Parallel Power Interrupting Device Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power interrupting devices require stopping the power supply to a load for diagnosis, which deteriorates productivity and is not feasible for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A power interrupting device with multiple parallel interruption circuits and a control device that sets each circuit as a diagnosis target in turn, determining normal operation by monitoring voltage at intermediate nodes without stopping the power supply to the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power interrupting device performs diagnosis by interrupting power supply to the load, then the diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to stopping operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into multiple independent interruption circuits (first interruption circuit and second interruption circuit) connected in parallel. During diagnosis, only one circuit is tested at a time while the other continues to supply power to the load, enabling diagnosis without stopping operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality while performing tests on individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnosis function is applied locally to specific interruption circuits rather than requiring system-wide shutdown. The control device selectively activates diagnosis mode for one circuit at a time, allowing localized testing without affecting overall system operation. This enables targeted diagnostics while preserving global system productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple interruption circuits are used to enable continuous operation during diagnosis, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple interruption circuits are merged into a single parallel configuration controlled by one control device. The control device integrates the functionality of managing multiple circuits, selecting which circuit to diagnose, and coordinating the switching between circuits. This merging approach enables continuous operation during diagnosis while keeping the control architecture unified rather than requiring separate control systems for each circuit.
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
Enables continuous diagnosis of power interrupting devices without stopping the power supply, ensuring reliability and productivity by allowing normal operation to resume if no abnormalities are detected.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier connected such that a forward direction thereof is from the intermediate node to the output terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A power interrupting device has: an output terminal connected to a load; interruption circuits connected in parallel between a power source and the output terminal; and a control device controlling each interruption circuit. Each interruption circuit has: a switch element connected between the power source and an intermediate node, and ON/OFF controlled by an interruption signal output from the control device; and a rectifier connected such that a forward direction thereof is from the intermediate node to the output terminal. The control device sets the interruption circuits as a diagnosis target circuit in turn. The control device sets the interruption signal output to each interruption circuit such that the switch element of the diagnosis target circuit is OFF. Moreover, the control device determines, based on a voltage of the intermediate node of the diagnosis target circuit, whether an abnormality occurs in the diagnosis target circuit.