Relay Control Sequence for Arc Discharge Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric power supply devices for image forming apparatuses experience frequent arc discharges at relay contacts, leading to reduced relay service life due to inrush currents during relay operations.
Innovation Solution
An electric power supply device with a controller that executes predefined starting and stopping sequences for relays connected to both live and neutral AC voltage lines, using stored information to manage relay states and reduce arc discharge frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relay is used in the electric power line of the AC voltage source to shut off power supply, then the power supply can be controlled, but inrush current causes arc discharge at the relay contacts, reducing relay service life
Solution Approach 1:
The controller executes a predefined starting sequence that closes the neutral line relay before the live line relay, and opens them in reverse order. This preliminary arrangement of relay operation sequences prevents simultaneous closing of both relays, avoiding inrush current and arc discharge at the contacts, thereby extending relay service life
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic switching of relays according to stored sequence information, alternating between different starting sequences (first sequence: close neutral relay first, then live relay; second sequence: close live relay first, then neutral relay). This periodic variation in relay operation patterns reduces cumulative arc discharge damage while maintaining reliable power control
2Device complexity
If the relay closing sequence is fixed, then the control is simple, but the arc discharge frequency at relay contacts increases, reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically selects between different starting sequences based on stored operation history. The system transitions from a static, fixed relay sequence to a dynamic adaptive sequence that varies based on previous operations, optimizing relay life without excessive complexity by using simple state-based decision logic
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the operational parameters of the relay system by alternating between different closing sequences (first sequence and second sequence). This parameter variation in the relay operation timing and order reduces arc discharge accumulation while maintaining straightforward control through stored sequence patterns
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 solution effectively reduces the frequency of arc discharges at relay contacts, thereby extending the service life of the relays and improving the reliability of the power supply.
Implementation Method 1
an inrush current flows to the load with the result of production of arc discharge at the contacts of the relay
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power supply device for supplying electric power to a load, the electric power supply device includes a first relay connected with a live line of an AC voltage source; a second relay connected with a neutral line of the AC voltage source; a controller for executing a starting sequence for rendering On the first relay and the second relay from Off state; and a storing portion for storing information relating to the starting sequence executed by the controller; wherein when the electric power supply device is actuated, the controller switches the starting sequence on the basis of the information stored in the storing portion.