US20220384119A1 - Sliding contact arc suppression - Google Patents
Sliding contact arc suppression Download PDFInfo
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- US20220384119A1 US20220384119A1 US17/838,472 US202217838472A US2022384119A1 US 20220384119 A1 US20220384119 A1 US 20220384119A1 US 202217838472 A US202217838472 A US 202217838472A US 2022384119 A1 US2022384119 A1 US 2022384119A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
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- 229910000679 solder Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- H01H1/0015—Means for testing or for inspecting contacts, e.g. wear indicator
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- H01H9/54—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
- H01H9/541—Contacts shunted by semiconductor devices
- H01H9/542—Contacts shunted by static switch means
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- G—PHYSICS
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- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/327—Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers
- G01R31/3271—Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers of high voltage or medium voltage devices
- G01R31/3272—Apparatus, systems or circuits therefor
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/327—Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers
- G01R31/3277—Testing of circuit interrupters, switches or circuit-breakers of low voltage devices, e.g. domestic or industrial devices, such as motor protections, relays, rotation switches
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- H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
- H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
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- H01R13/7036—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling
- H01R13/7038—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling making use of a remote controlled switch, e.g. relais, solid state switch activated by the engagement of the coupling parts
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- H01R24/28—Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
- H01R24/30—Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable with additional earth or shield contacts
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- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H7/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
- H02H7/22—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systems; for switching devices
- H02H7/222—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systems; for switching devices for switches
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- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
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- H02H9/08—Limitation or suppression of earth fault currents, e.g. Petersen coil
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- H01H2085/0283—Structural association with a semiconductor device
Definitions
- the present application relates generally to sliding power contact arc suppression.
- Electrical current contact arcing may have a deleterious effects on electrical contact surfaces, such as of relays and certain switches. Arcing may degrade and ultimately destroy the contact surface over time and may result in premature component failure, lower quality performance, and relatively frequent preventative maintenance needs. Additionally, arcing in relays, switches, and the like may result in the generation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions. Electrical current contact arcing may occur both in alternating current (AC) power and in direct current (DC) power across the fields of consumer, commercial, industrial, automotive, and military applications. Because of its prevalence, there have literally been hundreds of specific means developed to address the issue of electrical current contact arcing.
- AC alternating current
- DC direct current
- FIG. 1 is a diagram of a sliding power contact, in an example embodiment.
- FIGS. 2 A- 2 F illustrate the predetermined sequence by which pins electrically couple with their respective contact as a mobile load device contact is inserted into a socket, in an example embodiment.
- FIGS. 3 A- 3 C are an abstract illustration of the predetermined sequence with an electrically generic circuit diagram, in an example embodiment.
- Sliding power contacts include electronic components known in the art and can include any structure in which contacts slide with respect to one another rather than directly separating from one another, as in a switch.
- Such sliding power contacts may include, but are not limited to, components such as electrical cords, such as may be found in conventional appliances, power outlets, generators, charging stations, such as for electronic devices, electric vehicles, and the like, and any of a variety of examples of machinery the use of which involves frequent connections and disconnections.
- Such sliding power contacts may often include, a stationary socket, such as a jack, and a mobile load device connector, such as a plug that is coupled to or within the socket. As the mobile load device connector is coupled to the socket the electrical contacts slide with respect to one another, creating the conditions for arcing.
- Arc suppressors can utilize contact separation detectors to detect a separation in the sliding contacts and/or a closing of the sliding contacts based on sudden changes in the voltage over the contacts.
- the contact separation detector may cause a contact bypass circuit to open in order to allow current to bypass the contacts during the transition period.
- transition period may not, and in many cases does not, include a simple and efficient voltage transition. Rather, a series of voltage bounces may occur as the electrical contacts open or close, causing small arcs or “arclets” to form. These arclets may damage the contacts even if a primary arc is suppressed.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram of a sliding power contact 100 , in an example embodiment.
- the sliding power contact 100 includes a socket 102 and a mobile load device connector 104 , such as a plug.
- the mobile load device connector 104 includes a non-current power pin 106 having a first length, a current power pin 108 having a second length, a neutral pin 110 having a third length, and a ground pin 112 having a fourth length.
- the socket 102 includes a non-current power contact 114 configured to engage and electrically couple with the non-current power pin 106 , a current power contact 116 configured to engage and electrically couple with the current power pin 108 , a neutral contact 118 configured to engage and electrically couple with the neutral pin 110 , and a ground contact 120 configured to engage and electrically couple with the ground pin 112 .
- the fourth length is longer than the first, second, and third lengths the third length is longer than the first and second lengths and the first length is longer than the second length.
- the mobile load device connector 104 is configured such that when the mobile load device connector 104 is inserted into the socket 102 the pins 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 electrically couple with their respective contact 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 in a predetermined sequence.
- the predetermined sequence may be that the ground pin 112 electrically couples to the ground contact 120 first, the neutral pin 110 electrically couples to the neutral contact 118 second, the non-current power pin 106 electrically couples to the non-current power contact 114 third, and the current power pin 108 electrically couples to the current power contact 116 fourth.
- the sliding power contact 100 includes an arc suppressor 122 electrically coupled to the non-current power pin 106 and between the non-current power pin 106 and the current power pin 108 .
- the arc suppressor 122 may be any suitable arc suppressor known or in the art or that may be developed, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,619,395, TWO TERMINAL ARC SUPPRESSOR, Henke, filed Mar. 12, 2010, U.S. Pat. No. 9,423,442, ARC SUPPRESSOR, SYSTEM, AND METHOD, Henke, filed Sep. 27, 2013, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
- the arc suppressor 122 in conjunction in various examples with the predetermined sequence of pins and contacts electrically coupling with one another disclosed above, may suppress arcing between the pins 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 and contacts 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , as disclosed in detail herein.
- the arc suppressor 122 is in an open state and current does not flow between the non-current power pin 106 and non-current power contact 114 .
- current is left to flow over the current power pin 108 and current power contact 116 if in contact with one another or not flow if the current power pin 108 and current power contact 116 are not in contact with one another.
