Electromagnetic Relay Dual Coil Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromagnetic relays face limitations in switching speed due to the rate of magnetic field creation and collapse, which affects the speed at which the movable armature changes states.

Innovation Solution

The electromagnetic relay system incorporates a first and second coil with opposite magnetic fields, where the second coil's magnetic field is induced to counteract the first coil's field, reducing the total magnetic force on the movable armature, thereby expediting its release from the second state. This is achieved through a coil control circuit that includes components like hall effect sensors, differential amplifiers, microcontrollers, and optocouplers to manage the magnetic fields effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single coil is used to control the movable armature, then the relay structure is simple, but the release time is long due to slow magnetic field collapse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil structureVSAvoidrelease time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The single coil is segmented into two separate coils: a first coil for generating the magnetic field to close the relay, and a second coil for generating the opposing magnetic field to accelerate opening. This segmentation allows independent control of closing and opening operations, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and fast release time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second coil is activated to generate a magnetic field in the opposite direction before and during the collapse of the first coil's magnetic field. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the residual magnetic field, preventing it from holding the armature closed and significantly accelerating the release process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Speed

If the magnetic field collapse rate is increased to reduce release time, then the switching speed improves, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidcontrol circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is configured to activate the second coil in advance and maintain it during the critical collapse phase of the first coil. This preliminary action ensures that the opposing magnetic field is already present and at optimal strength when the first coil's field begins to collapse, maximizing the acceleration effect without requiring complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit monitors the state of the first coil and automatically triggers the second coil based on the collapse phase detection. This feedback mechanism ensures precise timing of the opposing magnetic field without requiring complex external control, balancing switching speed improvement with control circuit simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution significantly reduces the release time of the movable armature by controlling the magnetic fields, enhancing the switching speed and efficiency of the electromagnetic relay.

Implementation Method 1

Applying a voltage to, and thereby inducing a current in, the coil creates a magnetic field around the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

induce the second coil to create a second magnetic field having a second direction responsive to the switch circuit being in the second state, the second direction being opposite the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the coil control circuit comprises a hall effect sensor constructed to determine the strength of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field created by the first coil and the second coil respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3078050B1Systems and methods for quick release electromagnetic relays
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP
  • EP3078050B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3078050B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3078050B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electromagnetic relay is provided. The electromagnetic relay includes a first port and a second port, a first coil and a second coil, a movable armature coupled between the first port and the second port constructed to connect and disconnect the first port and the second port, a switch circuit, and a coil control circuit. The switch circuit is constructed to connect the first coil to an external power source to induce the first coil to create a first magnetic field having a first direction and disconnect the first coil from the external power source to cause the first magnetic field to collapse. The coil control circuit is constructed to induce the second coil to create a second magnetic field having a second direction responsive to the switch circuit being in the second state, the second direction being opposite the first direction.