Dual-Gap Relay with Permanent Magnet Arc Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage direct current relays face issues with arc damage and incomplete circuit interruption, leading to reduced service life and reliability, especially when used in high-voltage DC circuits like those in electric cars and UPS systems, due to the need for additional semiconductor switches and terminal connection configurations that do not allow independent operation of positive and negative terminals.
Innovation Solution
A relay design featuring two opening and closing parts with permanent magnets oriented to deflect arcs outward, allowing simultaneous interruption of both positive and negative circuit connections, eliminating the need for additional semiconductor switches and enabling mounting on a printed circuit board with single-sided connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relay is applied to high-voltage direct current circuits, then the relay can control the circuit, but an arc current flows between the contacts when separated, damaging the contacts and reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the harmful arc current by applying a magnetic field from a permanent magnet to deflect the arc current away from the contact surfaces. The magnetic field causes the arc to follow a curved path that does not return to the contacts, converting the potentially damaging arc into a controlled phenomenon that does not erode the contact materials, thereby extending relay service life
2Reliability
If paired contact sets are arranged side by side in a terminal connection type relay, then arc currents are deflected outward, but the relay becomes large in size and cannot be mounted on a printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The relay body incorporates both contact sets and the permanent magnet in a compact arrangement that can be directly mounted on a printed circuit board. This integration eliminates the need for separate terminal connection components, reducing overall size while maintaining arc deflection capability through the embedded permanent magnet
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 solution effectively prevents contact damage and ensures long service life by deflecting arcs outward, maintaining circuit independence and reliability even under unstable ground conditions, without the need for additional components or complex terminal configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet configured to apply a magnetic field on the first gap of the first opening and closing part and the second gap of the second opening and closing part in a same direction
Data Source
AI summary
A relay having a first opening and closing part including an openable and closable first gap; a second opening and closing part including an openable and closable second gap, the second opening and closing part being placed side by side with the first opening and closing part so that the first gap and the second gap are arranged side by side; a magnetization driving part to cause the first opening and closing part and the second opening and closing part to simultaneously operate; and a permanent magnet to apply a magnetic field on the first and second gaps in the same direction.