Automatic Power Transfer Switching Without Arc Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) solutions face issues such as high cost, heat generation, arc discharge, limited multi-selectivity, and reduced service life due to single mechanical switches and inefficient auxiliary power supply units.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical and electronic hybrid power source transfer device with two mechanical switches and an auxiliary power supply unit, allowing selective power transfer between two power sources, including a rectifier and inverter unit, and enabling two-step switchover without arc discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single mechanical switch is used in mechanical-electronic hybrid topology, then the device complexity is reduced, but arc discharge occurs between power sources and service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch structureVSAvoidcontact service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single mechanical switch is segmented into two separate mechanical switches (first mechanical switch and second mechanical switch). Each switch handles one power source connection independently, preventing arc discharge between power sources while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An auxiliary power supply unit is introduced as an intermediary component during the switchover process. This intermediary provides temporary power support, enabling the mechanical switches to change positions without causing harmful arc discharge between power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the auxiliary power supply unit is limited to supply power only during switchover, then short circuit between power sources is avoided, but multi-selectivity of power supply source is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort circuit preventionVSAvoidpower supply selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary power supply unit is designed with multi-functionality: it can supply power during switchover to prevent short circuits, and also supply power during normal operation to provide clean inverter output. This universal design enables both short circuit prevention and enhanced power supply selectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the role of the auxiliary power supply unit based on operational conditions. During switchover, it prevents short circuits; during normal operation, it can be selected as a clean power source. The control unit manages these dynamic transitions flexibly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If switchover speed is increased by eliminating separate open/close positions, then productivity is improved, but arc discharge between power sources occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitchover speedVSAvoidarc discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary power supply unit is activated in advance before the mechanical switches complete their switchover. This preliminary action ensures continuous power supply during the transition, preventing arc discharge while maintaining fast switchover speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary power supply unit acts as an intermediary that bridges the power gap during rapid switchover. It enables fast switching by providing temporary power support, eliminating the need for slow sequential switching while preventing harmful arc discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If solid-state switching topology is used, then switchover speed is improved, but heat generation and device cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitchover speedVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mechanical switches with optimized switching mechanisms rather than solid-state electronic switches. This mechanical approach achieves sufficiently fast switchover speed while generating minimal heat, avoiding the thermal management issues and high costs associated with solid-state solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12506357B2Power source automatic transfer device

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

AI summary

A power source automatic transfer device is provided, including: a first and second power source input end; an auxiliary power supply unit whose electric energy is acquired from a first and second power source; a device output end connected to a load; and a power source switchover unit including a control unit and a power source switchover switch, the power source switchover switch including a first and second power source switchover switch, wherein a first input end of the first and second power source switchover switch are respectively connected to the first power source input end and the second power source input end, a second input end of the first and second power source switchover switch are both connected to an output end of the auxiliary power supply unit, and an output end of the first and second power source switchover switch are connected with the device output end.