- the arc suppressor 122 detects the condition for an arc and opens a path for current briefly to flow over the non-current path created by the non-current power pin 106 and non-current power contact 114 .
- non-current for the purposes of this disclosure does not literally mean no current ever flows over such a non-current path created by the non-current pin 106 , the non-current contact 114 , and the arc suppressor 122 . Rather, current rarely flows over the non-current path and, in various examples, only when the arc suppressor is relatively briefly shunting the current away from the current power pin 108 and current power contact 116 in the course of suppressing arcing.
- length does not necessarily mean an absolute length of the pins 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 and contacts 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , e.g., a distance from a first end 124 to a second end 126 of a pin 112 . Rather, length may refer to an apparent length of the pins 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 and contacts 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 .
- length may be an apparent length based on a distance to an edge 128 of the mobile load device connector 104 or, stated differently, a pin 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 having the greatest distance from its second end 126 to the edge 128 may be considered to have the shortest length while the pin 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 having the shortest distance from its second end 126 to the edge 128 may be considered to have the longest length.
- FIGS. 2 A- 2 F illustrate the predetermined sequence by which the pins 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 electrically couple with their respective contact 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 as the mobile load device contact 104 is inserted into the socket 102 , in an example embodiment. While the predetermined sequence is illustrated with respect to the sliding power contact 100 , it is to be recognized and understood that the principles disclosed herein may apply to any suitable sliding power contact, including sliding power contacts that do not have the same number of pins 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 and contacts 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 and/or the same illustrated configuration.
- FIG. 2 A illustrates the sliding power contact 100 without any pins 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 and contacts 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 electrically coupled to one another.
- FIG. 2 B illustrates the mobile load device contact 104 partially inserted into the socket 102 such that the ground pin 112 makes initial contact with the ground contact 120 .
- FIG. 2 C illustrates the mobile load device contact 104 partially inserted into the socket 102 such that the neutral pin 110 makes initial contact with the neutral contact 118 while the ground pin 112 is further seated in the ground contact 120 .
- FIG. 2 D illustrates the mobile load device contact 104 partially inserted into the socket 102 such that the non-current power pin 106 makes initial contact with the non-current power contact 112 and the neutral pin 110 and ground pin 12 are further seated in the neutral contact 118 and ground contact 120 , respectively.
- the contacting of the non-current power pin 106 with the non-current power contact 112 electrically couples the arc suppressor 122 to the socket 102 generally.
- FIG. 2 E illustrates the mobile load device contact 104 partially inserted into the socket 102 such that the current power pin 108 makes initial contact with the current power contact 116 , while the non-current power pin 106 , neutral pin 110 , and ground pin 112 are further seated in the non-current power contact 114 , the neutral contact 118 , and ground contact 120 , respectively.
- the arc suppressor 122 Owing to the arc suppressor 122 already having been coupled via the non-current power pin 106 and contact 114 , the arc suppressor 122 suppresses any arcing that might tend to occur between the current power pin 108 and current power contact 116 as those components draw near to one another and eventually contact one another.
- FIG. 2 F illustrates the mobile load device contact 104 fully inserted into the socket 102 .
- withdrawing the mobile load device contact 104 from the socket 102 repeats the predetermined sequence in reverse, with each step defining a breaking of the pin 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 from its respective contact 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 and with the arc suppressor 122 suppressing the arc that would be expected to result from the breaking of the current power pin 108 from the current power contact 116 .
- FIGS. 3 A- 3 C are an abstract illustration of the predetermined sequence with an electrically generic circuit diagram, in an example embodiment.
- the generic circuit diagram will be described with respect to a sliding power contact 200 .
- the generic circuit diagram may describe any situation in which two contacts, wires, electrodes, or any other suitable electronic component or article slide in contact with one another, such as with a commutator in a motor or catenary system or chafing wiring.
- the sliding power contact 200 includes a socket 202 and a mobile load device connector 204 .
- the mobile load device connector 204 includes a non-current power pin 206 , a current power pin 208 , a neutral pin 210 , and a ground pin 212 .
- the socket 202 includes a non-current power contact 214 configured to engage and electrically couple with the non-current power pin 206 , a current power contact 216 configured to engage and electrically couple with the current power pin 208 , a neutral contact 218 configured to engage and electrically couple with the neutral pin 210 , and a ground contact 220 configured to engage and electrically couple with the ground pin 212 .
- the predetermined sequence for the sliding power contact 200 is similar to and operates under the same principles as the predetermined sequence applying to the sliding power contact 100 , with two implementational differences.
- the arc suppressor 222 is a component of the socket 202 rather than the mobile load device connector 204 . As such, the arc suppressor 222 is directly coupled to the non-current power contact 216 and, when the sliding power contact 200 is coupled together, creates a non-current path with the non-current power contact 214 and the non-current pin 206 .
- the non-current power pin 206 , the neutral pin 210 , and the ground pin 212 have a first length that is approximately the same length while the current power pin 208 has a second length shorter than the first length.
- the first length between and among the non-current power pin 206 , the neutral pin 210 , and the ground pin 212 may vary by several percent but may be considered approximately the same length nonetheless provided that all of the non-current power pin 206 , the neutral pin 210 , and the ground pin 212 contact their respective contacts 214 , 218 , 220 before the current power pin 208 contacts the current power contact 216 .
- the predetermined sequence involves the simultaneous or near-simultaneous contacting of the non-current power pin 206 , the neutral pin 210 , and the ground pin 212 contact their respective contacts 214 , 218 , 220 followed by the contacting of the current power pin 208 with the current power contact 216 .
- FIG. 3 A illustrates the sliding power contact 200 in a disconnected configuration.
- FIG. 3 B illustrates the sliding power contact 200 in an initial connected configuration.
- the non-current power pin 206 , the neutral pin 210 , and the ground pin 212 are in contact with their respective contacts 214 , 218 , 220 while the current power pin 208 is not in contact with the current power contact 216 .
- the arc suppressor 222 is thereby electrically coupled over the non-current power pin 206 and the non-current power contact 214 , and is prepared to suppress arcing upon the current power pin 208 contacting the current power contact 214 .
