Plunger Relay Arc Extension and Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of plunger-type relays is hindered by the need for sufficient space to extend the arc between contacts, which is often compromised by the size of the rotation preventing portion in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A relay design that incorporates a separate inner member with a rotation preventing portion positioned closer to the drive shaft's end, allowing for efficient arc extension space without increasing the contact case size, and includes a magnetic field generation member to extend the arc laterally, enabling miniaturization while maintaining effective rotation suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotation preventing portion is provided so as to project from the inner wall of the contact case, then rotation of the movable contact piece is restricted, but the size of the contact case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation preventing portion is separated from the contact case and integrated into the inner member instead. This segmentation allows the rotation prevention function to be provided by a separate component that can be positioned more efficiently within the relay structure, avoiding the need for the contact case to extend outward to accommodate a projecting rotation preventing portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation preventing portion is positioned at the end of the drive shaft in the axial direction rather than projecting radially from the contact case wall. This dimensional change from radial projection to axial positioning allows rotation prevention without increasing the contact case size in the radial direction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the space for extending the arc is ensured by projecting the rotation preventing portion from the contact case wall, then arc extension is achieved, but miniaturization of the relay becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the rotation preventing portion from the contact case and integrating it into the inner member, the patent creates independent functional zones. This allows the arc extension space to be optimized separately from the rotation prevention mechanism, enabling compact relay design that maintains both arc extension capability and small size.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation preventing portion is positioned axially at the drive shaft end rather than radially from the contact case wall. This axial positioning creates space for arc extension in the radial direction without increasing the overall relay envelope dimensions, facilitating miniaturization while maintaining arc extension functionality.
3Device complexity
If the rotation preventing portion is integrated into the contact case, then the structure is simplified, but the degree of freedom in arranging components within the contact case is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Separating the rotation preventing portion from the contact case and integrating it into the inner member provides modular design benefits. The inner member can be independently designed and positioned, offering flexibility in arranging other components within the contact case without being constrained by a fixed rotation preventing structure attached to the contact case wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner member acts as an intermediary component that carries the rotation preventing portion. This intermediary structure provides a flexible mounting platform that can be positioned optimally within the contact case, allowing other components to be arranged with greater freedom compared to having the rotation preventing portion directly attached to the contact case wall.
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 allows for the efficient securing of arc extension space, facilitating the downsizing of relays and improving the degree of freedom in the contact case arrangement, while effectively suppressing rotation of the holder around the drive shaft.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic field generation member is configured to generate a magnetic field in which an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact extends in a lateral direction of the movable contact piece
Implementation Method 2
a pair of magnets is arranged so that different poles face each other in the longitudinal direction of the movable contact piece, and a Lorentz force acts on the arc and the arc is extended in the lateral direction of the movable contact piece
Data Source
AI summary
A relay includes a fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a holder, a drive shaft, a contact case, a magnetic field generation member, and an inner member. The drive shaft is connected to the holder on a side close to the first end of the drive shaft. The magnetic field generation member is arranged around the contact case and is configured to generate a magnetic field in which an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact extends in a lateral direction of the movable contact piece. The inner member includes a rotation preventing portion for restricting rotation of the holder around the drive shaft. The rotation preventing portion is arranged so as to contact the holder at a position closer to a second end of the drive shaft than the movable contact piece and closer to the drive shaft than the movable contact.