Method to detect operational state of remote disconnect latching relay
AssigneeSensus Spectrum, LLC
InventorZafarullah Khan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for monitoring a state of a relay switch. The method applies a voltage signal to a solenoid of the relay switch for actuation of the relay switch, monitors over time current flowing through the solenoid after application of the voltage signal, and calculates a back-emf voltage impressed on the solenoid based on an inflection in the current occurring as a plunger of the relay switch moves. The system includes a voltage source, at least one solenoid solenoid having a plunger, a switch connected to the plunger, and a controller configured to data log the voltage applied to the solenoid and the current flowing through the solenoid upon application of the voltage.
Claims20
A method for monitoring a state of a relay switch, comprising:
- applying a voltage signal to a solenoid of the relay switch for actuation of the relay switch;
- monitoring over time current flowing through the solenoid after application of the voltage signal;
- and
- calculating a maximum back-emf voltage impressed on the solenoid based on measured values of the current flowing through the solenoid including a) a minimum value of the current at an inflection in the current occurring as a plunger of the relay switch moves and b) an asymptotic value of the current after the plunger has stopped movement.
A method for monitoring a state of a relay switch, comprising:
- capturing a current-based waveform;
- and
- determining from the current-based waveform a maximum back-emf voltage of the relay device by using waveform processing and analysis to determine a) first and second infection points on the waveform, b) a minimum value of the current at the second inflection point on the waveform, and c) an asymptotic value of the current on the waveform after the second inflection point.
A relay switch comprising:
- a voltage source;
- at least one solenoid having a plunger;
- a switch connected to the plunger;
- and
- a controller configured to control a voltage of the voltage source and data log the voltage applied to the solenoid and a current flowing through the solenoid upon application of the voltage,
- wherein the controller is configured to calculate a maximum back-emf voltage impressed on the solenoid based on measured values of the current flowing through the solenoid including a) a minimum value of the current at an inflection in the current occurring as a plunger of the relay switch moves and b) an asymptotic value of the current after the plunger has stopped movement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.