Electromagnetic switch, time-adjustable controller and toaster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic switches in toasters face issues such as continuous power consumption leading to heat generation, reduced magnetic force due to increased resistance, surface rust on silicon steel sheets, shortened functional life, and failure in smooth disconnection due to residual magnetism.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic switch design includes a base with static and movable contact pieces, an intermediate driving member, and an electromagnetic driving assembly. The switch operates by using a coil and magnetic core to control the connection and disconnection of the contact pieces, minimizing continuous power consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electromagnet is continuously electrified to maintain attraction during operation, then the toaster remains operational, but the coil generates excessive heat and consumes continuous power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a time-adjustable controller to intermittently electrify the electromagnet rather than continuously powering it. The controller cuts off power to the coil after a predetermined time period, causing the electromagnet to lose magnetic force and release the movable contact piece, which then resets the circuit breaker. This periodic electrification maintains operational reliability while dramatically reducing continuous heat generation and power consumption.
2Force
If the coil is continuously electrified to maintain magnetic force, then the attraction is sustained, but the resistance increases and current decreases, weakening the magnetic force
Solution Approach 1:
The time-adjustable controller implements periodic action by supplying power to the coil only during brief intervals needed to activate the electromagnet. After the predetermined time expires, the controller interrupts power supply, allowing the coil to cool and resistance to decrease. This periodic operation maintains sufficient magnetic attraction force during active periods while significantly reducing average power consumption and energy waste.
3Reliability
If the electromagnet is electrified for a prolonged period, then the attraction is maintained, but residual magnetism prevents proper reset of the turn-on assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the residual magnetism issue through periodic action by limiting the electromagnet's electrification to a predetermined time period. When the time expires, power to the coil is cut off, allowing the magnetic field to collapse and residual magnetism to dissipate. This ensures the movable contact piece can be properly reset by the circuit breaker mechanism, maintaining both operational reliability and ease of reset functionality.
4Reliability
If the coil operates continuously, then the electromagnetic switch remains active, but the paint layer on the coil ages and the silicon steel sheet rusts, shortening functional life
Solution Approach 1:
The time-adjustable controller applies periodic action by intermittently powering the coil instead of continuous operation. This duty cycling allows the coil and silicon steel sheet to cool down during off periods, preventing excessive heat accumulation that would otherwise cause paint layer aging, anti-rust oil degradation, and silicon steel sheet rusting. The periodic operation significantly extends the functional life of electromagnetic switch components.
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 design reduces heat generation, prevents surface rust, ensures normal on and off operations, and extends the functional life of the toaster. Additionally, it avoids issues related to residual magnetism, ensuring smooth disconnection and preventing continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
the coil is electrified to generate a magnetic force to attract the magnetic core to move up
Implementation Method 2
the upper side of the magnetic core pushes the first action portion up while enabling the movable member to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic switch includes a base, a first static contact piece, a second static contact piece, a movable contact piece, a movable member and an intermediate driving member; the movable contact piece is electrically connected to the first static contact piece; the movable contact piece comprises an on-off portion capable of moving up and down; the movable member is rotatably connected to the base; the movable member comprises a first action portion; the intermediate driving member allows the on-off portion to move down to contact the second static contact piece or move up to be away from the second static contact piece; the electromagnetic driving assembly includes a coil and a magnetic core; the magnetic core is capable of moving up to push the first action portion up when the coil is electrified.