Switching Contact State Detection With Clocked Current Pulses

The patent applies periodic clocked voltage or current signals instead of continuous signals to clean the contacts. The switching current is applied in periodic pulses synchronized with a clock signal, maintaining contact cleanliness through regular cleaning action while reducing overall power dissipation by eliminating continuous current flow.

The patent transitions from a static continuous current approach to a dynamic pulsed current approach. The switching current varies over time according to clock cycles, being applied only during specific phases (e.g., rising or falling edges) rather than continuously, thereby adapting the cleaning action to periodic intervals that maintain reliability while reducing energy loss.

The patent employs a microprocessor or microcontroller that performs multiple functions: generating the clocked switching signals, detecting the switching state by analyzing current flow during clock cycles, and controlling the overall detection process. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single intelligent component rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the evaluation unit analyzes the switching current during clock cycles to determine contact state, and this information is fed back to control the timing and duration of subsequent clocked signals. The system adjusts its operation based on detected contact conditions, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and power consumption.