Galvanically Isolated Hybrid Contactor
AssigneeAstronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.
InventorsFrederick J. Potter, Patrick Mills
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hybrid contactor device that provides the ability to use the device with both AC and DC circuits is provided. The hybrid contactor includes a series-parallel arrangement of mechanical contacts with solid state devices, increasing the switching capacity of the mechanical contacts, and maintains galvanic isolation when open. The hybrid contactor includes two mechanical contacts, and is arranged so that one contact closes shortly before the other. The second contact forms a parallel circuit with an electronic switch.
Claims20
A hybrid contactor device, comprising:
- a moveable contact including a first mechanical contact and a second mechanical contact;
- an electrical switch in electrical communication with the second mechanical contact;
- and
- a first terminal relay configured to electrically engage the first mechanical contact and a second terminal relay configured to electrically engage the second mechanical contact,
- wherein when the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact are open, galvanic isolation is formed between input and output.
A method of forming a hybrid contactor device, comprising the steps of:
- providing a first mechanical contact;
- providing a second mechanical contact;
- providing an electrical switch in communication with the second mechanical contact;
- providing a first terminal relay;
- receiving, via the first terminal relay, an electrical engagement from the first mechanical contact;
- providing a second terminal relay;
- and
- receiving, via the second terminal relay, an electrical engagement from the second mechanical contact,
- wherein when the first mechanical contact and second mechanical contact are open, galvanic isolation is formed between input and output.
A method of forming a hybrid contactor device comprising the steps of:
- providing a first mechanical contact and a second mechanical contact in a switched open position;
- closing the first mechanical contact, the closing effective to cause the first mechanical contact to couple electrically with a first relay terminal;
- providing an electrical switch;
- closing the electrical switch after closure of the first mechanical contact;
- and
- closing the second mechanical contact after the electrical switch has been closed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.