Memristor Socket Contact Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to detect poor-contact sockets during manufacturing, leading to potential electrical arcs and fires, as they can only identify perfect or non-contact connections, not irregular contacts.

Innovation Solution

A memristor-based system comprising an AC socket connection, a side pad for tracking AC line voltage or current changes, a series resistor for current limiting, and a microprocessor unit for alerting poor-contact conditions by comparing memristance values with a reference, integrated with electronic devices for socket failure detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detection systems are used during manufacturing, then production speed is maintained, but poor-contact sockets cannot be detected leading to safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocket connection safetyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/contact-based detection systems with a memristor-based electrical detection system. The memristor detects poor-contact conditions by measuring changes in electrical characteristics (memristance) rather than relying on mechanical contact verification, enabling detection of irregular contacts that mechanical systems miss while maintaining production speed

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes changes in memristance parameter to detect poor-contact conditions. By monitoring the memristance value variations caused by irregular socket connections, the system can identify poor-contact sockets without requiring complex mechanical verification, thus improving reliability while keeping the detection mechanism relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If uninterrupted electricity is used during production testing, then manufacturing efficiency is maintained, but poor-contact conditions remain undetected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidcontact quality detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous detection during uninterrupted power supply by using the live electrical current itself as the detection medium. The memristor continuously monitors electrical characteristics during normal operation without interrupting power flow, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while achieving accurate detection of poor-contact conditions through ongoing electrical parameter measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If simple connect/non-contact detection is implemented, then device complexity is minimized, but poor-contact sockets causing electrical arcs cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection circuit simplicityVSAvoidelectrical arc and fire hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the memristor as an intermediary detection element between the power supply and the load. This intermediary component subtly monitors electrical characteristics without significantly altering the circuit's overall simplicity, enabling detection of poor-contact conditions that lead to electrical arcs while maintaining relatively simple circuit implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively detects poor-contact sockets by continuously monitoring AC line conditions, providing alerts for irregularities, thereby enhancing safety and preventing electrical hazards.

Implementation Method 1

The memristor is provided for reading and recording all irregularity on the AC line voltage or current by means of memristance value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMemristance:

Implementation Method 2

The series resistor is provided for limiting the current flow on the side pad of AC line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3396394B1A memristor based system for detecting poor-contact of sockets
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 VESTEL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3396394B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3396394B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention refers to a memristor (7) based system for detecting poor-contact of sockets according to the present invention preferably comprises of an AC socket connection (4), a side pad of AC line (5), a series resistor (6), a memristor (7) and a microprocessor unit (9). The AC socket connection (4) is provided for connecting line (2) - neutral (3) between a plug (1) and the system. From the AC socket connection (4) a portion of current is bypassed to the series resistor (6) using the side pad of AC line (5) for tracking changes in the AC line voltage or current. The series resistor (6) is connected in series with the memristor (7) and the memristor (7) can read and record all irregularity on the AC line voltage or current by means of memristance value. The microprocessor unit (9) can be configured for comparing said memristance value with a reference memristance value (10) and for providing alert to a user on socket error (13).