Motor-Driven Electrical Relay With Selective Contact Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical relays require increased manufacturing cost and size when controlling multiple exclusive electrical circuits, and they consume additional power to maintain contact between fixed and movable contacts.

Innovation Solution

An electrical relay device with a controllable motor and switching module that allows the movable contact to be precisely placed in various positions, consuming power only during position changes, and maintaining contact without additional power consumption once positioned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional electrical relays are coupled in series to control multiple exclusive electrical circuits, then the control capability is improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple relay functions into a single integrated device. The switching module includes multiple fixed electrical contacts (first fixed contact, second fixed contact) and a common movable contact that can selectively connect to different fixed contacts, replacing the need for multiple separate relay components coupled in series.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable contact serves multiple functions by being able to connect to different fixed contacts based on motor position. A single relay device can control multiple exclusive electrical circuits through the motor-driven selection of which fixed contact to connect, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple dedicated relays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional electrical relays are coupled in series to control multiple exclusive electrical circuits, then the control capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple relay functions into a single integrated device. The switching module includes multiple fixed electrical contacts (first fixed contact, second fixed contact) and a common movable contact that can selectively connect to different fixed contacts, replacing the need for multiple separate relay components coupled in series.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable contact serves multiple functions by being able to connect to different fixed contacts based on motor position. A single relay device can control multiple exclusive electrical circuits through the motor-driven selection of which fixed contact to connect, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple dedicated relays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional power is supplied to the electromagnet, then the contact maintenance is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact maintenanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic force-based contact maintenance with a mechanical positioning system. The motor positions the movable contact to make reliable contact with the selected fixed contact, and this mechanical position is maintained without requiring continuous power supply to an electromagnet, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining contact reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor operates periodically to reposition the movable contact when needed, rather than requiring continuous operation. The motor provides periodic positioning adjustments to maintain proper contact alignment, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption associated with electromagnetic holding forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables the control of multiple exclusive electrical circuits with low power consumption and compact design, reducing manufacturing costs and size compared to conventional relays.

Implementation Method 1

When the electromagnetic is supplied with electric current, the electromagnet transmits an electromagnetic force to the linking part so as to move it or to deform it.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the electromagnet transmits an electromagnetic force to the linking part so as to move it or to deform it. Since the movable electrical contact is linked to the linking part, the position of the movable electrical contact is therefore also modified

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11062866B2Electrical relay device

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 STMICROELECTRONICS (GRAND OUEST) SAS

AI summary

The electrical relay device comprising a component of electrical relay type including a controllable motor, and a switching module including at least one fixed electrical contact, and at least one movable electrical contact that is mechanically coupled to the motor and configured to be placed, using the motor, in at least one position, referred to as the disconnected position, in which it does not make contact with a fixed electrical contact, or in at least one position, referred to as the connected position, in which it does make contact with the at least one fixed electrical contact.