High Voltage Relay Electrode Segmentation for Arc Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage relays for electric vehicles face challenges in simultaneously satisfying electric conductivity and arc resistance, which are difficult to achieve with a single material, leading to reliability issues and high costs.
Innovation Solution
The design separates electrodes for conduction and arc extinguishment, using materials optimized for each function, with fixed and movable arc electrodes managing arc extinguishment and primary electrodes managing conduction, respectively, to prevent arc generation and enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single material is used for both conduction and arc resistance, then device complexity is reduced, but it is difficult to simultaneously satisfy electric conductivity and arc resistance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into two distinct components: primary electrodes (110, 121) for conduction and arc electrodes (181, 182) for arc resistance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with primary electrodes made of highly conductive materials and arc electrodes made of arc-resistant materials, thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode system are assigned different material properties: the primary electrodes use materials optimized for electric conductivity, while the arc electrodes use materials optimized for arc resistance. This local differentiation of material quality enables simultaneous satisfaction of both conductivity and arc resistance requirements without requiring a single material to excel at both.
2Reliability
If arc electrodes are added to the relay structure, then arc resistance and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc electrodes are integrated with the existing primary electrode structure, forming a unified electrode assembly. The arc electrodes are positioned to work in conjunction with the primary electrodes, merging the conduction function and arc protection function into a single coordinated system. This merging approach reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate, independent systems for conduction and arc management.
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 approach improves the durability and reliability of high voltage relays by using specialized materials for arc electrodes, reducing material costs and preventing arc generation between primary electrodes, thereby enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the relay.
Implementation Method 1
arc electrodes in addition to primary electrodes... arc electrodes managing arc extinguishment... prevent arc generation between primary electrodes
Implementation Method 2
excitation coil 42 wound around a circumference of the bobbin 41... generates an electronic attractive force
Data Source
AI summary
A high voltage relay device according to the present invention includes fixed contacts, a movable contact provided at one side of the fixed contacts and contactable with or separated from the fixed contacts, fixed-side arc electrodes coupled to the fixed contacts, and a movable-side arc electrode coupled to one side of the movable contact and contactable with or separated from the fixed-side arc electrodes when the movable contact is brought into contact with or separated from the fixed contacts, whereby a generation of arc from primary electrodes when current flows and is cut off can be prevented so as to enhance reliability of the primary electrodes, and also usage of specialized materials may result in reduction of material costs.