Electromagnetic Relay Arc Venting to Prevent Hot Gas Re-Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electromagnetic relays, the design of existing arc-extinguishing systems allows hot gas to easily return to the contact area, increasing the likelihood of arc re-ignition as load capacity increases.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic relay incorporates a gas flow path between the case side wall and a magnet, positioning the magnet between the accommodation and gas inflow spaces to direct hot gas away from the contact area, reducing the chance of arc re-ignition by extending the arc towards a gas flow path and using a magnet housing with arc contact surfaces for efficient extinguishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the gas passage inlet and outlet are disposed in the vicinity of the contact, then the hot gas can escape from the accommodation space to the gas inflow space, but the hot gas easily returns to the contact through the gas passage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet serves as an intermediary element positioned between the accommodation space and gas inflow space. It extends the arc towards the gas flow path while the gas flow path itself acts as a mediator to channel hot gas away from the contact area, preventing direct return of hot gas to the contact vicinity
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow path is configured to extend in a direction away from the contact area, utilizing spatial dimensionality to ensure hot gas escapes in a trajectory that does not return to the contact region. The magnet extends the arc in a direction toward the gas flow path, adding directional control in another dimension
2Power
If the load capacity increases, then the electromagnetic relay can handle higher currents, but the amount of hot gas returning to the vicinity of the contact increases, causing arc re-ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet acts as a mediator that extends the arc towards the gas flow path, ensuring that even under high load conditions, the hot gas is directed along a controlled path away from the contact area, preventing re-ignition regardless of the volume of hot gas generated
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow path is configured to extend in a direction away from the contact area, utilizing spatial dimensionality to ensure hot gas escapes in a trajectory that does not return to the contact region, effectively managing hot gas disposal under varying load conditions
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 effectively reduces the possibility of arc re-ignition by quickly releasing hot gas from the accommodation space to the gas inflow space, minimizing its return to the contact area and utilizing materials with improved arc extinguishing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet is disposed between the accommodation space and the gas inflow space and is configured to extend the arc generated between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes a first fixed terminal, a second fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a case, a magnet, and a gas flow path. The first fixed terminal includes a first fixed contact. The second fixed terminal includes a second fixed contact. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact and a second movable contact. The case includes an accommodation space where the first fixed contact, the second fixed contact, and the movable contact piece are accommodated, a gas inflow space separate from the accommodation space, and a side wall covering the accommodation space and the gas inflow space in a first direction. The magnet is disposed between the accommodation space and the gas inflow space. The gas flow path is disposed between the side wall of the case and the magnet and is configured to communicate the accommodation space with the gas inflow space.