Relay Contact Bounce Detection for Deterioration Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay state determination methods based on operating time are inaccurate due to large individual differences in relay performance, leading to reduced reliability in identifying relay deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A relay state determination device that measures contact bounce time after energization, comparing it to a set threshold value to determine relay deterioration, with a notification system to alert users and a variable threshold input for user-adjusted settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If relay state determination is based on operating time, then the determination process is simple, but the accuracy is low due to large individual differences in relay performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from operating time to contact bounce time. Contact bounce time is a specific phase within the relay operation cycle that exhibits minimal individual differences across relays of the same type, thereby significantly improving determination accuracy while maintaining practical feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/time-based measurement methods with electrical signal analysis. By measuring voltage changes across contacts during the bounce phase, the system achieves more precise and consistent measurements that are less affected by manufacturing variations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed time threshold is used for determination, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to changes in relay usage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic threshold adjustment mechanism where the time threshold can be modified based on actual usage conditions. The system allows updating of threshold values to adapt to different operational environments, relay types, and usage patterns while maintaining a default simple operation mode
Solution Approach 2:
The determination device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate with fixed thresholds for simple applications, accept variable thresholds for customized scenarios, and adapt to different relay types, making it universally applicable across various usage conditions
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 approach allows for accurate determination of relay deterioration, enabling timely maintenance and reducing the impact of individual differences in relay performance.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage value acquisition unit configured to acquire a voltage value between one pair of contacts mutually opened and closed in the relay
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a relay state determination device capable of accurately determining whether or not a relay has deteriorated. A relay state determination device (10) includes a voltage value acquisition unit (22), a contact bounce time acquisition unit (28a), and a state determination unit (28b). The voltage value acquisition unit (22) acquires a voltage value between one pair of contacts (4b1 and 4b2) mutually opened and closed in a relay (4). The contact bounce time acquisition unit (28a) obtains a contact bounce time (Tb) indicated by the one pair of contacts (4b1 and 4b2) based on the temporal change in the voltage value after the ON instruction to the relay (4). The state determination unit (28b) compares the contact bounce time (Tb) with a time threshold value (Tth) to determine whether or not the relay 4 has deteriorated.