Non-Latch Relay Intermediary for Power Supply Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply apparatuses with electricity storage systems face issues where current can flow through relay coils due to control circuit malfunctions, leading to potential power supply interruptions or failures in bidirectional converters during self-sustaining operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-latch type second relay with an operating coil connected between the electricity storage system and the load, and a control circuit connected via the second relay's contact, ensuring no current flows through the relay coils even when the control circuit malfunctions, thereby preventing erroneous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch type relay is used to control power supply switching, then the switch can be reliably opened during power failure, but current may flow through the relay coil due to control circuit malfunction, causing erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
A non-latch type relay is introduced as an intermediary component between the control circuit and the latch type relay. The non-latch relay's contact is connected in series with the coil circuit of the latch relay, acting as a safety intermediary that physically interrupts current flow to the relay coil when the non-latch relay is de-energized, thereby preventing erroneous operations from control circuit malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-latch relay is configured to preemptively block current flow to the relay coil before a malfunction can cause harmful effects. By placing the non-latch relay in the coil circuit and ensuring it de-energizes under abnormal conditions, the system performs a preliminary protective action that prevents the latch relay from receiving unintended activation signals.
2Reliability
If the control circuit is simplified, then the system becomes more reliable, but the ability to control relay operations during power failure and recovery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The non-latch relay is configured to automatically respond to power failure conditions without requiring complex control logic. When power is lost, the relay naturally de-energizes and opens its contact, which automatically interrupts the coil circuit of the latch relay. This self-service mechanism provides protective functionality using passive circuit behavior rather than active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is segmented into two independent relay systems: a latch type relay for primary power supply switching and a non-latch relay for safety protection. This segmentation allows each relay to perform its specific function with simple, dedicated circuitry, maintaining reliability while preserving control capability during power failures without requiring a complex integrated control system.
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 configuration reliably prevents current flow through relay coils, preventing power supply interruptions and bidirectional converter failures, ensuring stable operation during both power failures and recoveries.
Implementation Method 1
a non-latch type second relay having a contact and an operating coil for opening and closing the contact, with the operating coil being connected between the electricity storage system and the load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A power supply apparatus includes a latch type first relay inserted between a system power supply and a load and having a switch, a tripping coil for opening the switch, and a closing coil for closing the switch, an electricity storage system having a charging and discharging unit inserted between a secondary battery and the load, a non-latch type second relay having a contact and an operating coil for opening and closing the contact, with the operating coil being connected between the electricity storage system and the load, and a control circuit connected to the first relay via the contact of the second relay.