Electromagnetic Relay Contact Chamber Moisture Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic relays face issues with poor contact conductivity due to water adherence and condensation, particularly in open-type relays, which can lead to freezing in cold conditions, and similar issues can occur in sealed types if water vapor is present.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic relay is designed with a sealed structure separating the coil and contact chamber, incorporating an adsorbent positioned on the fixed and movable contactors or both, which absorbs moisture near the contact points and generates heat to prevent condensation and desorb moisture during energization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a moisture-absorbing material is provided in the contact chamber, then condensation and water adherence are suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the moisture-absorbing material specifically at locations where condensation and water adherence are most problematic - namely on the contactors and at contact points within the contact chamber. This targeted placement ensures effective moisture control precisely where it affects contact conductivity, rather than uniformly distributing the material throughout the entire housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture-absorbing material acts as an intermediary substance that actively manages the interaction between water vapor and the contacts. By placing this material in strategic locations within the contact chamber, it mediates the harmful effects of moisture before the water can condense on or adhere to the contacts, thereby maintaining reliable electrical conductivity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the relay is designed as an open type, then the manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but water vapor can enter the contact chamber causing condensation and poor contact conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning moisture-absorbing materials within the contact chamber before the relay is put into service. These materials proactively absorb water vapor that enters the open contact chamber, preventing condensation and water adherence on contacts before such conditions can develop. This allows the relay to maintain reliability as an open-type design without requiring complex sealing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the relay is designed as a sealed type, then protection against water vapor is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning moisture-absorbing materials at specific locations within the contact chamber where water vapor condensation is most likely to occur. This targeted approach provides effective protection against water vapor without requiring a fully sealed structure, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the desired reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If moisture-absorbing material is placed at the contact point, then moisture absorption is maximized, but the adsorption capacity is quickly exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the moisture-absorbing function across multiple locations within the contact chamber rather than concentrating all absorption capacity at a single contact point. By distributing moisture-absorbing materials on contactors and at various positions within the chamber, the system segments the absorption task, allowing each material to serve its local area while collectively providing sustained moisture control throughout the operating duration.
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 effectively suppresses the influence of water vapor, maintaining high adsorption capacity and preventing poor contact conductivity by adsorbing and desorbing moisture, thus ensuring reliable electrical performance.
Implementation Method 1
The adsorbent is disposed within the accommodating space at a location different from a contact point between the fixed contact and the movable contact
Implementation Method 2
The coil is arranged in the accommodating space and configured to generate electromagnetic force when energized
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes a case defines an accommodating space, and a base defines the accommodating space together with the case. A coil is disposed in the accommodating space and generates electromagnetic force when energized. A pair of fixed contactors with one end disposed in the accommodating space and fixed to the base while the other end protrudes outside the accommodating space. The fixed contactors each have a fixed contact. A movable contactor is disposed in the accommodating space and driven by the electromagnetic force generated by the coil to make or break contact with the fixed contacts. The movable contactor includes a movable contact. An adsorbent is disposed within the accommodating space at a location different from a contact point between the fixed contact and the movable contact.