Electric Switch State Measurement via High-Impedance Voltage Tapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switch measurement technologies, such as power contactors and relays, face challenges in accurately determining the state of the switch without relying on supply voltage and are prone to errors like 'sticking' contacts, which can lead to unsafe current flow.
Innovation Solution
A device with high-impedance resistors and contacts directly connected to the main contacts of the switch, allowing for direct voltage tapping and state determination without auxiliary contacts, integrated within the switch's housing to ensure reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supply voltage is used to determine switch state, then measurement can be performed, but reliability is reduced due to sticking contact errors and insulation loss detection inability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of high-impedance resistors and evaluation circuitry that measures switch state through voltage division rather than direct voltage detection. This intermediary approach allows accurate detection of both open and closed states while preventing false readings from sticking contacts, as the high-impedance measurement path does not interfere with the actual switch operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional voltage-based detection method with a resistance-based measurement system. By using high-impedance resistors connected to the switch contacts and evaluating the voltage division created, the system substitutes direct electrical voltage measurement with a resistance measurement approach that provides more reliable state detection and insulation loss identification.
2Measurement precision
If auxiliary contacts are used for measurement, then switch state can be detected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the main switch contacts serve multiple functions: their primary function of switching load current and their secondary function of providing measurement points for state detection. By tapping the measurement resistors directly to the main contacts, the system eliminates the need for separate auxiliary contacts, reducing component count and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement function with the main switch contacts by directly connecting high-impedance resistors to these contacts. This consolidation integrates the measurement system into the existing switch structure, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary contact mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while preserving accurate state detection.
3Measurement precision
If direct voltage tapping at main contacts is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but safety risks increase due to high voltage exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces high-impedance resistors as intermediary elements between the high-voltage main contacts and the measurement circuitry. These resistors create a voltage division that allows the evaluation circuit to measure switch state at reduced voltage levels, maintaining measurement precision while protecting the measurement system and handlers from direct high-voltage exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system utilizes the inherent voltage present at the main contacts through the load connection to perform self-measurement. By using the existing voltage differential across the switch and combining it with high-impedance resistors, the system achieves accurate state detection without requiring external high-voltage sources or exposing measurement components to full high-voltage stress.
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 precise and reliable measurement of the switch's state, detecting both open and closed positions and insulation losses, while preventing current flow and ensuring safety during handling.
Implementation Method 1
The device (10) has at least one high-impedance resistor (16). The at least one high-impedance resistor (16) is designed and arranged to interrupt the current flow on any HV line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for measuring a condition of an electric switch (1), the device (10) being designed to tap a voltage at main contacts (2a, 2b) of the electric switch (1). The invention also relates to an electric switch (1) comprising the device (10) and to a method for measuring a condition of an electric switch (1).