- FIG. 3 C illustrates the sliding power contact 200 in a fully connected configuration. All of the pins 206 , 208 , 210 , 212 are connected to their respective contacts 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 . The previous inclusion of the arc suppressor 222 into the system suppresses any arcing that may have occurred between the current power pin 208 contacting the current power contact 214 .
- withdrawing the mobile load device contact 204 from the socket 202 repeats the predetermined sequence in reverse, with each step defining a breaking of the pin 206 , 208 , 210 , 212 from its respective contact 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 , and with the arc suppressor 222 suppressing the arc that would be expected to result from the breaking of the current power pin 208 from the current power contact 216 .
- the arc suppressors 122 , 222 are disclosed as being located in a single location, it is to be recognized and understood that in each of the sliding power contacts 100 , 200 , the arc suppressor 122 , 222 may be located in either the socket 102 , 202 , or the mobile load device connector 104 , 204 , or both, e.g., a separate arc suppressor 122 , 222 may be implemented in both the socket 102 , 202 , and the mobile load device connector 104 , 204 .
- components of a single arc suppressor 122 , 222 may be split between the socket 102 , 202 and the mobile load device connector 104 , 204 , with the connecting of the non-current power pin 206 to the non-current power connector 214 causing the components of the arc suppressor 122 , 222 to be electrically coupled to one another and form the functional arc suppressor 122 , 222 upon the coupling of the non-current power pin 206 to the non-current power connector 214 .
- pins 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 206 , 208 , 210 , 212 and contacts 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 214 , 216 , 218 , 220 are described herein, it is to be recognized and understood that any situation in which contacts slide with respect to one another may create the circumstances for arcing and may be electrically represented in the same manner as the sliding power contacts 100 , 200 .
- principles disclosed with respect to the sliding power contacts 100 , 200 may be applied to any of a variety of other circumstances that do not only involve pins and contacts.
- a catenary or overhead wire system includes a charged contact wire and a current collector placed, e.g., on the top of a train and pressed against and slides along the charged contact wire.
- a third-rail train includes a charged contact rail and a current collector placed against the charged contact rail.
- a commutator to make the connection with the charged contact wire, or the charged contact more generally. Additional uses of a commutator include as a rotating sliding power contact that may provide electrical continuity and conductivity between a motor/generator stator and a motor/generator rotor. For the purposes of equating the additional systems to the existing labels of FIGS.
- a charged contact such as a charged contact wire or charged contact rail
- a current power contact 116 may be considered equivalent to a current power contact 116 while, e.g., a current collector or commutator may be considered equivalent to the current power pin 108 .
- the commutator may have the same electrical function as the mobile load device connector 204 and the stator and/or rotor may have the same electrical function as the socket 202 , or vice versa.
- a non-current power line that is coupled to an arc suppressor 222 and which is configured to provide an electrical connection between the commutator and the stator and/or rotor before the current power line makes contact, arcing may be suppressed during the operation of the motor or catenary line, as the case may be.
- FIGS. 3 A- 3 C while specifically drawn to a sliding power contact, may be understood to be electrically relevant to any situation with power contacts that slide with respect to one another.
- a high speed arc suppressor as incorporated by reference herein may be utilized.
- wires that chafe and wear through insulation may create sliding contacts that may be susceptible to arcing.
- an arc suppressor 222 may be coupled as part of a non-current power line between the two wires prior to chafing, e.g., at the time of installation.
- an unintentional contact is created which follows the same physics, rules and principals than any other intentional contact consisting of two opposing electrodes during which, when connected, a current flows.
- an arc may be created.
- one wire may be electrically the same as the current power pin 208 and the other wire may be electrically the same as the current power contact 216 .
- the inclusion of the arc suppressor 222 in parallel with the wires may create a non-current path between the wires which would provide arc suppression in the event that the wires chafed and eventually contacted one another.
- the arc suppressor 222 may include visual or signal outputs to indicate that arcing has occurred, the inclusion of the arc suppressor 222 may provide for chafing detection.
- the arc suppressor 222 in such a circumstance would only suppress an arc following chafing between the wires, the occurrence of the arc suppressor 222 indicating that an arc had been suppressed could be identified as an indication that the wires had chafed and shorted together.
- the non-current path may be effectively permanent or at least resilient while the current path may be created following the wires chafing and shorting together.
- Example 1 is an arc suppressing circuit configured to suppress arcing across a power contactor coupled to an alternating current (AC) power source having a predetermined number of phases, each contact of the power contactor corresponding to one of the predetermined number of phases, the arc suppressing circuit comprising: a number of dual unidirectional arc suppressors equal to the predetermined number of phases of the AC power source, each dual unidirectional arc suppressor coupled across the power contactor, each dual unidirectional arc suppressor comprising: a first phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing across the associated contacts in a positive domain; a second phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing across the associated contacts in a negative domain; and a coil lock controller, configured to be coupled between a contact coil driver of the power contactor, configured to detect an output condition from the contact coil driver and inhibit operation of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors over a predetermined time.
- AC alternating current
- Example 2 the subject matter of Example 1 includes, wherein the first phase-specific arc suppressor is configured to not suppress arcing in the negative domain and the second phase-specific arc suppressor is configured to not suppress arcing in the positive domain.
- Example 3 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 and 2 includes, wherein each of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors comprise a latching switch configured to cause the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors to not suppress arcing in the negative and positive domains, respectively.
- Example 4 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 includes, wherein the latching switch is a thyristor.
- Example 5 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 includes, wherein the coil lock controller comprises: a power converter coupled over a coil interface; a rectifier coupled to the power converter; a power limiter coupled to the rectifier; a power storage coupled to the power limiter; and a current supply coupled to the power storage, the current supply coupled to the first phase-specific arc suppressor and the second phase-specific arc suppressor.
- the coil lock controller comprises: a power converter coupled over a coil interface; a rectifier coupled to the power converter; a power limiter coupled to the rectifier; a power storage coupled to the power limiter; and a current supply coupled to the power storage, the current supply coupled to the first phase-specific arc suppressor and the second phase-specific arc suppressor.
- Example 6 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 includes, wherein the power converter comprises an RC circuit, the rectifier comprises a diode array, the power limiter comprises a Zener diode; the power storage comprises a capacitor; and the current supply comprises a MOSFET transistor.
