Electromagnetic Relay Contact Offset for Faster Arc Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional electromagnetic relays, arcs often adhere to the ends of contacts or terminals, hindering their transfer, which slows down the switching process.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic relay incorporates a magnet unit that applies a Lorentz force to the arc between contacts, shifting the center positions of the contacts to facilitate quick arc transfer by altering the direction of the Lorentz force, ensuring one end of the arc is easily transferred to the terminal where the second contact is positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the arc is allowed to occur between contacts, then the electrical circuit can be opened or closed, but the arc adheres to the ends of contacts or terminals which hinders arc transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making one contact (first contact) protrude in the first direction relative to the other contact (second contact). This asymmetric configuration causes the center positions of the two contacts to be shifted from each other in the first direction, creating an offset in the arc ends that facilitates arc transfer by changing the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc.
2Reliability
If the contacts are positioned symmetrically, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the arc transfer is hindered due to adhesion at contact ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making one contact (first contact) protrude in the first direction relative to the other contact (second contact). This asymmetric configuration causes the center positions of the two contacts to be shifted from each other in the first direction, creating an offset in the arc ends that facilitates arc transfer by changing the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc.
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 enables rapid arc transfer, enhancing the efficiency of switching operations by ensuring one end of the arc is transferred effectively to the terminal, regardless of current flow direction.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet unit generates a magnetic field to apply a Lorentz force to an arc that occurs between the first contact and the second contact
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a first contact, a second contact, a movable mechanism, and a magnet unit. The first contact is disposed on one of the fixed terminal or the movable contact piece. The second contact is disposed on another of the fixed terminal or the movable contact piece. The magnet unit generates a magnetic field to apply a Lorentz force to an arc generated between the first contact and the second contact. The magnet unit applies the Lorentz force in a first direction to the arc when a current flowing through the arc is directed from the second contact toward the first contact. In a state in which the first contact is in contact with the second contact, a center position of the first contact and a center position of the second contact are shifted from each other in the first direction.