Electromagnetic Relay with Differential Contact Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic relays face instability in energization due to contact dissolution when overcurrent flows, leading to gaps between fixed and movable contacts, which disrupts stable energization.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic relay design incorporates contacts made from materials with different melting points, electrical resistances, or conductive materials, allowing for differential dissolution times between pairs of fixed and movable contacts, ensuring stable energization even under overcurrent conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If contacts are made from the same material, then manufacturing is simplified, but all contacts dissolve simultaneously under overcurrent causing unstable energization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different contacts (first fixed contact/first movable contact vs. second fixed contact/second movable contact) from materials with different material properties. Specifically, one pair of contacts uses a material with a higher melting point while the other pair uses a material with a lower melting point, causing them to dissolve at different times under overcurrent conditions. This local differentiation in material properties ensures that at least one contact pair remains intact to maintain stable energization.
2Reliability
If contacts are made from materials with different melting points, then dissolution timing is differentiated ensuring stable energization, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different material properties to specific contact pairs. The first fixed contact and first movable contact are made from a material with a first melting point, while the second fixed contact and second movable contact are made from a material with a second melting point that is lower than the first. This localized material differentiation creates the desired asymmetric dissolution behavior while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 ensures stable energization by controlling the timing of contact dissolution, preventing gaps between terminals and the movable contact piece, even when all contacts are dissolved simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic relay includes a movable contact piece, a movable contact, a fixed contact, and a fixed terminal
Implementation Method 2
When an overcurrent flows through the electromagnetic relay, a contact may be dissolved
Data Source
AI summary
A movable contact piece is movable in an open direction and a closed direction with respect to a first fixed terminal and a second fixed terminal. A first movable contact is connected to the movable contact piece. The first movable contact is disposed facing a first fixed contact. A second movable contact is connected to the movable contact piece. The second movable contact is disposed facing a second fixed contact. At least one of the first fixed contact or the first movable contact has a material property different from that of at least one of the second fixed contact or the second movable contact.