Relay Contact Spring Assembly With Adjustable Biasing Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The production of specific components for each relay application increases costs due to varying requirements, necessitating a reduction in the number of different parts for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising structurally identical stationary contact springs with adjustable biasing forces for different switching characteristics, allowing standardization and adaptation to various relay applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specific components are produced for each relay application, then the relay can meet different application requirements, but production and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized contact spring structure that can serve multiple relay applications. The contact spring is designed with adjustable biasing force capabilities, allowing it to function across different relay variants without requiring application-specific designs. This reduces the number of different parts that need to be produced and stored while still meeting varying application requirements through parameter adjustment rather than structural modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the biasing force of the standardized contact spring to be adjusted according to different relay applications. Instead of creating different contact spring structures for each application, the invention modifies operational parameters (biasing force) of a single standardized component. This enables the same contact spring design to adapt to various applications by changing its mechanical properties rather than its physical structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different stationary contact springs are produced for different applications, then specific switching characteristics can be achieved, but the number of different parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single standardized contact spring design that can provide different switching characteristics through parameter adjustment. The contact spring structure remains identical across applications, but its biasing force parameter can be modified to achieve different switching behaviors. This eliminates the need to produce multiple variants of contact springs for different switching characteristics, reducing the quantity of different parts while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to achieve different switching characteristics with a standardized contact spring. By adjusting the biasing force parameter of the same contact spring structure, the switching characteristics can be varied without creating new contact spring designs. This approach reduces the number of different parts from multiple contact spring variants to a single standardized design that accommodates all switching characteristic requirements through parameter modification.
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
Minimizes the production of different contact springs by enabling them to be mounted with varying biasing forces, reducing production and storage costs while enhancing wear resistance and power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each contact spring comprises a base section configured to be fixed in the housing, a contact area for accomplishing the electric switching arranged opposite the base section and a spring section extending between the base section and the contact area
Implementation Method 2
the stationary contact spring is mounted abutting the housing with a biasing force directed against the contact force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a kit (50) for the assembly of at least two variants of a relay (58, 60), each variant (58, 60) having a different switching characteristic and a predetermined contact force (53). The kit (50) comprises at least two structurally identical stationary contact springs (1) and at least two housings (54). Each of the stationary contact springs (1) comprises a base section (2) configured to be fixed in the housing (54), a contact area (4) opposite the base section (2) for accomplishing the electric switching and a spring section (6) extending between the base section (2) and the contact area (4). In each of the at least two variants (58, 60), the stationary contact spring (1) is mounted abutting the housing (54) with a biasing force (56) directed against the contact force (53), the biasing force (56) in a first variant (58) being lower than the contact force (53) and in a second variant (60) being higher than the contact force (53). The invention further relates to a stationary contact spring (1) for a relay (52) and a method for assembling of at least two variants of a relay (58, 60). Due to the inventive solution, it is possible to have a standardised stationary contact spring (1) which can be used in various applications having different requirements, ranging from low power loads to high power loads, which may entail a high inrush current.