Relay Circuit Switching Timing Shift for Arc Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing relay units with series circuits of mechanical switches have a shortened lifespan due to uneven wear and arc occurrence, leading to increased costs as all relays need to be replaced with non-contact or high arc-resistance relays to extend life, making them expensive.
Innovation Solution
A control unit is introduced to selectively shift the switching timing of mechanical switches in a series circuit, allowing arcs to occur in different relays or concentrating them in high arc-resistance relays, thereby distributing or concentrating the arc occurrence, which extends the lifespan without replacing all relays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all mechanical switches are switched at the same time, then the relay unit structure is simple, but the arc occurs intensively at specific mechanical switches causing shortened life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switching timing of mechanical switches variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching timing of each mechanical switch based on predetermined patterns, causing arcs to occur at different switches at different times. This dynamic timing adjustment distributes arc damage across multiple switches, extending the overall relay unit life while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If non-contact relays or high arc-resistance relays are used to replace contact relays, then the relay unit life is extended, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing parameter of mechanical switch operation rather than changing the fundamental type of relay components. By adjusting the switching timing parameters through the control unit, the system distributes arc occurrence across multiple mechanical switches. This parameter change allows the use of inexpensive standard contact relays while achieving extended relay unit life, avoiding the need for costly non-contact or high arc-resistance relays.
3Device complexity
If mechanical switches are switched simultaneously, then the control system is simple, but uneven wear occurs due to timing variations causing intensive arc at specific switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting predetermined switching timing patterns in the control unit before operation. These predetermined patterns are designed to distribute arc occurrence across different mechanical switches. The control unit executes these pre-planned timing sequences, which eliminates uneven wear and extends relay life without requiring complex real-time decision-making or sophisticated control algorithms.
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 a longer-lasting relay unit at a lower cost by evenly distributing or concentrating arc occurrences across relays, eliminating the need for costly replacements.
Implementation Method 1
an arc occurs from this mechanical switch, causing a damage to the contacts of the mechanical switch
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a relay unit that is inexpensive and has a long life, and a method for controlling a relay circuit. A series circuit of mechanical switches is connected in series to a load and a load power supply, and a control unit selects one of the mechanical switches as a selected switch, and performs a switching timing shift, which is constituted by at least one of a first operation in which the selected switch is switched to the closed state after the mechanical switch other than the selected switch, and a second operation in which the selected switch is switched to the open state prior to the mechanical switch other than the selected switch.