loss reduction benefits of zero-crossing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3266031B1Switch device for operating at least one load
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 WOHNER GMBH & CO KG ELEKTROTECHNISCHE SYST
  • EP3266031B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3266031B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3266031B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The invention relates to a switch device (1) for operating at least one load, comprising at least one switch unit (7; 8; 9) which switches a tapped current phase (L) to a load (2-1; 2-2; 2-3) that can be connected to the switch unit (7; 8; 9) for the current supply thereof, and which has a measuring unit (7C; 8C; 9C) that measures a current phase progression of the at least one current phase (L); a local control unit (18) which, after obtaining a control command from an external controller (24), controls a semiconductor switch (7B; 8B; 9B) of the switch unit (7; 8; 9) in such a way that the semiconductor switch (7B; 8B; 9B) switches the current phase (L) measured by the measuring unit (7C; 8C; 9C), in the event of a zero-crossing; and a local monitoring unit (20) which evaluates the current phase progression of the at least one current phase (L) measured by the measuring unit (7C; 8C; 9C) for the detection of an operating deviation from a normal current supply of the respective load (2-1; 2-2; 2-3) connected to the switch unit (7; 8; 9), and which reports a detected operating deviation.