Arc Path Formation Unit With Spacer-Fixed Halbach Magnets
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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 potential damage from random movement, with existing solutions failing to effectively address these issues.
Innovation Solution
An arc path formation unit with a magnetic frame and spacers integrated into the inner circumferential surface of the frame, which supports Halbach arrays to maintain magnetic body positions and reduce adhesive use, allowing precise gap adjustment and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to fix magnetic bodies in the Halbach array, then arbitrary separation of magnetic bodies is suppressed, but manufacturing cost increases and bonding strength weakens over time causing damage to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (adhesive) with a mechanical fixing method using a holding structure. The holding structure includes a holding portion that physically retains the magnetic bodies in position, eliminating the need for adhesive while preventing arbitrary separation of magnetic bodies during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a holding structure as an intermediary component between the magnetic bodies and the Halbach array. This holding structure serves as a mediator that mechanically secures the magnetic bodies without requiring adhesive, thereby solving both the reliability and manufacturing cost issues.
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to fix magnetic bodies, then arbitrary separation is suppressed, but bonding strength weakens over time causing damage to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (adhesive) with a mechanical fixing method using a holding structure. The holding structure includes a holding portion that physically retains the magnetic bodies in position, eliminating the need for adhesive while preventing arbitrary separation of magnetic bodies during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structure is designed to self-retain the magnetic bodies through its geometric configuration. The holding portion naturally constrains the magnetic bodies without requiring additional bonding materials, providing long-term reliability that does not degrade over time like adhesive bonding.
3Force
If multiple magnetic bodies are arranged to form Halbach array, then magnetic field intensity is strengthened, but attractive and repulsive forces between adjacent magnetic bodies cause arbitrary separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holding structure as an intermediary component between the magnetic bodies and the Halbach array. This holding structure serves as a mediator that mechanically secures the magnetic bodies without requiring adhesive, thereby solving both the reliability and manufacturing cost issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the Halbach array into modular units where each magnetic body is individually held by the holding structure. This segmentation allows each magnetic body to be securely positioned while maintaining the overall magnetic field strength of the array.
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 material costs and enhances durability by stabilizing the Halbach array components, preventing internal damage and extending the lifespan of the DC relay.
Implementation Method 1
The magnets produce magnetic fields in a space where the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact with each other. The arc discharge path may be formed by the produced magnetic fields and electromagnetic force generated by a flow of current.
Implementation Method 2
The Halbach array includes two relatively long surfaces and two relatively short surfaces. At this time, magnetic fields which are produced by the magnetic bodies constituting the Halbach array on the outer side of one of the two long surfaces may be stronger.
Implementation Method 3
when assembling the plurality of magnetic bodies constituting the Halbach array, an attractive or repulsive force is generated between adjacent magnetic bodies due to differences in polarity
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are an arc path formation unit and a direct current relay comprising same, which can prevent random dislodging of a magnet, and comprise a magnetic frame; and a plurality of blocks which are arranged to be side by side in one direction and adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the magnetic frame, and are formed with magnetic bodies, wherein the magnetic frame comprises, on the inner circumferential surface thereof, a spacer arranged between two neighboring blocks among the plurality of blocks.