Dual Micro Switch DC Contactor for Contact Detection and Coil Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DC contactors have complex circuit structures for energy-saving control, which are not very applicable and inefficient in detecting the on/off condition of main contacts.

Innovation Solution

A DC contactor with dual micro switches, where one micro switch detects the on/off condition of main contacts and another, normally closed micro switch achieves energy-saving by disconnecting the acceleration coil when the contacts are closed, using a push rod with toggle arms to simplify the circuit structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a circuit board with complex driving circuits and energy-saving control schemes is used, then the relay can be operated reliably with energy-saving control, but the circuit structure becomes complicated and applicability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy-saving controlVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the energy-saving control function from the complex circuit board and implements it through a simple mechanical micro switch that directly opens the holding coil circuit when the contactor is activated. This removes the need for complicated driving circuits while maintaining reliable operation and energy-saving effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The micro switch automatically detects the contactor's state and self-regulates the holding coil power supply without requiring external control circuits. When the contactor closes, the micro switch automatically opens the holding coil circuit to save energy, and when the contactor opens, it automatically closes the circuit again, achieving self-service energy-saving control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a micro switch is installed to detect the on-off condition of main contacts, then the detection function is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of on/off conditionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the detection function with the existing push rod mechanism by mounting the micro switch directly on the push rod. The micro switch lever utilizes the push rod's movement to detect the contactor's on-off state, merging the detection function into the existing mechanical structure rather than adding separate detection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The micro switch serves multiple functions: it detects the on-off condition of the main contacts, controls the holding coil power supply for energy-saving, and provides a simple mechanical indication of the contactor state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.

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

This solution allows for reliable detection of main contact conditions and energy-saving without the need for complex circuit boards, resulting in a simpler and more applicable circuit structure.

Implementation Method 1

A contactor is an automated control device that generates a magnetic field when a current flows through a coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3522197B1DC contactor with dual micro switches
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 XIAMEN HONGFA ELECTRIC POWER CONTROLS CO LTD
  • EP3522197B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3522197B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3522197B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A DC contactor with dual micro switches (3, 4) comprises a coil (1), a push rod (2) and two micro switches (3, 4). The two micro switches (3, 4) are respectively installed at two predetermined positions in the contactor. The push rod (2) is provided with two toggle arms (21, 22), which are respectively matched with the two micro switches (3, 4). When a main contact point (52) of the contactor is contacted, the push rod (2) causes the two micro switches (3, 4) to be connected or disconnected or to change a contact point through the toggle arms (21, 22) according to a predetermined means. By setting one of the micro switches as a normally closed second micro switch (4) and by means of cooperation between the second micro switch (4) and the second toggle arm (22) of the push rod (2), power saving is achieved, eliminating a complex circuit structure for performing power saving in a circuit board of the related art, and providing a simpler circuit structure and better applicability.