US Patent 11177102 Volatile organic compound controlled relay for power applications

A power relay is controlled by the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds that are often emitted by outgassing from electronic components during overheat and failure conditions. The relay housing contains a standard power relay of single pole single throw (SPST) or a multi-pole double throw relay depending on the application. A micro VOC integrated circuit is placed within the housing allowing access to ambient air through ports in the side of the relay. Air quality is sampled periodically or continuously as is required by the system to adequately monitor for fault events and, in the event of a fault, latch the relay mechanism OPEN breaking the flow of electrical energy the circuit downstream.