Relay Contact Life Prediction Using Voltage Difference Decay

The patent segments the current measurement into multiple distinct phases: maximum current measurement, minimum current measurement, and voltage difference calculation between these phases. This segmentation transforms a single measurement approach into a multi-stage process that captures different aspects of relay deterioration, enabling both deterioration detection and remaining life prediction simultaneously.

The patent introduces a new dimension of measurement by calculating voltage differences between maximum and minimum current states, rather than relying solely on maximum current magnitude. This dimensional change from single-parameter to multi-parameter measurement provides additional information about contact wear and spring characteristics, enabling remaining life prediction while maintaining deterioration detection accuracy.

The patent performs preliminary measurements of maximum and minimum current values and their voltage differences during normal operation before actual deterioration occurs. By collecting baseline data during the relay's service life, the system can predict remaining life without requiring extended testing periods or additional time for separate measurement campaigns.

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where voltage difference measurements from repeated contact operations are continuously monitored and used to update deterioration predictions. This feedback loop allows the system to track contact wear progression in real-time, improving prediction accuracy while minimizing additional measurement time through efficient data utilization.