Relay Device Discharge Circuit for Freezing Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional relay devices fail to operate normally in environments where freezing occurs, as they cannot effectively remove ice films between relay contacts, leading to conduction abnormalities and relay contact failures.
Innovation Solution
A relay device with a discharge resistance and a parallel circuit connecting a first relay switch and a second relay switch, where the first switch is generally open and the second switch is generally closed, allowing for the discharge of electric charge from a capacitor, ensuring normal operation even in freezing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single relay switch is used in conventional relay devices, then the device structure is simple, but the relay cannot operate normally when ice film forms between contacts in freezing environments
Solution Approach 1:
The single relay switch is segmented into two relay switches (first relay switch and second relay switch) with different contact point characteristics. The first relay switch has contact points that become generally open by electric conduction, while the second relay switch has contact points that become generally closed by electric conduction. This segmentation allows the system to handle ice film formation by switching between different relay configurations, improving reliability in freezing environments without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters of the relay circuit by introducing a parallel circuit configuration with different contact states. By controlling which relay switch is activated (open or closed contact points), the circuit can adapt its electrical characteristics to prevent ice film formation or maintain operation despite ice presence, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If ice film removal is attempted by opening and closing power supply relay circuit with predetermined potential difference, then ice film can be removed, but the relay cannot operate normally when ice film cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge resistance is connected in parallel with the relay switches to preemptively discharge electric charge that accumulates on the capacitor. This preliminary discharge action prevents the accumulation of charge that would otherwise contribute to ice film formation or prevent its removal, allowing the relay to operate normally even in freezing conditions where ice film removal is difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge resistance acts as an intermediary element that provides an alternative path for electric charge discharge. By introducing this intermediate discharge path, the system can manage electrical charge without directly applying high potential difference across the relay contacts, thereby preventing ice film formation while maintaining relay functionality.
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 device can maintain normal operation under freezing environments by discharging electric charge through the parallel circuit, preventing relay contact failures and ensuring continuous functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge resistance that discharges electric charge charged to a capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device includes a controller, a capacitor included in a charger, and a discharge circuit that discharges electric charge charged to the capacitor. The discharge circuit includes a discharge resistance, a first relay switch connected to the discharge resistance and having a contact point that becomes a closed state by electric conduction to an exciting coil, and a second relay switch connected in parallel to the first relay switch and having a contact point that becomes an open state by electric conduction to an exciting coil. The controller, by mutually switching between a state in which the first relay switch is turned on and the second relay switch is turned off and a state in which the first relay switch is turned off and the second relay switch is turned on, determines abnormality of the first relay switch and the second relay switch.