Relay Contact Layout for Stronger Lorentz Arc Extinction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relays face difficulties in extinguishing arcs due to insufficient Lorentz force, as the arcs extend perpendicular to the magnetic flux direction, making it challenging to secure sufficient force for arc extinction.
Innovation Solution
The relay design includes a first fixed terminal with a first fixed contact, a second fixed terminal with a second fixed contact, and a movable contactor with projections that overlap the fixed contacts, positioned to generate a magnetic flux parallel to the arc extension, enhancing Lorentz force and facilitating arc extinction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the movable contacts and fixed contacts are separated in a direction perpendicular to the end surfaces (parallel to magnetic flux direction), then the relay structure is simple, but the Lorentz force is insufficient and arc extinction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arc extension direction from parallel to perpendicular relative to the magnetic flux direction. By positioning the magnet on the right side of the movable contactor and arranging the fixed contact to overlap the movable contactor in top view, the arc is forced to extend in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic flux, enabling sufficient Lorentz force for arc extinction while maintaining structural simplicity
2Device complexity
If the arc extends perpendicular to the magnetic flux direction, then the relay structure is simple, but the Lorentz force necessary for arc extinction cannot be sufficiently secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the arc extension direction to be perpendicular to the magnetic flux direction by strategically positioning the magnet and contacts. The magnet is placed on the right side of the movable contactor, and the fixed contact is positioned to overlap the movable contactor in top view, creating a geometry where the arc extends perpendicular to the magnetic flux, thereby generating sufficient Lorentz force for reliable arc extinction
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 improved design effectively enhances arc-extinguishing capability by ensuring a larger Lorentz force acts on the arc, facilitating its efficient extinction.
Implementation Method 1
since the Lorentz force necessary for extending the arc cannot be sufficiently secured, extinction of the arc may become difficult
Implementation Method 2
a direction in which the arc is extended is parallel to a magnetic flux direction of a magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A relay includes a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact, a second fixed terminal positioned on left of the first fixed terminal and including a second fixed contact, a movable contactor including a first projection that comes into contact with or is separated from the first fixed contact, and a first magnet facing the movable contactor. The first magnet is provided on a right side of a right end of the movable contactor, the first projection overlaps the first fixed contact in top view, and a right end of the first fixed contact is positioned on a left side of the right end of the movable contactor and on a right side of a right end of the first projection.