Control Circuit for Switch Device with Dynamic Return Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
The return operation of movable contacts in electromagnetic relays is delayed due to the attractive force generated by counter electromotive currents based on the inductance of the drive coil, leading to slower return speeds compared to conventional techniques.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit is introduced that includes a second switch element between the rectifier circuit or surge absorbing element and the first switch element, which is turned off when the source voltage is turned off, allowing for faster reduction of current through the drive coil and thus reducing the attractive force, enabling quicker return of the movable contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diode is used to absorb surge current when the power switch is turned on, then the drive coil is protected from voltage spikes, but a back electromotive voltage generates counter electromotive current when the power switch is turned off, delaying the return of the movable contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a control circuit that dynamically controls the second switch element (Q2) to turn off at different timing than the first switch element (Q1). This dynamic switching strategy allows the system to maintain drive coil protection while actively managing the counter electromotive current to improve return speed. The control circuit monitors and adjusts switch timing to optimize both protection and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a control circuit that independently manages the switching timing of Q2 relative to Q1. By adjusting the turn-off timing parameter of the second switch element, the system optimizes the balance between surge protection and return speed, allowing the movable contact to return faster while maintaining adequate protection.
2Productivity
If the power switch is turned off to stop current flow, then the drive coil stops energizing, but the inductance of the drive coil generates counter electromotive current that maintains attractive force and obstructs return operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separately controls the counter electromotive current path by using a dedicated second switch element (Q2) that can be independently managed. The control circuit selectively opens Q2 to interrupt the counter current flow, effectively removing the obstructive force and allowing the movable contact to return without delay. This separation of control functions enables independent optimization of switching efficiency and return timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and executing the turn-off of the second switch element (Q2) before the movable contact needs to return. By anticipating the return requirement and proactively opening Q2 to eliminate counter electromotive current, the system ensures that no obstructive attractive force remains when the contact needs to return, thereby eliminating return delay.
3Speed
If a second switch element is added to control the counter electromotive current, then the return speed of the movable contact is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality, allowing a single control unit to manage both the first switch element (Q1) for primary switching and the second switch element (Q2) for counter electromotive current control. By making the control circuit universal and capable of handling multiple functions, the patent minimizes the need for separate dedicated control circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining improved return speed performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of Q1 and Q2 into a single integrated control circuit. Rather than having separate control mechanisms for the power switch and the second switch element, the control circuit combines both switching functions and coordinates their operation. This merging reduces the number of independent control components and simplifies the overall device architecture while achieving the dual goals of protection and fast return.
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 configuration allows for the movable contacts of the switch device, such as electromagnetic relays, to return at a relatively high speed compared to conventional methods, improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first switch element (10, 30) including a movable contact (10c, 30c) and a drive coil (10C, 30C) that controls the movable contact (10c, 30c)
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier circuit (3) connected between an AC power source (1) and the drive coil (10C, 30C)
Implementation Method 3
a surge absorbing element connected between the rectifier circuit (3) and the drive coil (10C, 30C)
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit for a switch device including a first switch element including a movable contact and a drive coil that controls the movable contact of the first switch element, the control circuit for returning the movable contact when the drive coil turns off the movable contact after the drive coil turns on the movable contact during supply of a source voltage from a power source, the control circuit includes a second switch element inserted between a rectifier circuit or a surge absorbing element and the first switch element, the second switch element being turned off when the supply of the source voltage is turned off. The rectifier circuit or the surge absorbing element is connected between the power source and the control circuit. The first switch element is turned off the movable contact is returned by turning off the second switch element to turn off the first switch element.