Contact Device Spring Integration for Arc Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact devices for relay or electromagnetic switches require multiple parts to hold the arc protection member, increasing production costs and complexity in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A contact device design that uses a shaft and actuator to position the arc protection member, eliminating the need for additional holding parts by integrating the dust prevention member with the contact pressure provision spring, and incorporating positioning protrusions and recesses for easy assembly and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressing springs are used to hold the arc protection member, then the arc protection member can be positioned, but the number of parts increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dust prevention member is integrated with the contact pressure provision spring, combining two functional elements into one component. This eliminates the need for separate pressing springs to hold the arc protection member, reducing part count while maintaining positioning reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pressure provision spring serves multiple functions: it applies contact pressure to the movable contact and simultaneously holds the arc protection member in position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated holding mechanisms
2Reliability
If multiple parts are used to hold the arc protection member, then positioning is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the dust prevention member with the contact pressure provision spring, the assembly process is simplified as fewer discrete components need to be installed and positioned during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated dust prevention member and contact pressure provision spring automatically position the arc protection member through their combined structural design, eliminating the need for separate adjustment or positioning operations during assembly
3Reliability
If additional holding parts are added, then the arc protection member is secured, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Combining the dust prevention member with the contact pressure provision spring eliminates the need for additional holding parts, directly reducing material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pressure provision spring is designed to perform both contact pressure application and arc protection member holding functions, maximizing the utility of an existing component and avoiding the need for additional dedicated securing elements
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
Reduces the number of parts required, lowers production costs, and simplifies the assembly process by using the contact pressure provision spring to hold the arc protection member and prevent dust ingress, while ensuring proper positioning without rotating adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The contact pressure provision spring 1700 biases the movable contact 1300 forward such that the movable contact 1300 comes into contact with the fixed contacts 1200 at a desired contact pressure
Implementation Method 2
The drive device 1500 moves forward/rearward the shaft 1400 by use of an electric magnet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
The contact device (10) includes: a sealed receptacle (20) including a case (21) and a closure plate (23) to house a fixed contact (31) and a movable contact (40); a drive unit (50) including: a shaft (53); and an actuator including a fixed core (52) penetrating through the closure plate (23), a movable core (54), and an electromagnet device (56); a cap (24) secured to the closure plate (23) such that a flange (521) of the fixed core (52) is held between the cap (24) and the closure plate (23); and a shock absorber (58). The shock absorber (58) includes: a first resilient portion (581) between the flange (521) and the cap (24); a second resilient portion (582) between the flange (521) and the closure plate (23); and a connection portion (585) integrally connecting outer edges of the first and second resilient portions (581) and (582) to each other.