Electromagnetic Relay Arc Partition Structure for Multi-Phase Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic relays face issues with arc short circuits when switching multi-phase high currents, as arcs generated by contact breaking can enter adjacent compartments due to gaps between partition plates and the case.

Innovation Solution

The electromagnetic relay incorporates a base with partitioned compartments, a magnetic circuit, contact parts, an actuator, and first and second arc partition plates with baffles to prevent arcs from escaping between compartments, ensuring effective arc isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a gap is provided between the partition plate and the case for assembly tolerance, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but arc short circuit risk increases due to arc escaping to adjacent compartments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly toleranceVSAvoidarc short circuit prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an arc partition plate as an intermediary component between the partition plate and the case. This arc partition plate extends into the compartment to form partition walls that effectively block arc paths, while the gap between the partition plate and case is maintained for assembly tolerance. The arc partition plate serves as a mediator that prevents arc escape without requiring tight tolerances between the partition plate and case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the partition plate is made to fit tightly against the case to prevent arc escape, then the arc short circuit prevention is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to stricter tolerance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc short circuit preventionVSAvoidtolerance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The arc partition plate acts as an intermediary structure that provides effective arc blocking without requiring the partition plate itself to fit tightly against the case. The partition walls formed by the arc partition plate extend into the compartment space and create effective barriers against arc escape, while maintaining loose tolerances between the partition plate and case for ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If arc partition walls are formed by making the partition plate extend into the compartment, then the arc short circuit prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc short circuit preventionVSAvoidpartition plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the arc partitioning function into a separate component - the arc partition plate - which is distinct from the main partition plate. This segmentation allows the partition plate to maintain its simple structure for ease of manufacture, while the arc partition plate provides the necessary arc blocking function by extending into the compartment to form partition walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design effectively prevents arc short circuits by creating comprehensive arc partition walls between compartments, enhancing the reliability and safety of the electromagnetic relay during high-current operations.

Implementation Method 1

When the coil (i.e. enameled wire) is energized, an electromagnetic force will be generated, and the armature will be attracted and contact with the pole face at one end of the iron core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

when the electromagnetic relay is used to switch multi-phase high currents (such as three-phase 500A short-circuit current), the arc generated by the breaking of contacts in a compartment easily enters the adjacent compartment, resulting in arc short circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP4207228B1Electromagnetic relay for preventing arc short circuit
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 XIAMEN HONGFA ELECTROACOUSTIC CO LTD
  • EP4207228B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4207228B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4207228B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an electromagnetic relay for preventing arc short circuit, including a base (2), a magnetic circuit part (3), a contact part, an actuator (4) and a first arc partition plate (8). The base (2) is provided with a first accommodating cavity (21) which is provided with a plurality of partition plates (211) to divide the first accommodating cavity (21) into a plurality of compartments (212), a side of the first accommodating cavity (21) is provided with a first opening (213) leading to each of the compartments (212); the contact part includes a plurality of contact units, each of the contact units includes a movable spring part (5) and a stationary spring part (6) installed in a corresponding compartment (212), the armature (34) of the magnetic circuit part (3) are cooperated with the movable spring part (5) by the actuator (4); the first arc partition plate (8) closes all or part of the first opening (213), and the inner side of the first arc partition plate (8) is provided with a plurality of first baffles (81), at least one first baffle (81) is laterally inserted into each compartment (212), and the first baffle (81) adjacent to or abuts against the partition plate (211) of the compartment (212) to form at least two partition walls located between adjacent compartments (212).