Balanced Anchor Relay for Orientation-Independent Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromechanical relays have unbalanced anchor masses, leading to variable and inconsistent dynamic responses based on installation position and orientation, requiring specific installation configurations and increasing costs due to the need for multiple models.
Innovation Solution
A relay design with a balanced anchor configuration, where the center of gravity is aligned with the axis of oscillation, ensuring the anchor's mass distribution is equilibrium, regardless of installation orientation, eliminating sensitivity to spatial arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anchor mass is unbalanced (conventional design), then the relay can be manufactured with simpler processes, but the dynamic response becomes variable and inconsistent based on installation position and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it deliberately creates a symmetric mass distribution around the oscillation axis to eliminate the asymmetric gravitational effects that cause inconsistent dynamic response. The anchor is designed with mass evenly distributed on both sides of the oscillation axis, making the center of gravity coincide with the axis itself, thereby eliminating position-dependent variability in activation and closure times.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple relay models are produced to accommodate different installation orientations, then installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the relay universally applicable to any installation orientation by designing the anchor with balanced mass distribution. This single design configuration allows the relay to function consistently whether mounted horizontally, vertically, or at any angle, eliminating the need for multiple specialized models and simplifying the product line while maximizing installation flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If the anchor mass is concentrated on one side (conventional design), then manufacturing is simpler, but activation and closure times become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically controlling the mass distribution in different zones of the anchor. The design ensures that mass is evenly distributed on both sides of the oscillation axis in the critical regions, creating local balance points that eliminate gravitational moments during oscillation. This precise local mass arrangement ensures consistent activation and closure times regardless of installation orientation.
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 balanced design results in consistent and repeatable activation and closure times, allowing the relay to function uniformly across various installations without specific orientation constraints, enhancing flexibility and reducing costs through standardization.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet suitable for generating, in response to the command of an electrical current, an electromagnetic force, which in turn attracts a metallic anchor, moving between two end positions
Implementation Method 2
the elastic force applied by the spring 104 makes the anchor 103 rotate around the axis A′ and returns it into the initial starting position
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device includes: an electromagnet constituted by a metallic core and an electrical winding associated therewith; and a mobile anchor associated with a traction spring and suitable for oscillating around a respective axis of oscillation in response to the combined action of an electromagnetic attraction force, generated by the electromagnet and intended to attract the anchor towards the core, and an elastic recovery force, exerted by the spring and intended to move the anchor away from the core and make it return to an initial position, so as to open or close selectively via the anchor a contact or switch of an external electrical circuit, wherein the anchor has a balanced or equilibrium configuration in which its center of gravity is arranged substantially along the axis of oscillation, and thereby the masses of various portions anchor portions are distributed in a balanced manner around the same axis of oscillation.