- the power converter comprises an RC circuit
- the rectifier comprises a diode array
- the power limiter comprises a Zener diode
- the power storage comprises a capacitor
- the current supply comprises a MOSFET transistor.
- Example 7 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 includes, wherein each of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors comprise a coil lock, coupled to the coil lock controller, configured to disable a respective one of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors based on an input from the coil lock controller.
- Example 8 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 includes, wherein the coil lock comprises a signal isolator emitter coupled to the coil lock controller and a signal isolator detector coupled to the latching switch.
- Example 9 the subject matter of Example 8 includes, wherein the coil lock is a photorelay comprising the signal isolator emitter and the signal isolator detector.
- Example 10 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 includes, wherein each of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors comprises: a signal edge detector; an edge-pulse converter in series with the signal edge detector; a current limiter in series with the edge-pulse converter; and a first over voltage protection coupled to the edge-pulse converter and the signal isolator detector of the coil lock.
- Example 11 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 includes, wherein the edge-pulse converter is at least one of: a transformer; a pulse transformer; or a gate trigger.
- the edge-pulse converter is at least one of: a transformer; a pulse transformer; or a gate trigger.
- each of the dual unidirectional arc suppressors further comprises: a first contact terminal configured to be electrically coupled to a first contact of the power contactor; a second contact terminal configured to be coupled to be electrically coupled to a second contact of the power contactor, the second contact terminal coupled to the first phase-specific arc suppressor, the second phase-specific arc suppressor, and the coil lock controller; and a fusible element coupled between the first contact terminal and the first phase-specific arc suppressor, the second phase-specific arc suppressor, and the coil lock controller.
- Example 13 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-12 includes, wherein the fusible element is one of: a solder mask, a silkscreen, a passive fuse, or an active fuse.
- the fusible element is one of: a solder mask, a silkscreen, a passive fuse, or an active fuse.
- Example 14 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-13 includes, wherein each of the dual unidirectional arc suppressors further comprises a second over voltage protector coupled over the first phase-specific arc suppressor, the second phase-specific arc suppressor, and the coil lock controller.
- Example 15 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-14 includes, wherein the second over voltage protector comprises at least one of: variostor, a transient-voltage suppression (TVS) diode, a Zener diode, a gas tube, or a spark gap.
- the second over voltage protector comprises at least one of: variostor, a transient-voltage suppression (TVS) diode, a Zener diode, a gas tube, or a spark gap.
- TVS transient-voltage suppression
- Example 16 is a three-phase arc suppressing circuit, comprising: a coil interface, configured to be coupled to a contactor coil driver of a power contactor and to receive an output condition of the contactor coil driver and output a signal based on the output condition; a first dual unidirectional arc suppressor configured to be coupled to contacts at a first phase, comprising: a first phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in a positive domain; a second phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in a negative domain; and a coil lock controller, coupled to the coil interface, configured to inhibit operation of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors over a predetermined time based on the signal from the coil interface; a second dual unidirectional arc suppressor configured to be coupled to contacts at a second phase one hundred and twenty degrees greater than the first phase, comprising: a first phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in the positive domain; a second phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in the
- Example 17 the subject matter of Example 16 includes, wherein the predetermined time is selected to allow the contactor coil driver to de-energize and allow time for the power contactor to break or make contact.
- Example 18 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16 and 17 includes, wherein the first phase-specific arc suppressors are configured to not suppress arcing in the negative domain and the second phase-specific arc suppressor is configured to not suppress arcing in the positive domain.
- Example 19 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-18 includes, wherein each of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors comprise a latching switch configured to cause the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors to not suppress arcing in the negative and positive domains, respectively.
- Example 20 the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-19 includes, wherein the latching switch is a thyristor.
- Example 21 is at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations to implement of any of Examples 1-20.
- Example 22 is an apparatus comprising means to implement of any of Examples 1-20.
- Example 23 is a system to implement of any of Examples 1-20.
- Example 24 is a method to implement of any of Examples 1-20.
- the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.”
- the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.
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Abstract
A sliding power contact and method includes a mobile load device connector and a socket. The mobile load device connector includes a non-current power pin having a first length, a current power pin having a second length less than the first length, a neutral pin, and a ground pin. The socket includes a non-current power contact configured to electrically couple with the non-current power pin, a current power contact configured to electrically couple with the current power pin, a neutral contact configured to electrically couple with the neutral pin, and a ground pin configured to electrically couple with the ground pin. An arc suppressor is directly coupled to at least one of the non-current power pin and the non-current power contact, wherein the arc suppressor, the non-current power pin and the non-current power contact form a current path between the current power pin and the current power contact.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/986,694, filed Aug. 6, 2020, which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/776,347, filed Jan. 29, 2020, issued on Nov. 3, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,826,248, which application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/798,316, filed Jan. 29 2019; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/798,323, filed Jan. 29, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/798,326, filed Jan. 29, 2019, the contents of all which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- The present application relates generally to sliding power contact arc suppression.
- Electrical current contact arcing may have a deleterious effects on electrical contact surfaces, such as of relays and certain switches. Arcing may degrade and ultimately destroy the contact surface over time and may result in premature component failure, lower quality performance, and relatively frequent preventative maintenance needs. Additionally, arcing in relays, switches, and the like may result in the generation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions. Electrical current contact arcing may occur both in alternating current (AC) power and in direct current (DC) power across the fields of consumer, commercial, industrial, automotive, and military applications. Because of its prevalence, there have literally been hundreds of specific means developed to address the issue of electrical current contact arcing.
- Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a sliding power contact, in an example embodiment. -
FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate the predetermined sequence by which pins electrically couple with their respective contact as a mobile load device contact is inserted into a socket, in an example embodiment. -
FIGS. 3A-3C are an abstract illustration of the predetermined sequence with an electrically generic circuit diagram, in an example embodiment. - Sliding power contacts include electronic components known in the art and can include any structure in which contacts slide with respect to one another rather than directly separating from one another, as in a switch. Such sliding power contacts may include, but are not limited to, components such as electrical cords, such as may be found in conventional appliances, power outlets, generators, charging stations, such as for electronic devices, electric vehicles, and the like, and any of a variety of examples of machinery the use of which involves frequent connections and disconnections. Such sliding power contacts may often include, a stationary socket, such as a jack, and a mobile load device connector, such as a plug that is coupled to or within the socket. As the mobile load device connector is coupled to the socket the electrical contacts slide with respect to one another, creating the conditions for arcing.
