Relay Activation Timing Control via Zero Cross Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Relays in electrical devices experience timing delays when activating, leading to potential damage from unwanted energy due to variations in relay activation timing, which existing solutions either accept as static or require additional robust components or load voltage sense circuitry.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating voltage zero cross detection and current measuring circuitry, coupled with a processor that determines and adjusts relay activation timing based on the difference between zero cross time and current flow start time to synchronize these events, thereby reducing relay time error without needing load voltage sense circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay activation timing is adjusted to compensate for timing delays, then relay life is extended and unwanted energy damage is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional voltage zero cross detection and current measuring circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing fault protection circuitry (voltage zero cross detection and current measuring circuitry) for a dual purpose: its original protective function and new relay timing compensation function. This eliminates the need for dedicated additional components while achieving timing precision, directly resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and reduced device complexity.
2Reliability
If robust components or additional load voltage sense circuitry are used to handle timing variations, then relay protection is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing fault protection circuitry perform dual functions: original protective role and timing compensation. By adjusting relay activation timing based on measurements from reused circuitry, it achieves superior protection without adding components, directly resolving the contradiction between improved relay protection and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures actual current flow start time and compares it with expected timing, then feeds back timing adjustment information to the relay control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise timing compensation using existing circuitry, achieving robust protection without additional components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If relay activation timing is precisely controlled to synchronize with current flow start time, then unwanted energy damage is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that measures actual current flow start time and adjusts relay activation timing accordingly. This dynamic adjustment compensates for manufacturing tolerances and variations in real-time, achieving precise synchronization without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced harmful factors and manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the relay activation timing parameter based on measured current flow characteristics. By adjusting the timing parameter in real-time rather than relying on fixed manufacturing precision, the system achieves precise synchronization and minimizes unwanted energy damage while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances.
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 extends relay life, allows for smaller relay designs, and reduces space requirements by actively compensating for timing variations, utilizing existing fault protection circuitry for timing control.
Implementation Method 1
voltage zero cross detection circuitry configured to produce a zero cross detection signal indicating a zero cross time of an alternating current (AC) signal
Implementation Method 2
current measuring circuitry coupled to voltage zero cross detection circuitry. The current measuring circuitry is configured to produce a current flow detection signal indicating a current flow start time of the AC signal
Data Source
AI summary
Circuitry for controlling relay activation timing is described. The circuitry includes voltage zero cross detection circuitry configured to produce a zero cross detection signal indicating a zero cross time of an alternating current (AC) signal. The circuitry also includes current measuring circuitry coupled to voltage zero cross detection circuitry. The current measuring circuitry is configured to produce a current flow detection signal indicating a current flow start time of the AC signal. The circuitry further includes relay circuitry coupled to the current measuring circuitry. The circuitry additionally includes a processor coupled to the voltage zero cross detection circuitry, to the current measuring circuitry, and to the relay circuitry. The processor is configured to determine a relay time error based on the zero cross time and the current flow start time. The processor is also configured to control relay activation signal timing to reduce the relay time error.