DC Relay Arc Path Magnet Layout for Center Arc Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC relays face challenges in controlling the direction of an arc discharge path, leading to potential damage to internal components and user inconvenience due to the dependence on current flow direction, which can result in reduced lifespan and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An arc path forming unit with a magnet frame and strategically arranged magnets that generate a magnetic field to direct the arc discharge away from the center region, independent of current flow direction, using a configuration of magnets with specific polarities and orientations to create a strong electromagnetic force for effective arc path formation and extinguishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent magnets are provided in the space where fixed contacts and movable contact are in contact, then an arc discharge path can be formed, but the arc may move toward the center region and damage various members provided at the position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring magnets with different polarities on opposite surfaces of the magnet frame. Specifically, one surface has magnets with N poles facing the contact space, while the opposite surface has magnets with S poles facing the same space. This asymmetric polarity arrangement creates an asymmetric magnetic field distribution that directs the arc discharge path away from the center region toward the peripheral areas, preventing damage to center members while maintaining reliable arc discharge path formation.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic force direction depends on current flow direction, then arc discharge path can be controlled, but current must flow in preset direction causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a magnetic field configuration that functions independently of current flow direction. The asymmetric polarity arrangement of magnets ensures that regardless of whether current flows in one direction or the opposite direction, the magnetic field consistently directs the arc discharge path away from the center region. This makes the relay universally applicable without requiring users to consider or control current direction, eliminating operational constraints.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If magnets are arranged to direct arc away from center, then member damage is prevented, but electromagnetic force strength may be insufficient for effective arc path formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple magnets on each surface of the magnet frame to work together as a unified magnetic field source. On one surface, multiple magnets with N poles are arranged to create a concentrated magnetic field region, while on the opposite surface, multiple magnets with S poles are similarly arranged. This merging of multiple magnetic sources creates sufficiently strong electromagnetic force to effectively control and direct the arc discharge path away from the center region, simultaneously achieving both arc damage prevention and adequate force strength.
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
The solution effectively directs the arc discharge away from critical components, preventing damage and allowing for convenient operation regardless of current flow direction, while enhancing the strength of the electromagnetic force for efficient arc path formation and extinguishment without requiring structural changes to the DC relay.
Implementation Method 1
magnets coupled to a plurality of surfaces extending in one direction to form magnetic fields in the inner space
Implementation Method 2
The arc discharge path may be formed by the formed magnetic fields and electromagnetic force generated by a flow of current
Implementation Method 3
According to the Fleming's left hand rule, electromagnetic force is formed outward as indicated with a hatched arrow. Accordingly, a generated arc can be discharged to outside along the direction of the electromagnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an arc path forming unit and a direct current relay comprising same. The arc path forming unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a single magnet unit disposed on one side of a magnet frame, and a plurality of magnet units disposed on another side opposite to the one side. The plurality of magnet units are sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction. One side of a magnet unit positioned between at least two of the plurality of magnet units and facing the single magnet unit is magnetized with the same polarity as that of one side of the single magnet unit facing the magnet unit. As such, magnetic fields in the direction of exerting repulsive forces on each other are formed in the central portion of the direct current relay. Accordingly, since the arc does not move to the central portion, damage to components disposed in the central portion can be prevented.