Electromagnetic Relay Arc Extension Space Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic relays fail to reliably interrupt arcs at the contact and separation points between movable and fixed contact points, especially under high DC voltage, leading to potential welding and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic relay incorporates an arc extension space with a magnetic field generating means to extend and extinguish the arc, utilizing a configuration with extending pieces and arc extinction members to manage the arc within defined spaces, preventing contact with insulating members and enhancing arc interruption capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electromagnetic relay structure is used, then the device is simple, but the arc cannot be interrupted at contact and separation points under high DC voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The contact chamber is divided into multiple arc extension spaces separated by partition walls. Each arc extension space contains arc extinction members and is configured to handle arcs from specific contact points. This segmentation allows effective arc interruption while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls extend in the vertical direction to divide the contact chamber into multiple arc extension spaces. This vertical dimensionality change creates separate arc containment zones, enabling effective arc interruption for multiple contact points simultaneously without significantly increasing horizontal device footprint.
2Reliability
If arc extension space with partition walls is introduced, then arc interruption capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Arc extinction members are strategically positioned within specific arc extension spaces where arcs are most likely to occur. The partition walls are configured to extend only where needed to separate contact chambers, rather than creating complete compartments throughout the entire device. This localized approach provides effective arc interruption while minimizing unnecessary volume consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple arc extension spaces are created, then arc management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls serve multiple functions: they divide the contact chamber into separate arc extension spaces, provide structural support for arc extinction members, and create defined pathways for arc extension. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while improving arc management capability.
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 effectively interrupts arcs at contact and separation points, preventing welding and maintaining contact point reliability, even under high voltage conditions, while also reducing the size of the relay through optimized configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generating means is provided to introduce, into the arc extension space, the arc generated at the point of contact and separation between the movable contact point and the fixed contact point
Implementation Method 2
an armature that oscillates according to excitation and non-excitation of an electromagnetic block
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay (1) includes an armature (16) that oscillates according to excitation and non-excitation of an electromagnetic block (10), movable contact members (21) provided with movable contact points (21a) and attached to the armature (16) to move in association with the moving armature (16), and fixed contact members (22) provided with fixed contact points (22a) with and from which the movable contact points (21a) come into contact and separate. The electromagnetic relay (1) is provided with arc extension spaces (S) for extension of an arc generated at the point of contact and separation between the movable contact points (21a) and the fixed contact points (22a), and magnetic field generating means (50) is provided to introduce, into the arc extension spaces (S), the arc generated at the point of contact and separation between the movable contact points (21a) and the fixed contact points (22a).