Magnetic Contactor Protrusions Reduce Core Gap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic contactors experience low electromagnetic force and extended operating time due to a wide gap between the moving and fixed cores, resulting in high magnetic resistance, which hinders the initial closure of the contacts.

Innovation Solution

The magnetic contactor design includes a moving core with core plates and a coil surrounded by a fixed core with protrusions, reducing the gap between the cores and enhancing the magnetic path, thereby increasing the electromagnetic force by minimizing the gap between the moving and fixed core plates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wide gap is maintained between the moving core and fixed core, then the moving core can move freely, but magnetic resistance increases and electromagnetic force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement freedom of moving coreVSAvoidelectromagnetic force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed core is segmented into multiple sections with protrusions that create multiple localized magnetic paths. This segmentation allows the magnetic flux to be distributed across several gaps rather than one large gap, reducing overall magnetic resistance while maintaining movement freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Protrusions are added to specific locations on the fixed core to locally reduce the gap distance. This creates zones of high magnetic coupling where needed, improving electromagnetic force without constraining the overall movement range of the moving core.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a wide gap exists between the moving core and fixed core, then the structure is simpler, but operating time is extended due to low electromagnetic force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Protrusions are pre-positioned on the fixed core to establish optimal magnetic paths before the moving core begins its motion. This preliminary configuration of magnetic flux paths ensures maximum electromagnetic force is available from the start of operation, reducing operating time without adding complex moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Force

If the gap between moving core and fixed core is reduced, then electromagnetic force increases, but the risk of contact and mechanical interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic forceVSAvoidrisk of mechanical contact
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Protrusions create localized regions where the gap is small for magnetic coupling, while the overall gap structure maintains sufficient clearance. This local reduction of gap distance increases electromagnetic force in critical areas without creating universal mechanical contact risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions act as intermediary magnetic conduits that bridge the gap between moving and fixed cores. They provide a controlled magnetic path that enhances coupling without requiring the cores to be in direct mechanical contact, maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration reduces magnetic resistance and increases the electromagnetic force, allowing for faster operation and minimizing the operating time when closing the contacts.

Implementation Method 1

a coil provided on the circumference of the main core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at the time of initially closing the magnetic contactor, electromagnetic force may be low

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

a permanent magnet disposed between the coil and the fixed core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 4

A magnetic contactor, according to the related art, has relatively high magnetic resistance due to a wide gap between the moving core and the fixed core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic resistance: Magnetic Reluctance

Data Source

PatentEP2963669B1Magnetic contactor
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 HD HYUNDAI HEAVY IND CO LTD
  • EP2963669B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2963669B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2963669B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The magnetic contactor (100), according to an exemplary embodiment, includes: a moving core (80) including a main core (83) disposed to be movable in a length direction thereof and first and second core plates (81, 82) disposed at both ends of the main core (83), respectively; a coil (35) provided on the circumference of the main core (83); a fixed core (40) disposed around the coil (35) to form a magnetic path; and a permanent magnet (50) disposed between the coil (35) and the fixed core (40), wherein the first core plate (81) is disposed outside the fixed core (40), the second core plate (82) is disposed inside the fixed core (40), and the fixed core (40) is provided with at least one protrusion (45) to reduce a gap between the fixed core (40) and the first or second core plate (81, 82).