Magnetic Yoke Locking Structure for Jam-Free Switch Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetically actuated switching devices face the risk of accidental contact closure due to large forces in vehicle accidents, requiring powerful electromagnetic actuation to overcome strong return springs, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic yoke is designed with a discontinuity in the locking position, where the locking element, made of ferromagnetic material, is part of the yoke, amplifying magnetic flux upon unlocking, allowing reliable and jam-free unlocking of the magnet armature without excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ferromagnetic locking element is used to prevent accidental contact closure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated directly into the magnetic yoke structure, merging the locking function with the existing magnetic circuit component. This eliminates separate locking mechanisms while maintaining reliable prevention of accidental contact closure through the ferromagnetic locking element that is transferred by the magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is automatically positioned by the magnetic field generated during normal operation. When the magnetic field is applied, the ferromagnetic locking element is attracted and transferred to a position that completes the magnetic circuit, thereby locking the contacts in the closed state without requiring additional actuation or complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a strong return spring is used to prevent accidental contact closure, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-positioned in a way that allows it to be easily transferred by the magnetic field during normal operation. The ferromagnetic material is positioned such that when the magnetic field is applied, the locking element is automatically attracted and moves to complete the magnetic circuit, preparing the system for reliable operation without requiring excessive force from the electromagnetic actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferromagnetic locking element acts as an intermediary that mediates between the magnetic field and the contact closure. Instead of requiring the electromagnetic actuator to directly overcome strong spring forces, the locking element is first transferred by the magnetic field to enable contact closure, at which point the magnetic circuit is completed and the full magnetic force is applied to maintain the closed state.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element is made of ferromagnetic material and transferred by the magnetic field, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of jamming the magnet armature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic locking element is positioned at a specific location on the magnetic yoke where it can be effectively transferred by the magnetic field. The local magnetic field strength and distribution are optimized to attract and move the locking element to the correct position without creating excessive forces that could jam the magnet armature. The locking element is positioned to complete the magnetic circuit locally rather than requiring large-scale movement.
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 ensures secure and efficient unlocking of the magnet armature, preventing accidental contact closure, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective construction.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuation device for driving the movable contact, the electromagnetic actuation device having an excitation coil for generating a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a magnet armature that is configured to be pulled by the magnetic field from a starting position to a pulled position
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic yoke for amplifying the flux density of the magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
The locking element is at least partially made of a ferromagnetic material and is arranged to be moved from the unlocking position to the locking position by virtue of the effect of the magnetic field of the drive
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a switching device having an electromagnetic actuation device for driving a movable contact, which actuation device has an excitation coil for generating a magnetic field, a magnetic yoke for amplifying the flux density of the magnetic field, and a magnet armature which can be pulled from a starting position to a pulled position by the magnetic field and which is connected to the movable contact. The actuation device includes a locking element which at least partly consists of a ferromagnetic material and is arranged such that by virtue of the effect of the magnetic field, the locking element is brought from the unlocking position to the locking position. The magnetic yoke is designed to have a discontinuity when the locking element is in the locking position, and the discontinuity of the magnetic yoke is closed by the locking element when the locking element is in the unlocking position.