Electricity Meter Switch Timing Adjustment for Contact Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch systems for electricity meters face reduced lifetime due to suboptimal timing of switching events with respect to zero crossings, leading to increased wear and tear and arc formation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors to monitor and adjust the timing of switching signals based on real-time voltage, current, and temperature conditions, ensuring that switches open or close at or near zero crossings, even with changes in delay and wear over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the timing of switching signals is based on fixed estimated delay from design phase, then the switch system is simple to implement, but the lifetime of switch contacts decreases due to suboptimal timing with respect to zero crossings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual delay between switching signal output and switching state change using a sensor, then using this measured delay to adjust the timing of subsequent switching signals. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures optimal timing alignment with zero crossings, reducing arc formation and extending switch contact lifetime while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of switching signals dynamically based on measured actual delay values. By adjusting the timing parameter according to real-world conditions rather than relying on fixed design estimates, the system achieves optimal zero-crossing alignment, minimizing wear and extending switch lifetime without adding complex hardware.
2Reliability
If the switching timing is adjusted dynamically based on real-time measurements, then the lifetime of switch contacts is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sensor to measure the actual delay between switching signal output and switching state change, creating a feedback loop. This measured feedback is then used to adjust the timing of subsequent switching signals, ensuring optimal alignment with zero crossings. This approach extends switch lifetime while keeping the added complexity minimal by using straightforward measurement and adjustment logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring its own delay characteristics and correcting its timing based on these measurements. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external calibration or complex control mechanisms, extending switch lifetime while adding minimal system complexity.
3Device complexity
If fixed estimated delay is used for switching timing, then the device complexity is low, but arc formation increases leading to increased wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual switching delay with a sensor and using this measurement to adjust timing. This ensures switching occurs at optimal zero-crossing points, preventing arc formation and reducing wear and tear. The solution maintains low device complexity by using simple measurement and timing adjustment without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the timing parameter of switching signals based on measured actual delay values, changing this parameter dynamically to align with zero crossings. This parameter adjustment prevents arc formation and reduces wear while keeping the system simple, avoiding the need for complex control mechanisms.
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
This approach extends the lifetime of switch contacts by minimizing wear and preventing arc formation, as the timing of switching events is dynamically adjusted to align with optimal zero crossing points, regardless of changes in delay or environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (22, 23) that is adapted to transform the output current and/or the output voltage of the at least one switch (2, 3) into the sensor signal
Data Source
AI summary
A switching system for an electricity meter, an electricity meter with a switch system and a method of switching switch are provided. In order to improve lifetime of the switch the timing of outputting a switching signal is adjusted based on a time difference between previously outputting the switching signal and achieving a predefined switching state.