- Arc suppressors can utilize contact separation detectors to detect a separation in the sliding contacts and/or a closing of the sliding contacts based on sudden changes in the voltage over the contacts. The contact separation detector may cause a contact bypass circuit to open in order to allow current to bypass the contacts during the transition period. However, transition period may not, and in many cases does not, include a simple and efficient voltage transition. Rather, a series of voltage bounces may occur as the electrical contacts open or close, causing small arcs or “arclets” to form. These arclets may damage the contacts even if a primary arc is suppressed.
- Systems and methods have been developed to utilize arc suppressors to suppress arc formation at the earliest stages in sliding power contact and any related situation. For instance, in addition to sliding power contacts, the principles disclosed herein apply as well to circumstances in which differently-charged pieces of metal slide with respect to one another. For instance, the catenary wires, so-called third-rail systems as seen on subways and the like, and motor brushes all create circumstances in which contacts slide with respect to one another, and at the time of contact an arc may be created between the contacts.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram of asliding power contact 100, in an example embodiment. The slidingpower contact 100 includes asocket 102 and a mobileload device connector 104, such as a plug. The mobileload device connector 104 includes anon-current power pin 106 having a first length, acurrent power pin 108 having a second length, aneutral pin 110 having a third length, and aground pin 112 having a fourth length. Thesocket 102 includes anon-current power contact 114 configured to engage and electrically couple with thenon-current power pin 106, acurrent power contact 116 configured to engage and electrically couple with thecurrent power pin 108, aneutral contact 118 configured to engage and electrically couple with theneutral pin 110, and aground contact 120 configured to engage and electrically couple with theground pin 112. - As depicted, the fourth length is longer than the first, second, and third lengths the third length is longer than the first and second lengths and the first length is longer than the second length. As a consequence, the mobile
load device connector 104 is configured such that when the mobileload device connector 104 is inserted into thesocket 102 thepins respective contact ground pin 112 electrically couples to theground contact 120 first, theneutral pin 110 electrically couples to theneutral contact 118 second, thenon-current power pin 106 electrically couples to thenon-current power contact 114 third, and thecurrent power pin 108 electrically couples to thecurrent power contact 116 fourth. - The
sliding power contact 100 includes anarc suppressor 122 electrically coupled to thenon-current power pin 106 and between thenon-current power pin 106 and thecurrent power pin 108. Thearc suppressor 122 may be any suitable arc suppressor known or in the art or that may be developed, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,619,395, TWO TERMINAL ARC SUPPRESSOR, Henke, filed Mar. 12, 2010, U.S. Pat. No. 9,423,442, ARC SUPPRESSOR, SYSTEM, AND METHOD, Henke, filed Sep. 27, 2013, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0334050, PASSIVE ARC SUPPRESSOR, Henke, filed May 7, 2014, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as well as other arc suppressors incorporated by reference herein. Thearc suppressor 122, in conjunction in various examples with the predetermined sequence of pins and contacts electrically coupling with one another disclosed above, may suppress arcing between thepins contacts - In such examples, ordinarily the
arc suppressor 122 is in an open state and current does not flow between thenon-current power pin 106 andnon-current power contact 114. As such, current is left to flow over thecurrent power pin 108 andcurrent power contact 116 if in contact with one another or not flow if thecurrent power pin 108 andcurrent power contact 116 are not in contact with one another. However, if and when thecurrent power pin 108 andcurrent power contact 116 come into contact with one another an the conditions exist for arcing between thepin 108 and contact 116, then thearc suppressor 122 detects the condition for an arc and opens a path for current briefly to flow over the non-current path created by thenon-current power pin 106 and non-currentpower contact 114. As such, it is to be recognized and understood that “non-current” for the purposes of this disclosure does not literally mean no current ever flows over such a non-current path created by thenon-current pin 106, the non-currentcontact 114, and thearc suppressor 122. Rather, current rarely flows over the non-current path and, in various examples, only when the arc suppressor is relatively briefly shunting the current away from thecurrent power pin 108 andcurrent power contact 116 in the course of suppressing arcing. - For the purposes of this disclosure, it is to be recognized and understood that the term “length” does not necessarily mean an absolute length of the
pins contacts first end 124 to asecond end 126 of apin 112. Rather, length may refer to an apparent length of thepins contacts pins edge 128 of the mobileload device connector 104 or, stated differently, apin second end 126 to theedge 128 may be considered to have the shortest length while thepin second end 126 to theedge 128 may be considered to have the longest length. -
FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate the predetermined sequence by which thepins respective contact load device contact 104 is inserted into thesocket 102, in an example embodiment. While the predetermined sequence is illustrated with respect to the slidingpower contact 100, it is to be recognized and understood that the principles disclosed herein may apply to any suitable sliding power contact, including sliding power contacts that do not have the same number ofpins contacts -
FIG. 2A illustrates thesliding power contact 100 without anypins contacts -
FIG. 2B illustrates the mobileload device contact 104 partially inserted into thesocket 102 such that theground pin 112 makes initial contact with theground contact 120. -
FIG. 2C illustrates the mobileload device contact 104 partially inserted into thesocket 102 such that theneutral pin 110 makes initial contact with theneutral contact 118 while theground pin 112 is further seated in theground contact 120. -
FIG. 2D illustrates the mobileload device contact 104 partially inserted into thesocket 102 such that thenon-current power pin 106 makes initial contact with thenon-current power contact 112 and theneutral pin 110 and ground pin 12 are further seated in theneutral contact 118 andground contact 120, respectively. The contacting of thenon-current power pin 106 with thenon-current power contact 112 electrically couples thearc suppressor 122 to thesocket 102 generally. -
FIG. 2E illustrates the mobileload device contact 104 partially inserted into thesocket 102 such that thecurrent power pin 108 makes initial contact with thecurrent power contact 116, while thenon-current power pin 106,neutral pin 110, andground pin 112 are further seated in thenon-current power contact 114, theneutral contact 118, andground contact 120, respectively. Owing to thearc suppressor 122 already having been coupled via thenon-current power pin 106 and contact 114, thearc suppressor 122 suppresses any arcing that might tend to occur between thecurrent power pin 108 andcurrent power contact 116 as those components draw near to one another and eventually contact one another. -
FIG. 2F illustrates the mobileload device contact 104 fully inserted into thesocket 102. - It is to be recognized and understood that withdrawing the mobile
load device contact 104 from thesocket 102 repeats the predetermined sequence in reverse, with each step defining a breaking of thepin respective contact arc suppressor 122 suppressing the arc that would be expected to result from the breaking of thecurrent power pin 108 from thecurrent power contact 116. -
FIGS. 3A-3C are an abstract illustration of the predetermined sequence with an electrically generic circuit diagram, in an example embodiment. For the purposes of this discussion, the generic circuit diagram will be described with respect to a slidingpower contact 200. However, as will be described in detail below, the generic circuit diagram may describe any situation in which two contacts, wires, electrodes, or any other suitable electronic component or article slide in contact with one another, such as with a commutator in a motor or catenary system or chafing wiring. - The sliding
