Dual Shielded Reed Relay Minimizes Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reed relays used in low current switching applications face challenges with current leakage and interference due to single conductive shields, which can lead to shorting issues on printed circuit boards and require labor-intensive, expensive pin connectors for mounting.
Innovation Solution
A dual-shielded reed relay design with coaxial, electrically conductive shields separated by an air gap, along with surface mountable pads, to minimize current leakage and eliminate the need for pin connectors by allowing surface mounting directly on printed circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single conductive shield is used to reduce current leakage, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but the risk of shorting on PCB traces increases and pin connectors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The single conductive shield is divided into two separate shields, each associated with one contact. This segmentation allows each shield to be independently positioned and connected to its respective contact, reducing the risk of both shields simultaneously contacting PCB traces while maintaining shielding effectiveness against current leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
An air gap is introduced as an intermediary between the two conductive shields. This air gap acts as an insulating barrier that prevents the shields from shorting to each other or to PCB traces, while still allowing each shield to provide its shielding function independently.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pin connectors are used to mount the relay, then shielding and insulation are improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin connector component is extracted and removed from the design. The relay is redesigned to be mounted directly to the PCB surface using surface-mount technology, eliminating the need for through-hole pins and associated manual assembly processes while maintaining shielding effectiveness through the dual-shield design.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, electrical insulation, and mounting attachment to the PCB surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pin connectors while maintaining the relay's shielding and insulation capabilities.
3Device complexity
If a single shield is used, then device complexity is reduced, but shielding effectiveness against lead leakage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure is segmented into two separate shields, each dedicated to protecting one contact and its associated lead. This segmentation provides targeted shielding against lead leakage for each contact independently, improving overall shielding effectiveness while keeping each individual shield relatively simple in design.
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 dual-shielded design effectively reduces current leakage and interference, enhancing accuracy in low current applications while simplifying and cost-reducing the mounting process by eliminating the need for through-pin connectors.
Implementation Method 1
A coil is wound around the contacts along a longitudinal axis to generate a magnetic field that connects the contacts in one of an energized or de-energized state and disconnects the contacts in the other of the energized or de-energized state
Implementation Method 2
The foil shield 7 is electrically connected to conduct a 'guard' signal during testing to minimize the leakage through the contact 2 and its associated lead 4 during testing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a relay that includes first and second contacts that are selectively connectable for closing an electric circuit. A coil wound around the contacts along a longitudinal axis can generate a magnetic field that connects the contacts in one of an energized or de-energized state and disconnects the contacts in the other of the energized or de-energized state. A first electrically conductive shield is provided adjacent to a first end of the relay and electrically connected to the first contact, and a second electrically conductive shield, the second electrically conductive shield being electrically connected to the second contact. The first electrically conductive shield extends at least partially around the first contact and the second electrically conductive shield extends at least partially around the second contact. The second electrically conductive shield is substantially coaxial with the first electrically conductive shield and separated a distance apart from the first electrically conductive shield along the longitudinal axis.