Relay Circuit for Military Hatch Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety circuits for entry/exit hatches in combat vehicles are prone to failures and maintenance issues, especially at extreme temperatures, and can lead to dangerous situations when the vehicle is started with a half-open hatch cover, potentially causing injuries due to unexpected closure.
Innovation Solution
A relay circuit design with self-locking and timing relays ensures that the electric drive for the hatch cover is only released after the manual control switch has been actuated, providing a robust and fault-resistant solution that monitors relay positions using software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional control system or software is used to control the hatch cover, then the system can be automated, but it becomes prone to failures and maintenance issues especially at extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems and software with a relay-based control circuit. The relay circuit uses electrical contacts and coils to control the hatch cover drive, eliminating the need for complex electronic controllers and software. This mechanical-electrical system is inherently more reliable at extreme temperatures as relays are designed to operate in harsh environmental conditions without the sensitivity issues that plague electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, robust relay components that are inexpensive and easily replaceable. Rather than investing in expensive, complex electronic control systems that require meticulous maintenance, the solution employs basic relay technology that can withstand temperature extremes and is simple to service or replace if needed.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is started with a half-open hatch cover, then the vehicle can be switched on, but the hatch may close immediately causing injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The relay circuit is designed to detect the hatch cover position before allowing the drive to operate. The control circuit checks whether the hatch is in a safe position (fully open or fully closed) before enabling the drive motor. If the hatch is half-open when the vehicle starts, the relay circuit prevents immediate closure by requiring manual actuation of the control switch first, thereby eliminating the dangerous automatic closure scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay circuit acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's main switch and the hatch cover drive. It mediates the control signal by inserting logic that checks hatch position and control switch state before allowing drive operation. This intermediary layer prevents direct coupling between the main switch and drive, blocking dangerous automatic closure while still allowing normal operation when conditions are safe.
3Reliability
If a safety blind with manual operation is used, then safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety blind position detection with the existing control switch and relay circuit in an integrated manner. Rather than adding a separate complex safety system, the control switch's position signals are fed into the relay circuit logic, which already manages the drive control. This merging of safety function into the existing control architecture achieves safety without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
The relay circuit design ensures the hatch cover remains open when starting the vehicle, preventing accidental closure and enhancing safety by ensuring the load voltage is only applied after the control switch has been activated, thus preventing injuries and maintaining system reliability across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a relay circuit design with self-locking and timing relays ensures that the electric drive for the hatch cover is only released after the manual control switch has been actuated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The electrical safety switching device is formed as relay circuit with a relay (K5) with self latch (SH), whose closed-circuit contact lies in the load supply line (LV) and its control input (X1) over a closed-circuit contact of another relay (K4) and a break contact of a third relay (K3) is connected in series with load supply line. The control input of latter relay over closed circuit contact of a fourth relay (K2) is connected to a source of supply voltage (u4) and the fourth relay is formed as loss-retarding time delay relay. A fifth relay (K1) is formed as suit-retarding time delay relay.