power contact 200 includes asocket 202 and a mobileload device connector 204. The mobileload device connector 204 includes anon-current power pin 206, acurrent power pin 208, aneutral pin 210, and aground pin 212. Thesocket 202 includes anon-current power contact 214 configured to engage and electrically couple with thenon-current power pin 206, acurrent power contact 216 configured to engage and electrically couple with thecurrent power pin 208, aneutral contact 218 configured to engage and electrically couple with theneutral pin 210, and aground contact 220 configured to engage and electrically couple with theground pin 212. - The predetermined sequence for the sliding
power contact 200 is similar to and operates under the same principles as the predetermined sequence applying to the slidingpower contact 100, with two implementational differences. First, thearc suppressor 222 is a component of thesocket 202 rather than the mobileload device connector 204. As such, thearc suppressor 222 is directly coupled to thenon-current power contact 216 and, when the slidingpower contact 200 is coupled together, creates a non-current path with thenon-current power contact 214 and thenon-current pin 206. - Second, the
non-current power pin 206, theneutral pin 210, and theground pin 212 have a first length that is approximately the same length while thecurrent power pin 208 has a second length shorter than the first length. For the purposes of this disclosure, the first length between and among thenon-current power pin 206, theneutral pin 210, and theground pin 212 may vary by several percent but may be considered approximately the same length nonetheless provided that all of thenon-current power pin 206, theneutral pin 210, and theground pin 212 contact theirrespective contacts current power pin 208 contacts thecurrent power contact 216. Consequently, the predetermined sequence involves the simultaneous or near-simultaneous contacting of thenon-current power pin 206, theneutral pin 210, and theground pin 212 contact theirrespective contacts current power pin 208 with thecurrent power contact 216. -
FIG. 3A illustrates the slidingpower contact 200 in a disconnected configuration. -
FIG. 3B illustrates the slidingpower contact 200 in an initial connected configuration. In the initial connected configuration, thenon-current power pin 206, theneutral pin 210, and theground pin 212 are in contact with theirrespective contacts current power pin 208 is not in contact with thecurrent power contact 216. Thearc suppressor 222 is thereby electrically coupled over thenon-current power pin 206 and thenon-current power contact 214, and is prepared to suppress arcing upon thecurrent power pin 208 contacting thecurrent power contact 214. -
FIG. 3C illustrates the slidingpower contact 200 in a fully connected configuration. All of thepins respective contacts arc suppressor 222 into the system suppresses any arcing that may have occurred between thecurrent power pin 208 contacting thecurrent power contact 214. - As with the predetermined sequence for the sliding
power contact 100, it is to be recognized and understood that withdrawing the mobileload device contact 204 from thesocket 202 repeats the predetermined sequence in reverse, with each step defining a breaking of thepin respective contact arc suppressor 222 suppressing the arc that would be expected to result from the breaking of thecurrent power pin 208 from thecurrent power contact 216. - While the
arc suppressors power contacts arc suppressor socket load device connector separate arc suppressor socket load device connector single arc suppressor socket load device connector non-current power pin 206 to thenon-current power connector 214 causing the components of thearc suppressor functional arc suppressor non-current power pin 206 to thenon-current power connector 214. - While
pins contacts power contacts power contacts FIGS. 3A-3C , a charged contact, such as a charged contact wire or charged contact rail, may be considered equivalent to acurrent power contact 116 while, e.g., a current collector or commutator may be considered equivalent to thecurrent power pin 108. - In such an example, as an electrical circuit, the commutator may have the same electrical function as the mobile
load device connector 204 and the stator and/or rotor may have the same electrical function as thesocket 202, or vice versa. By incorporating a non-current power line that is coupled to anarc suppressor 222 and which is configured to provide an electrical connection between the commutator and the stator and/or rotor before the current power line makes contact, arcing may be suppressed during the operation of the motor or catenary line, as the case may be. Thus, the diagrams ofFIGS. 3A-3C , while specifically drawn to a sliding power contact, may be understood to be electrically relevant to any situation with power contacts that slide with respect to one another. In circumstances with a commutator, brush motor, or other high speed rotational contact, a high speed arc suppressor as incorporated by reference herein may be utilized. - Similarly, wires that chafe and wear through insulation may create sliding contacts that may be susceptible to arcing. For instance, in a circumstance in which two wires rub against one another and wear away their insulation at the point of contact, eventually the bare wires may come into contact in a sliding relationship and cause arcing. In such an example, either as protection against arcing or as a wire chafing detector, an
arc suppressor 222 may be coupled as part of a non-current power line between the two wires prior to chafing, e.g., at the time of installation. - Once mechanical motion has worn through both insulations, thereby exposing the bare conductor on either side, an unintentional contact is created which follows the same physics, rules and principals than any other intentional contact consisting of two opposing electrodes during which, when connected, a current flows. When the two exposed wire conductors make unintentional contact, an arc may be created. In such an example, one wire may be electrically the same as the
current power pin 208 and the other wire may be electrically the same as thecurrent power contact 216. In such an example, the inclusion of thearc suppressor 222 in parallel with the wires may create a non-current path between the wires which would provide arc suppression in the event that the wires chafed and eventually contacted one another. - Moreover, given that the
arc suppressor 222 may include visual or signal outputs to indicate that arcing has occurred, the inclusion of thearc suppressor 222 may provide for chafing detection. As thearc suppressor 222 in such a circumstance would only suppress an arc following chafing between the wires, the occurrence of thearc suppressor 222 indicating that an arc had been suppressed could be identified as an indication that the wires had chafed and shorted together. Thus, it is to be recognized and understood that the non-current path may be effectively permanent or at least resilient while the current path may be created following the wires chafing and shorting together. - The description of the various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the examples and detailed description herein are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
- Example 1 is an arc suppressing circuit configured to suppress arcing across a power contactor coupled to an alternating current (AC) power source having a predetermined number of phases, each contact of the power contactor corresponding to one of the predetermined number of phases, the arc suppressing circuit comprising: a number of dual unidirectional arc suppressors equal to the predetermined number of phases of the AC power source, each dual unidirectional arc suppressor coupled across the power contactor, each dual unidirectional arc suppressor comprising: a first phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing across the associated contacts in a positive domain; a second phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing across the associated contacts in a negative domain; and a coil lock controller, configured to be coupled between a contact coil driver of the power contactor, configured to detect an output condition from the contact coil driver and inhibit operation of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors over a predetermined time.
