Electromagnetic Relay Arc Extension Layout for Fast Arc Extinction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electromagnetic relays, short-circuited arcs between fixed and movable contacts are difficult to quickly extinguish, as the arc extension direction varies with energization direction, making it challenging to cut off the arc effectively.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic relay design includes a magnet positioned orthogonal to the contact piece's longitudinal direction, generating a magnetic field that extends arcs in the longitudinal direction, allowing the arcs to be either short-circuited or moved into dedicated extension spaces for quick extinction, depending on the energization direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is disposed close to the contact to generate a magnetic field in the lateral direction, then the arc extension direction can be controlled, but the arc may be short-circuited between the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal, making it difficult to quickly cut off the arc
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the arc control into two distinct regions: a first arc extension space for extending arcs in the lateral direction, and a second arc extension space for extending arcs in the longitudinal direction. This segmentation allows different arc control strategies to be applied in different spatial zones, resolving the contradiction by preventing short-circuiting while maintaining arc control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an arc extension space as an intermediary region between the contacts and the magnet. This intermediary space allows arcs to be extended and controlled in a designated area, preventing them from short-circuiting between terminals while still benefiting from the magnetic field's arc control effects.
2Reliability
If the arc is extended inward in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece, then the arc may be short-circuited, but extending it outward requires additional space that may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the lateral direction (orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece) as an additional dimension for arc extension. By providing a first arc extension space in the lateral direction, the patent offers an alternative path for arc extinction that does not require additional longitudinal space, thus resolving the space constraint while maintaining reliable arc extinction.
3Reliability
If the magnet is positioned to extend arcs in the longitudinal direction, then arc control is improved, but the configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the magnet to serve multiple functions: it generates a magnetic field that extends arcs in the lateral direction through the first arc extension space, and also extends arcs in the longitudinal direction through the second arc extension space. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall configuration while maintaining effective arc control in both directions.
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 enables the quick extinction of short-circuited arcs by controlling their direction with the magnetic field, effectively utilizing the available space for arc extinction, thereby improving the relay's arc-cutting-off capability.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet extends a first arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact and a second arc generated between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece
Implementation Method 2
The drive device includes a coil disposed in a first direction extending from the first movable contact toward the first fixed contact with respect to the movable contact piece. The drive device moves the movable contact piece in moving direction including the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact, a second fixed terminal including a second fixed contact, a movable contact piece including first and second contacts, a drive device including a coil, a case, and a magnet. The case includes an accommodation space accommodating the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact piece, and a first arc extension space at least partially disposed between the coil and the magnet. The magnet is disposed so as to overlap with the coil in a third direction orthogonal to the moving direction and a longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece. The magnet configured to extend a first arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact and a second arc generated between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece.