Electromagnetic Contactor DC to AC Conversion Groove

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic contactors face increased costs and poor workability when converting from DC to AC operation type, particularly in hermetically sealed capsule structures, due to the need for significant configuration changes and dedicated terminal plates or resin casting.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic contactor design that includes a substrate with a rectifier circuit inserted between the electromagnet and external coil terminals, held by a groove in the case, allowing easy conversion from DC to AC operation without altering the capsule structure or using resin casting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated terminal plate is disposed in the substrate or the substrate is fixed by the resin casting agent to convert DC operation type to AC operation type, then the conversion can be achieved, but the cost increases and workability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation type conversion capabilityVSAvoidworkability and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is designed with a universal groove structure that can accommodate different operation types (DC or AC) without requiring dedicated terminal plates or resin casting. The same substrate structure serves multiple functions by simply inserting or removing the rectifier circuit substrate, eliminating the need for operation-type-specific modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rectifier circuit is segmented as a separate removable substrate that can be independently inserted into the groove. This segmentation allows the conversion between DC and AC operation types by simply adding or removing this modular component, without affecting the rest of the contactor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the DC operation type is changed to the AC operation type by using a rectifier circuit with dedicated terminal plate and resin casting, then the operation type conversion is achieved, but the basic configuration including the capsule structure must be significantly changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation type conversion capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration change extent
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifier circuit is extracted as a separate removable substrate that can be independently added or removed. This extraction allows the conversion between operation types without modifying the capsule structure or other basic configurations, as the rectifier function is taken out as a standalone module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove in the substrate acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the fixed capsule structure and the variable rectifier circuit. This intermediary groove allows the rectifier substrate to be inserted or removed without interfering with the hermetically sealed capsule structure, enabling operation type conversion while preserving the basic configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the rectifier circuit substrate is held by resin casting agent, then the substrate is fixed in position, but the workability decreases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate positioning stabilityVSAvoidworkability and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate fixing structure is segmented into a groove and corresponding protrusion, eliminating the need for resin casting. This mechanical segmentation provides stable positioning through simple geometric interlocking, improving workability and reducing cost while maintaining positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables cost-effective and efficient conversion from DC to AC operation without changing the basic configuration, including the hermetically sealed capsule structure, while maintaining workability and preventing increased costs.

Implementation Method 1

a substrate (33) having a rectifier circuit whose input side is connected to the external coil terminal and whose output side is connected to the coil so as to output a DC after converting an input AC into the DC

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnet that opens and closes the contact by using DC excitation of a coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic excitation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3330995A1Electromagnetic contactor
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYST CO LTD
  • EP3330995A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3330995A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3330995A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an electromagnetic contactor which can easily and inexpensively change the DC operation type to the AC operation type. The electromagnetic contactor includes an electromagnet 32 that opens and closes a contact by using DC excitation of a coil, a lower case 13 that accommodates the electromagnet 32, external coil terminals 21 and 22 that are disposed in the lower case 13 beside the electromagnet 32, and a substrate 33 that is accommodated in the lower case 13, and that has a rectifier circuit whose input side is connected to the external coil terminals 21 and 22 and whose output side is connected to the coil so as to output a DC after converting an input AC to the DC. An inner surface of the lower case 13 has a groove 47 between the electromagnet 32 and the external coil terminals 21 and 22. The substrate 33 is held by being inserted into the groove 47.