- In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes, wherein the first phase-specific arc suppressor is configured to not suppress arcing in the negative domain and the second phase-specific arc suppressor is configured to not suppress arcing in the positive domain.
- In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1 and 2 includes, wherein each of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors comprise a latching switch configured to cause the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors to not suppress arcing in the negative and positive domains, respectively.
- In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 includes, wherein the latching switch is a thyristor.
- In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 includes, wherein the coil lock controller comprises: a power converter coupled over a coil interface; a rectifier coupled to the power converter; a power limiter coupled to the rectifier; a power storage coupled to the power limiter; and a current supply coupled to the power storage, the current supply coupled to the first phase-specific arc suppressor and the second phase-specific arc suppressor.
- In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 includes, wherein the power converter comprises an RC circuit, the rectifier comprises a diode array, the power limiter comprises a Zener diode; the power storage comprises a capacitor; and the current supply comprises a MOSFET transistor.
- In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 includes, wherein each of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors comprise a coil lock, coupled to the coil lock controller, configured to disable a respective one of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors based on an input from the coil lock controller.
- In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 includes, wherein the coil lock comprises a signal isolator emitter coupled to the coil lock controller and a signal isolator detector coupled to the latching switch.
- In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 includes, wherein the coil lock is a photorelay comprising the signal isolator emitter and the signal isolator detector.
- In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 includes, wherein each of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors comprises: a signal edge detector; an edge-pulse converter in series with the signal edge detector; a current limiter in series with the edge-pulse converter; and a first over voltage protection coupled to the edge-pulse converter and the signal isolator detector of the coil lock.
- In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 includes, wherein the edge-pulse converter is at least one of: a transformer; a pulse transformer; or a gate trigger.
- In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-11 includes, wherein each of the dual unidirectional arc suppressors further comprises: a first contact terminal configured to be electrically coupled to a first contact of the power contactor; a second contact terminal configured to be coupled to be electrically coupled to a second contact of the power contactor, the second contact terminal coupled to the first phase-specific arc suppressor, the second phase-specific arc suppressor, and the coil lock controller; and a fusible element coupled between the first contact terminal and the first phase-specific arc suppressor, the second phase-specific arc suppressor, and the coil lock controller.
- In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-12 includes, wherein the fusible element is one of: a solder mask, a silkscreen, a passive fuse, or an active fuse.
- In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-13 includes, wherein each of the dual unidirectional arc suppressors further comprises a second over voltage protector coupled over the first phase-specific arc suppressor, the second phase-specific arc suppressor, and the coil lock controller.
- In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-14 includes, wherein the second over voltage protector comprises at least one of: variostor, a transient-voltage suppression (TVS) diode, a Zener diode, a gas tube, or a spark gap.
- Example 16 is a three-phase arc suppressing circuit, comprising: a coil interface, configured to be coupled to a contactor coil driver of a power contactor and to receive an output condition of the contactor coil driver and output a signal based on the output condition; a first dual unidirectional arc suppressor configured to be coupled to contacts at a first phase, comprising: a first phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in a positive domain; a second phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in a negative domain; and a coil lock controller, coupled to the coil interface, configured to inhibit operation of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors over a predetermined time based on the signal from the coil interface; a second dual unidirectional arc suppressor configured to be coupled to contacts at a second phase one hundred and twenty degrees greater than the first phase, comprising: a first phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in the positive domain; a second phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in the negative domain; and a coil lock controller, coupled to the coil interface, configured to inhibit operation of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors over a predetermined time based on the signal from the coil interface; and a third dual unidirectional arc suppressor configured to be coupled to contacts at a third phase one hundred and twenty degrees less than the first phase, comprising: a first phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in the positive domain; a second phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing in the negative domain; and a coil lock controller, coupled to the coil interface, configured to inhibit operation of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors over a predetermined time based on the signal from the coil interface.
- In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 includes, wherein the predetermined time is selected to allow the contactor coil driver to de-energize and allow time for the power contactor to break or make contact.
- Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16 and 17 includes, wherein the first phase-specific arc suppressors are configured to not suppress arcing in the negative domain and the second phase-specific arc suppressor is configured to not suppress arcing in the positive domain.
- In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-18 includes, wherein each of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors comprise a latching switch configured to cause the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors to not suppress arcing in the negative and positive domains, respectively.
- In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-19 includes, wherein the latching switch is a thyristor.
- Example 21 is at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations to implement of any of Examples 1-20.
