Load Testing Device Relay Failure Detection via Waveform Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load testing apparatuses do not adequately consider relay failure in controlling power supply to resistors, leading to inadequate abnormality detection.
Innovation Solution
A load testing apparatus with a resistor unit, selection switch, electrical signal detection unit, and control unit that compares time-series changes in voltage or current to determine relay normal operation and control power supply, including warning mechanisms for potential relay failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional abnormality detection based on resistor failure is used, then resistor failures can be detected, but relay failures cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by analyzing the time-series voltage waveform immediately after selection switch operation to detect relay abnormalities before they cause complete system failure. The control unit compares the detected waveform with reference information to determine relay status proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical/resistor-based failure detection with electrical waveform analysis. By substituting the detection mechanism from monitoring resistor parameters to analyzing voltage waveform characteristics, the system gains the ability to detect relay failures through electrical signal patterns.
2Reliability
If time-series voltage waveform analysis is performed to detect relay failures, then relay abnormality detection is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the critical portion of the voltage waveform immediately after selection switch operation for analysis. By taking out and focusing on this specific time window where relay abnormalities manifest most clearly, the system avoids processing the entire waveform, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses reference information (reference waveform patterns) stored in advance to compare against detected waveforms. This copying approach allows the system to match complex waveforms against pre-established patterns, simplifying the determination process without requiring complex real-time analysis algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If waveform comparison with reference information is performed, then accurate relay status determination is achieved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial action by comparing only the essential characteristics of the voltage waveform within a specific time window after switch operation, rather than analyzing the entire waveform in detail. This approach achieves sufficient detection accuracy without requiring excessive measurement precision across all parameters.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide a load testing apparatus that is capable of suitably performing abnormality detection based on failure of a relay. A load testing apparatus includes: a resistor unit that has a resistor group including relays and resistors and is connected to a power source to be tested to perform a load test; a selection switch that is used to select whether to supply power from the power source to be tested to the resistor group; an electrical signal detection unit that detects at least one of a voltage applied to the resistor unit and a current flowing through the resistor unit; and a control unit. The relay operates in response to an on/off state of the selection switch to control power supply from the power source to be tested to the resistor group including the relay. The control unit performs determination on whether the relay normally operates based on detection information including a time-series change of at least one of the voltage and the current when the selection switch is operated, which is information from the electrical signal detection unit, and performs off control to stop power supply from the power source to be tested to the resistor unit.