Methods and apparatus for DC arc detection/suppression
US11114257B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2009/546
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for detecting and suppressing DC electric arcs at a component, and are particularly adapted for vehicle wiring harnesses. The apparatus can include a detector circuit electrically connected to input and output terminals so as to be electrically connected in parallel to the component, the detector circuit being configured to detect a significant voltage spike across the component upon the component actuating between open and closed positions. The detector circuit can also be configured to transmit a control signal upon detecting the significant voltage spike. The detector circuit can include multiple circuit elements, enabling both the detection of the significant voltage spike and the transmission of the control signal, that are directly electrically connected to each other. A switching circuit conducts electricity from the power source side of the component to the load side of the component upon receipt of the control signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.