Power Supply Arc Flash Protection via Connection Status Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems face challenges in preventing arc flash damage due to high electric currents flowing through connectors, leading to unintentional or accidental power interruptions and equipment damage, with existing solutions being costly and unsuitable for high-power density applications.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with an arc flash protection mechanism, comprising a first power connector, a power conversion circuit, a control unit, and a connection status detection circuit, which detects disconnection and prevents output voltage generation when the power connector is disconnected, thereby preventing arc flash and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic arc-suppressing devices, heat-operated arc-suppressing devices or air circuit breakers are used to suppress arc generation, then arc flash protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical arc-suppressing devices (electromagnetic devices, heat-operated devices, air circuit breakers) with a simple detection circuit that monitors connection status and controls power output accordingly. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical protection mechanisms while maintaining arc flash protection through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential protection function from complex arc-suppressing devices and implements it through a minimal detection circuit that only monitors connection status. By taking out only the necessary detection and control functions, the solution achieves protection without the complexity of traditional arc-suppressing devices.
2Reliability
If contacts are covered by current-withstanding alloy and insulating material to prevent damages, then contact protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical contact protection methods (current-withstanding alloy coatings and insulating material coverings) with an electronic control system. The detection circuit monitors connection status and controls power output to prevent arc flash, eliminating the need for complex contact protection materials and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting connection status before arc flash can occur. The detection circuit continuously monitors the connection between power supply and load, and the control unit preemptively adjusts power output to prevent harmful arcs, rather than relying on passive contact protection materials.
3Reliability
If a power cord latching or retaining structure is employed to anchor the power cord, then prevention of unintentional disconnection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical latching or retaining structures with an electronic detection and control system. The detection circuit monitors connection status, and the control unit manages power output based on detected connection states, providing protection without requiring complex mechanical retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service protection by automatically detecting connection status and controlling power output without requiring additional mechanical retention structures. The detection circuit and control unit work together to monitor and respond to connection changes, providing protection through intelligent control rather than mechanical constraints.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power supply with arc flash protection mechanism for providing power to a load is disclosed. The power supply comprises a first power connector including a plurality of power terminals and a first detecting terminal, a power conversion circuit, a control unit and a connection status detection circuit. The power terminals of the first power connector are configured to couple with a plurality of power terminals of a second power connector, and the first detecting terminal is configured to couple with a second detecting terminal of the second power connector and provide a detecting signal indicative of whether the second power connector is being disconnected with the first power connector. When the first detecting terminal is disconnected with the second detecting terminal, a power connection status signal of the connection status detection circuit is under disable status and the control unit controls the power conversion circuit not to generate, or output the output voltage to the load.