Electromagnetic Relay Contact Mechanism Current Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic relays experience abnormal heat generation and reduced lifespan due to independent conduction paths of movable contacts, leading to contact failures and damage when foreign matter is present.
Innovation Solution
A contact mechanism with a movable touch piece featuring forked arms and a coupler that couples the free ends, along with strategically positioned fixed contacts, to distribute current and prevent abnormal heat generation in case of contact failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If movable contacts are provided at free ends of forked arms forming independent conduction paths, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but current concentration occurs when one contact fails, causing abnormal heat generation and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two independent conduction paths into a shared conduction path by positioning both movable contacts at the same free end of a single forked arm. This integration ensures that current flows through a common path, and if one contact fails, the other can still function without causing abnormal heat generation, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable contacts form independent conduction paths, then each contact operates independently, but current concentrates on the remaining contact when one fails, causing abnormal heat generation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conduction paths by placing both movable contacts at the same free end of the forked arm, creating a shared conduction path. This ensures that current is distributed between both contacts, and if one contact fails due to foreign matter or other issues, the current does not concentrate on the remaining contact, preventing abnormal heat generation and extending the operational life of the electromagnetic relay
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 prevents current concentration and abnormal heat generation, enhancing contact reliability and extending the lifespan of the electromagnetic relay by maintaining contact between movable and fixed contacts even in the presence of foreign matter.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic device including an electric magnet that is excited by electric conduction
Implementation Method 2
the coupler is elastically deformed by a smaller force than the arm
Data Source
AI summary
A contact mechanism includes: a movable touch piece that includes a caulking portion, a pair of arms forked from the caulking portion and respectively having free ends, first and second movable contacts provided at the respective free ends of the pair of arms, and a coupler configured to couple the free ends of the pair of arms; and first and second fixed contacts disposed respectively facing the first and second movable contacts contactably to or separably from the first and second movable contacts.