Arc Path Formation Unit With Asymmetric Magnetic Arc Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing direct current relays face challenges in controlling the direction of arc discharge paths, leading to potential damage to internal components and safety hazards due to arcs extending towards the central portion, requiring user consideration of current direction for proper operation.

Innovation Solution

An arc path formation unit with magnet parts arranged to create magnetic fields that direct arcs away from the central portion, forming paths outside the relay regardless of current direction, enhancing magnetic field strength and allowing arcs to be quickly extinguished and discharged without structural changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent magnets are provided in the space where fixed contacts and movable contact are in contact, then arc discharge path can be formed by magnetic field and electromagnetic force, but arc may extend towards the central portion and damage internal components when current direction changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc discharge controlVSAvoidarc damage to internal components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an asymmetric yoke structure with different pole configurations (first pole and second pole with different shapes) to create non-uniform magnetic fields. This asymmetric design ensures that the electromagnetic force always directs arcs away from the central portion regardless of current direction, solving the problem of arc damage to internal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures the yoke and permanent magnets to generate magnetic fields that automatically direct arcs away from the central portion before arc discharge occurs. The yoke structure is designed in advance to guide the arc path outward, preventing potential damage to internal components before it can happen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If magnets are arranged to direct arcs away from central portion, then internal components are protected from arc damage, but magnetic field strength may be insufficient for quick arc extinguishment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc damage preventionVSAvoidarc extinguishment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple magnetic field sources (permanent magnets and electromagnets through the yoke) to create a unified magnetic field system. This merging of magnetic field sources amplifies the overall magnetic field strength, enabling both effective arc direction control and rapid arc extinguishment simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If yoke structure with different pole shapes is introduced to control arc direction, then arc path can be directed away from central portion regardless of current direction, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc direction control independence from current directionVSAvoidyoke structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric yoke structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the coil assembly, guides magnetic flux distribution, and controls arc discharge paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate arc control components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving current-direction-independent arc control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 prevents damage to internal components by directing arcs away from critical areas, ensuring safe and efficient operation without altering the relay's structure, enhancing user convenience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

magnet parts arranged to create magnetic fields that direct arcs away from the central portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The magnets form magnetic fields in a space in which the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact with each other. The arc discharge path may be formed by the formed magnetic field and an electromagnetic force generated by a flow of current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

an electromagnetic force is formed as indicated by a hatched arrow. Specifically, in the case of the fixed contact 1100 located on the left side, the electromagnetic force is formed toward the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4148760B1Arc path formation unit and direct current relay comprising same

Publication Date: 2025.07.23 LS ELECTRIC CO LTD

Figure 1(a)~1(b)
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Figure 3

AI summary

An arc path formation unit and a direct current relay comprising same are disclosed. An arc path formation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of magnet parts. The plurality of magnet parts can form a magnetic field in a space inside an arc chamber to form an electromagnetic force for moving generated arc. The magnetic field formed by each magnet part forms an electromagnetic force toward the outside of the arc chamber. Electromagnetic forces formed adjacently to fixed contacts are formed in opposite directions. Therefore, the generated arc can be quickly moved to the outside and extinguished without damage to each constituent element of a direct current relay caused by the generated arc.