Variable Resistance Element for Arc-Free Circuit Parameter Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical switches face challenges in controlling switching arcs, especially in direct current applications without current zero crossing, leading to material contamination and inefficient load management due to mechanical mass inertia, which limits optimal speed and control of resistance element movement.

Innovation Solution

A method using at least two switching devices and a variable resistance element, controlled by a sensor and mechanical transit movement to maintain a voltage drop below the ignition voltage, allowing for uninterrupted adjustment of circuit parameters and introduction of electrical damping without interrupting the circuit, enabling precise control of current and load management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the resistance element moves quickly to adjust load, then the response speed improves, but the voltage drop exceeds ignition voltage causing arcs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransit movement speedVSAvoidswitching arc
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary resistance element that provides a controlled current path during the transition between ON and OFF states. This intermediary component absorbs the switching energy and prevents direct arcing between contacts by maintaining a voltage drop below the ignition threshold throughout the movement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resistance parameter dynamically during the switching process. By adjusting the resistance value as the transit movement progresses, the system maintains optimal switching conditions at each moment, ensuring the voltage drop remains below ignition voltage while achieving fast response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the resistance element moves slowly to prevent arcs, then switching arc is prevented, but the response speed and load adjustment capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching arcVSAvoidload adjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the resistance element dynamically adjustable during the switching process rather than static. The resistance value changes continuously as the element moves, allowing the system to optimize both arc prevention and response speed at different stages of the transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If mechanical mass inertia is used for energy storage, then cost is reduced, but the system cannot react optimally to dynamically changing load cases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem costVSAvoidload case adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism that monitors the actual switching conditions and adjusts the transit movement in real-time. This feedback loop enables the mechanical system to adapt to dynamically changing load cases by optimizing the movement speed and resistance values based on actual circuit conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach ensures safe and optimal switching conditions, allowing for precise control of electrogalvanic processes, handling changing loads, and providing cost advantages over power electronics, with simplicity and robustness, while preventing overloading and enabling fast load adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

Switching energy is dissipated in the controllable resistance element in the form of electrical power loss

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the transit movement is carried out in such a way that the current voltage drop is lower than the ignition voltage of an arc at any time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3953957B1Method for the uninterrupted adaptation of parameters of a circuit
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3953957B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3953957B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP3953957B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the uninterrupted adaptation of parameters of a circuit (2000) by the targeted introduction of ohmic, capacitive or inductive portions by means of at least two switching devices (1000; 1001) as control elements and by means of a sensor or measuring device. The method comprises the following steps: measurement (5100) of the state of the parameter; comparison (5200) with the target state of the parameter; control (5300) of the at least two controllable resistance elements (200).