Auxiliary Contact Unit Protrusion Support for Magnetic Contactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auxiliary contact units for magnetic contactors experience a weakening of attachment force over time due to the deterioration of the elastic force of compression springs, which compromises their ability to securely attach to the magnetic contactor during repeated ON/OFF operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastic protrusion, instead of a compression spring, to support the cover of the auxiliary contact unit, ensuring that the attachment force remains stable by distributing force evenly and maintaining the cover's height, thereby preventing the loss of elastic force with continued operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression spring is used to support the cover of the auxiliary contact unit, then the attachment force is initially sufficient, but the elastic force deteriorates over time due to repeated ON/OFF operations, causing the attachment force to weaken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compression spring from the auxiliary contact unit structure, eliminating the component that causes elastic force deterioration. The cover is supported directly by the lower frame through structural design without elastic elements, thereby extracting the source of reliability degradation while maintaining attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the compression spring (a component with limited service life due to elastic fatigue) with a simple structural support design using the lower frame. This approach uses a more durable, non-consumable structural element instead of a component subject to degradation, effectively treating the spring as a replaceable short-living element that is eliminated entirely.
2Reliability
If the auxiliary contact unit is securely attached to withstand vibrations and shocks, then attachment reliability improves, but the structure becomes more complex requiring additional components like screws or bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover support function and the attachment structure into a unified design where the lower frame directly supports the cover. This merging eliminates the need for separate springs and support structures, achieving secure attachment while reducing overall structural complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower frame is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the auxiliary contact unit, anchors the unit to the magnetic contactor, and directly supports the cover without requiring additional components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed while maintaining attachment security.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary contact unit for a magnetic contactor is disclosed, wherein the auxiliary contact unit is disposed at an inner lower frame thereof with a cover connected to lower hooks and supporting an upper structure, and the cover is supported at a lower surface thereof by a protrusion.