Differential-Stiffness Relay Contacts for Magnetic Force Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing relay technologies have a low utilization rate of magnetic driving force due to inability to differentiate treatment for various contact conditions, leading to inefficient energy use.

Innovation Solution

The relay design includes two sets of movable contact pieces with different stiffness, connected to push rods that drive contact separation or connection, allowing for differential treatment based on contact conditions by varying the breaking forces applied.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a single stiffness design is used for all movable contact pieces, then the structure is simple, but the utilization rate of magnetic driving force is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveutilization rate of magnetic driving forceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different stiffness values to different movable contact pieces (first movable contact piece has first stiffness, second movable contact piece has second stiffness). This local differentiation allows each contact piece to be optimized for its specific function: the first contact piece with lower stiffness achieves better contact separation, while the second contact piece with higher stiffness maintains stable contact connection, thereby improving the overall utilization rate of magnetic driving force without requiring complete structural redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The contact system is segmented into multiple movable contact pieces with different stiffness characteristics. By dividing the contact function into separate components (first movable contact piece for separation, second movable contact piece for connection), the system can apply differentiated stiffness values to optimize performance for each specific contact condition, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If uniform breaking force is applied to all contacts, then the control is simple, but different contact conditions cannot be differentiated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferentiation capability for contact conditionsVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different breaking forces are applied locally to different contact pieces through their differentiated stiffness values. The first movable contact piece experiences a first breaking force optimized for contact separation, while the second movable contact piece experiences a second breaking force optimized for contact connection. This local differentiation enables the system to adapt to different contact conditions without requiring complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves differentiated control through the inherent mechanical properties of the contact pieces themselves. The different stiffness values cause the contact pieces to naturally respond differently to the magnetic driving force, with the first contact piece separating more easily and the second contact piece maintaining stable connection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional complex control systems while achieving adaptability to different contact conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces unnecessary energy loss and improves the overall utilization rate of the coil driving force by tailoring the breaking forces to specific contact conditions, enhancing the relay's efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The coil assembly is used to drive the movement of the armature assembly... utilization rate of a magnetic driving force generated by the coil assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic driving force: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4465323A1relay
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 XIAMEN HONGFA ELECTRIC POWER CONTROLS CO LTD
  • EP4465323A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4465323A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4465323A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A relay includes a base (10); a contact part (20) disposed on the base (10) and including two sets of movable contact parts (20a), each set of the movable contact parts (20a) including a movable contact piece (210), a movable contact unit (220) and a static contact unit (230), stiffnesses of two movable contact pieces (210) are difference; a push rod assembly (40) including a first push rod (410) and a second push rod (420) respectively connected to the two movable contact pieces (210); and a magnetic circuit part (30) arranged on the base (10) for driving the movements of the first push rod (410) and the second push rod (420) in an opposite directions, so as to drive the two movable contact pieces (210) to come into contact or move away from each other, achieving contact or separation between the static contact unit (230) and the movable contact unit (220).