- Example 22 is an apparatus comprising means to implement of any of Examples 1-20.
- Example 23 is a system to implement of any of Examples 1-20.
- Example 24 is a method to implement of any of Examples 1-20.
- The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown and described. However, the present inventor also contemplates examples in which only those elements shown and described are provided.
- All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.
- In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
- The above description is intended to be, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
Claims (20)
1. (canceled)
2. A sliding power contact, comprising:
a mobile load device connector, comprising:
a non-current power pin having a first length; and
a current power pin having a second length less than the first length;
a socket, configured to accept the mobile load device connector, comprising:
a non-current power contact configured to electrically couple with the non-current power pin; and
a current power contact configured to electrically couple with the current power pin;
an arc suppressor directly coupled to at least one of the non-current power pin and the non-current power contact, wherein the arc suppressor, the non-current power pin, and the non-current power contact form a current path between the current power pin and the current power contact when the non-current power pin is in contact with the non-current power contact and the current power pin is not in contact with the current power contact;
wherein the first length and the second length cause the non-current power pin and the current power pin to contact the non-current power contact and the current power contact, respectively, according to a predetermined sequence when the mobile load device connector is inserted into the socket that causes the arc suppressor to suppress arcing between the current power pin and the current power contact.
3. The sliding power contact of claim 2 , wherein the arc suppressor is a component of the mobile load device connector.
4. The sliding power contact of claim 2 , wherein the arc suppressor is a component of the socket.
5. The sliding power contact of claim 2 , wherein the arc suppressor is a component of both the mobile load device connector and the socket.
6. The sliding power contact of claim 2 , wherein the current power contact is a charged contact and the current power pin is a current collector.
7. The sliding power contact of claim 6 , wherein the current collector is a commutator and touching the commutator to the charged contact includes moving the commutator along the charged contact.
8. A mobile load device connector, comprising:
a non-current power collector having a first length, the non-current power collector configured to contact a non-current power contact; and
a current collector having a second length less than the first length, the current collector configured to contact a charged contact; and
an arc suppressor directly coupled to at least one of the non-current power collector, wherein the arc suppressor, the non-current power collector and the non-current power are configured to form a current path between the current collector and the charged contact when the non-current power collector is in contact with the non-current power contact and the current collector is not in contact with the charged contact;
wherein the first length and the second length cause the non-current power collector and the current collector to contact the non-current power contact and the charged contact, respectively, according to a predetermined sequence that causes the arc suppressor to suppress arcing between the current collector and the charged contact.
9. The mobile load device connector of claim 8 , wherein the charged contact is a catenary wire.
10. The mobile load device connector of claim 8 , wherein the charged contact is a component of a third-rail system.
11. The mobile load device connector of claim 8 , wherein the current collector is a commutator and touching the commutator to the charged contact includes moving the commutator along the charged contact.
12. A method of making a sliding power contact, comprising:
obtaining a mobile load device connector, comprising:
a non-current power pin having a first length; and
a current power pin having a second length less than the first length; obtaining a socket, configured to accept the mobile load device connector, comprising:
a non-current power contact configured to electrically couple with the non-current power pin; and
a current power contact configured to electrically couple with the current power pin; and
directly coupling an arc suppressor to at least one of the non-current power pin and the non-current power contact, wherein the arc suppressor, the non-current power pin and the non-current power contact form a current path between the current power pin and the current power contact when the non-current power pin is in contact with the non-current power contact and the current power pin is not in contact with the current power contact;
wherein the first length and the second length cause the non-current power pin and the current power pin to contact the non-current power contact and the current power contact, respectively, according to a predetermined sequence when the mobile load device connector is inserted into the socket that causes the arc suppressor to suppress arcing between the current power pin and the current power contact.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein directly coupling the arc suppressor includes directly coupling the arc suppressor to the mobile load device connector.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein directly coupling the arc suppressor includes directly coupling the arc suppressor to the socket.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein directly coupling the arc suppressor includes directly coupling the arc suppressor to both the mobile load device connector and the socket.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the current power contact is a charged contact and the current power pin is a current collector, and wherein forming the second current path between the current power contact and the current power pin comprises touching a charge collector to the charged contact.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the charge collector is a commutator and touching the commutator to the charged contact includes rolling the commutator along the charged contact.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the charged contact is a catenary wire.
19. The method of claim 16 , wherein the charged contact is a component of a third-rail system.
20. The method of claim 16 , wherein the current collector is a commutator and touching the commutator to the charged contact includes moving the commutator along the charged contact.
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US17/838,472 US20220384119A1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2022-06-13 | Sliding contact arc suppression |
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US17/838,472 US20220384119A1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2022-06-13 | Sliding contact arc suppression |
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US16/776,339 Active US10818444B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-01-29 | High power, multi-phase, AC power contact arc suppressor |
US16/776,433 Active US10770241B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-01-29 | High speed arc suppressor |
US16/984,673 Active US11302491B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-08-04 | High speed arc suppressor |
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US17/030,738 Active US11361912B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-09-24 | High power, multi-phase, AC power contact arc suppressor |
US17/716,356 Active US11756747B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2022-04-08 | High speed arc suppressor |
US17/838,463 Active US11798750B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2022-06-13 | High power, multi-phase, AC power contact arc suppressor |
US17/838,472 Pending US20220384119A1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2022-06-13 | Sliding contact arc suppression |
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US16/776,347 Active US10826248B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-01-29 | Sliding contact arc suppression |
US16/776,339 Active US10818444B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-01-29 | High power, multi-phase, AC power contact arc suppressor |
US16/776,433 Active US10770241B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-01-29 | High speed arc suppressor |
US16/984,673 Active US11302491B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-08-04 | High speed arc suppressor |
US16/986,694 Active US11361911B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-08-06 | Sliding contact arc suppression |
US17/030,738 Active US11361912B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-09-24 | High power, multi-phase, AC power contact arc suppressor |
US17/716,356 Active US11756747B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2022-04-08 | High speed arc suppressor |
US17/838,463 Active US11798750B2 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2022-06-13 | High power, multi-phase, AC power contact arc suppressor |
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