Electromagnetic Relay Diagnostic Device Using Optical Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic relay diagnostic devices cannot effectively measure contact-on operation time and contact-off operation time, which are crucial for diagnosing defects caused by aging degradation, and thus fail to detect operation delays in electromagnetic relays.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic relay diagnostic device comprising light-emitting units and an imaging unit to capture and analyze the operation times of current flow and changes in conductive states, allowing for the calculation of contact-on and contact-off operation times and diagnosis of relay abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera with high-speed shutter is used to capture images of relay operation indicator lights, then the operating state of the relay can be recognized, but the degree of delay in operation cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light-emitting units as intermediary components that convert electrical signals (current flow state) into optical signals (light emission). These light-emitting units are positioned at key measurement points in the relay circuit, allowing the imaging device to capture operational timing by detecting light emission patterns rather than directly measuring electrical parameters. This intermediary conversion enables precise temporal measurement of relay operation delays.
2Measurement precision
If measuring instruments are attached to measure contact-on and contact-off operation times, then aging degradation defects can be diagnosed, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated imaging device. Instead of using separate measuring instruments for contact-on time and contact-off time measurements, the system combines all detection functions into one imaging device that captures multiple light-emitting unit signals simultaneously. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple instrument attachments and reduces inspection time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical measuring instruments with an optical measurement system. Instead of using physical measuring devices that require electrical connections and manual attachment, the system uses non-contact optical imaging to detect light emission from light-emitting units. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming attachment and disattachment of measuring instruments while enabling continuous and rapid inspection.
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
Enables accurate measurement and diagnosis of contact-on and contact-off operation times, improving the reliability of electromagnetic relay inspections and detecting potential defects before they cause operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting unit to emit light when a current flows through a first wiring line connected to a coil of an electromagnetic relay
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay diagnostic device includes: an operation detection unit including a first light-emitting unit emitting light when a current flows through a wiring line connected to a coil of an electromagnetic relay; an operation detection unit including a second light-emitting unit emitting light when a current stops flowing through the wiring line; an operation detection unit including a third light-emitting unit emitting light when detecting a change in conductive state of a wiring line connected to a contact of the electromagnetic relay; an operation detection unit including a fourth light-emitting unit emitting light when detecting that the change in conductive state of the wiring line has disappeared; an imaging unit capturing a moving image of the operation detection units; and a diagnostic unit calculating a contact-on operation time and a contact-off operation time using the moving image, and diagnosing whether an abnormality has occurred in the electromagnetic relay.