Semiconductor Switching Device for Compact Vehicle Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching devices are not suitable for operational, frequent switching and have a large space requirement, making them unsuitable for use in vehicles, where remote-controlled and compact solutions are needed for protecting electrical equipment from various hazards like short-circuit currents and overcurrents.
Innovation Solution
An electrical switching device with semiconductor switches, a control device, and measuring devices that automatically trigger specific controls based on detected electrical values, allowing for remote operation and compact design, capable of performing both switching and protective functions, including wear-free high-current switching, overcurrent protection, and residual current protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electromechanical contactors or protective devices are used for frequent switching operations, then the switching capability is achieved, but the device size becomes large and wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical contactors with semiconductor switches (IGBTs or MOSFETs) that perform switching operations electronically without mechanical moving parts. This eliminates wear from mechanical contact while enabling frequent switching operations, and significantly reduces the device size compared to traditional electromechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it controls semiconductor switches for operational switching, monitors electrical quantities through measuring devices, evaluates measured values, and initiates protective shutdowns. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate protective devices and switching devices, reducing overall system size and complexity.
2Reliability
If separate protective devices and switching devices are provided for each electrical circuit, then comprehensive protection and switching functionality is achieved, but the space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective device and switching device into a single integrated unit. The control device combines the switching control functions with protective functions (overcurrent protection, short-circuit protection, residual current protection) in one device, eliminating the need for separate protective devices and switching devices in series.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to perform multiple functions: operational switching control, monitoring of electrical quantities (current, voltage), evaluation of measured values against threshold criteria, and initiation of protective shutdowns. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.
3Volume of stationary object
If control cabinets are relocated to difficult-to-access areas to save space, then space is saved, but operation and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically monitors electrical quantities through integrated measuring devices, evaluates measured values against stored threshold criteria, and initiates protective shutdowns without human intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis and automatic protection, eliminating the need for frequent manual monitoring and intervention that would be difficult if control cabinets were in inaccessible locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously receives feedback from measuring devices that monitor electrical quantities in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically detect fault conditions and initiate protective actions without requiring human operators to physically access the control cabinet, making the system suitable for remote or inaccessible installations.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If semiconductor switches are used for wear-free switching, then switching durability is improved, but the ability to disconnect short-circuit currents is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors electrical quantities through measuring devices and compares measured values against stored threshold criteria. When a short-circuit condition is detected (current exceeding threshold), the control device immediately initiates shutdown of the semiconductor switches. This feedback-based protection mechanism compensates for the semiconductor switches' inability to mechanically interrupt short-circuit currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is pre-configured with threshold criteria for various fault conditions (overcurrent, short-circuit, residual current) stored in memory. When measured values exceed these pre-set thresholds, the control device automatically initiates protective shutdown before damage occurs. This preliminary preparation of protection criteria enables rapid response to short-circuit conditions without requiring mechanical interrupting capability in the semiconductor switches themselves.
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 remote-controlled, compact, and versatile switching and protection operations, reducing space requirements and improving maintenance by allowing for automatic restart and diagnostic data transmission, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one semiconductor switch (2, 3) arranged in the current path
Implementation Method 2
the current can be determined via the voltage drop across a resistor (shunt)
Implementation Method 3
electrical measuring devices (7, 8, 9), a control device (6) that evaluates the measured values
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical switching device (1), comprising at least one semiconductor switch (2, 3) which is arranged in the current path (4, 5), electrical measuring devices (7, 8, 9, 24), a control device (6) which evaluates the measured values ascertained by the measuring devices (7, 8, 9, 24) and which is designed to actuate the semiconductor switches (2, 3), wherein the control device (6) implements automatically determined actuation operations of the semiconductor switches (2, 3) when specific measured values are detected, wherein the conditions for actuating the semiconductor switches (2, 3) can be transmitted to the control device (6) via a data interface (10) by means of an initiation process.