Relay Coil Connection Positioning for Compact Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design of relays with coil connections on the outer surface can lead to an increase in size, which is undesirable for compactness and efficient packaging.

Innovation Solution

The coil connection is strategically positioned to overlap with non-overlapping portions of the bus bar or external connections, effectively utilizing dead spaces within the relay's structure, thereby preventing size expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the coil connection is disposed on the outer surface of the relay case, then the ease of connecting the coil driving cable is improved, but the size of the relay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connecting coil driving cableVSAvoidsize of relay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional arrangement by positioning the coil connection in the width direction (lateral dimension) of the relay case, rather than extending in the length direction. This allows the coil connection to utilize otherwise unused space on the outer surface, achieving easy cable connection without increasing the overall relay size in the primary dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions specific components (coil connection and bus bar) in specific locations where they do not overlap when viewed from the width direction. This local spatial arrangement allows the coil connection to be accessible on the outer surface while maintaining compact overall dimensions by utilizing localized dead spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the coil connection is disposed on the outer surface of the relay case, then the ease of connecting the coil driving cable is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connecting coil driving cableVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coil connection with the bus bar structure, where the bus bar serves dual purposes: electrical connection and structural support for the coil connection. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining ease of coil cable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the bus bar is extended outside the case for external connection, then the ease of external connection is improved, but the space for internal component arrangement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of external connectionVSAvoidspace for internal component arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges the bus bar to extend in the width direction (lateral dimension) rather than the length direction, allowing external connections to be made without compromising the internal space needed for coil and触头 arrangement. This dimensional strategy enables both easy external connection and adequate internal component placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bus bar is segmented into different portions: one part extends outside the case for external connection, while another part remains inside to connect with internal components. This segmentation allows the bus bar to fulfill multiple functions without interfering with internal space requirements.

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

This configuration allows for a reduction in relay size by utilizing otherwise unused space, facilitating easier connection without interference and enhancing electromagnetic repulsive forces for improved contact pressure.

Implementation Method 1

The coil generates a driving force for operating the drive shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

enhancing electromagnetic repulsive forces for improved contact pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic repulsive forces: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11004640B2Relay
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 OMRON CORP
  • US11004640B2 patent drawing
  • US11004640B2 patent drawing
  • US11004640B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A relay has a case, a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact, a second fixed terminal including a second fixed contact, a movable touch piece including a first movable contact that is disposed facing the first fixed contact and a second movable contact that is disposed facing the second fixed contact, the movable touch piece being disposed in the case and disposed so as to be movable in a direction in which the first movable contact and the second movable contact come into contact with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact and in a direction in which the first movable contact and the second movable contact separate from the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, a drive shaft connected to the movable touch piece and extending in a movement direction of the movable touch piece, and a coil.