Plasma Generator Connector Detection via Relay Signal Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In plasma generators, it is difficult to detect whether the connector of the head is electrically connected to the power cables, as current flowing through nearby metals other than the shield cannot be distinguished from a proper connection using existing configurations.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generator design that includes a relay between the output device and the cable, with a first input terminal connected to the output device, a second input terminal grounded, and an output terminal connected to the cable, which switches connection in response to a signal, allowing detection of a signal current flowing through a path from the cable to the ground cable, enabling the determination of electrical connection between the connector and the power cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a current sensor is used to detect ground fault current through the shield, then it is possible to detect when the cable is grounded, but it is not possible to detect whether the connector and power cables are electrically connected when current flows through nearby metal other than the shield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay as an intermediary device between the output device and the cable. The relay includes a first input terminal connected to the output device, a second input terminal grounded, and an output terminal connected to the cable. By switching the relay's connection from the second input terminal to the first input terminal in response to a signal, the system creates a controlled test path that distinguishes between current flowing through the shield versus current flowing through nearby metal, thereby enabling accurate detection of connector-cable electrical connection status
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection function by creating separate detection paths: one for shield current (existing) and one for signal current through the relay (new). This segmentation allows the system to independently detect different types of electrical connections, resolving the limitation where only shield current could be detected previously
2Productivity
If power is supplied to power cables without ensuring connector connection, then the system can operate, but short circuit or electrical discharge may occur from cable terminals to nearby metal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of electrical connection status before power supply to the electrodes. The detector detects signal current flowing in the path from the cable to the first ground cable through the relay, confirming proper connector-cable connection before enabling power supply. This preliminary action prevents short circuits and electrical discharges by ensuring safe connection status prior to operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection to prevent harmful effects before they can occur. By detecting the electrical connection status through the relay and detector arrangement, the system identifies potential short circuit conditions before power is supplied to the electrodes, thereby preventing electrical discharge and short circuit damage
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 the plasma generator to accurately detect whether the connector is electrically connected to the power cables, preventing short circuits and electrical discharges by identifying signal currents when the connector and ground cable are connected, thus ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a relay interposed between an output device (94) configured to output the signal and the cable (52), wherein the relay includes a first input terminal (97) connected to the output device (94) of the signal, a second input terminal (98) that is grounded, and an output terminal (96) connected to the cable (52), further wherein a connection to the output terminal (96) is switched from the second input terminal (98) to the first input terminal (97) in response to transmission of the signal
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to detect a signal current that flows in a path from the cable (52) to the first ground cable (53) in accordance with transmission of the signal
Implementation Method 3
a voltage is applied to a pair of electrodes equipped on a head, electrical discharge is generated between the pair of electrodes, and the plasma generated from the head is applied to a target object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A plasma generator capable of detecting whether a connector of a head is electrically connected to a power cable. When the connector of the plasma head is electrically connected to the cable harness, a signal current flows in a path from the controller to the ground via a photocoupler, a relay, a cable, a terminal, another terminal, and a first ground cable in response to a pulse signal outputted from the controller. Accordingly, the plasma generator is able to detect whether the connector of the head is electrically connected to the first power cable and the second power cable, based on whether the photocoupler detects a signal current.