Arc Path Formation Unit With Barrier Walls for Stable Halbach Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DC relays using Halbach arrays face challenges in fixing magnetic bodies due to attractive and repulsive forces, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced durability, with existing solutions failing to address the precise adjustment of gaps between magnetic bodies.

Innovation Solution

An arc path formation unit with a magnetic frame and Halbach arrays, featuring a magnetic accommodating portion that surrounds the arrays and includes barrier walls to maintain magnetic body positions, reducing the need for adhesives and enhancing durability by preventing arbitrary movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive is used to fix magnetic bodies in Halbach array, then arbitrary separation of magnetic bodies is suppressed, but manufacturing cost increases and bonding strength weakens over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of magnetic bodiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (adhesive) with a mechanical constraint system. The magnetic frame includes a magnetic accommodating portion with barrier walls that physically constrain the magnetic bodies, preventing their arbitrary separation through mechanical means rather than relying on adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier wall acts as an intermediary component between the magnetic bodies and the magnetic frame. It provides a structural interface that maintains the positions of magnetic bodies while allowing for precise gap adjustment, eliminating the need for adhesive as the primary fixing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If adhesive is used to fix magnetic bodies, then arbitrary separation is suppressed initially, but bonding strength weakens over time causing damage to internal components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-degrading chemical bonding (adhesive) with a durable mechanical constraint system. The barrier walls and magnetic frame provide permanent structural support that does not degrade over time, ensuring long-term reliability and preventing damage to internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic frame structure with barrier walls provides self-supporting constraints for the magnetic bodies. The design allows the magnetic bodies to be positioned and constrained by the inherent structural features of the magnetic frame itself, eliminating reliance on external adhesive materials that may fail over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If magnetic bodies are fixed with adhesive, then assembly is simplified, but precise adjustment of gaps between magnetic bodies becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidgap adjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier wall serves as a precision-adjustable intermediary that defines the gap between magnetic bodies. By modifying the thickness or position of the barrier wall, precise gap control is achieved while maintaining assembly simplicity through the standardized magnetic frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables precise gap adjustment by changing the physical parameters of the barrier wall (thickness, position, or configuration). This allows for controlled variation of the gap between magnetic bodies during manufacturing or assembly, achieving high precision without complicating the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution reduces manufacturing costs and improves durability by stabilizing the Halbach arrays, allowing precise gap adjustment and preventing internal damage, thereby extending the lifespan of the DC relay.

Implementation Method 1

The arc discharge path may be formed by the produced magnetic fields and electromagnetic force generated by a flow of current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic frame includes a magnetic accommodating portion formed to surround the plurality of blocks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4685836A1Arc path formation unit and direct current relay comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 LS E-MOBILITY SOLUTIONS CO LTD
  • EP4685836A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4685836A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4685836A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention provides an arc path formation unit capable of preventing random detachment of a magnet, and a direct current relay comprising same, the unit comprising: a magnet frame; and a plurality of blocks which form magnetic fields therein, are arranged in one direction side by side, and are formed as magnetic bodies, wherein the magnet frame includes a magnet accommodation unit for surrounding the plurality of blocks.