Electromagnetic Relay Heat Dissipation Without Size Increase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic relays face challenges in improving heat dissipation performance without increasing the size of the device when large currents are handled, as enlarging the fixed terminal to enhance surface area leads to a larger relay size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating separate heat dissipation members outside the housing, connected to the fixed terminals, which increase the surface area for heat radiation while maintaining the relay's compact size, and optionally using auxiliary terminals to distribute current and heat, or heat dissipation fins for improved flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fixed terminal is enlarged to increase surface area, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but the size of the electromagnetic relay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation function is segmented from the fixed terminal by introducing a separate heat dissipation member. The fixed terminal maintains its original compact size for electrical connection, while the heat dissipation member provides additional surface area for thermal management. This segmentation allows independent optimization of electrical and thermal functions without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation member extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface of the fixed terminal, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. This dimensional transition enables increased heat dissipation surface area without increasing the overall size of the electromagnetic relay in the planar directions.
2Area of stationary object
If the surface area of the fixed terminal is increased to improve heat dissipation, then heat radiation is enhanced, but the relay size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation surface is extracted from the fixed terminal structure and implemented as a separate heat dissipation member. This extraction allows the fixed terminal to maintain its compact original size while the heat dissipation member provides the necessary surface area for thermal management, effectively decoupling the two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation member extends vertically perpendicular to the contact surface, transforming the heat dissipation area from a planar expansion to a three-dimensional structure. This enables increased surface area for heat radiation without increasing the horizontal dimensions of the relay.
3Temperature
If heat dissipation is improved by enlarging the fixed terminal, then thermal management is enhanced, but the compact size advantage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the heat dissipation function into a separate member, the electromagnetic relay maintains its compact original size while achieving improved thermal management. The heat dissipation member can be optimally designed for thermal performance without compromising the compact integration of the relay itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical extension of the heat dissipation member perpendicular to the contact surface enables effective heat dissipation without increasing the horizontal footprint of the relay, thereby preserving the compact size advantage while enhancing thermal management capabilities.
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
Effectively enhances heat dissipation from the fixed terminals without enlarging the relay's size, reducing thermal influence on substrates and allowing for adjustable temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
the surface area for radiating heat from the first fixed terminal is enlarged by the first heat dissipation member
Implementation Method 2
The first heat dissipation member is connected to the first fixed terminal
Implementation Method 3
The first heat dissipation member may be an auxiliary terminal through which the current from the first fixed terminal is divided
Implementation Method 4
The drive device moves the movable contact piece in a contact direction and an opening direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes a housing, a first fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a drive device, and a first heat dissipation member. The first fixed terminal protrudes from inside the housing to outside the housing. The movable contact piece is disposed in the housing. The movable contact piece faces the first fixed terminal. The drive device moves the movable contact piece in a contact direction and an opening direction. The first heat dissipation member is disposed outside the housing. The first heat dissipation member is provided separately from the first fixed terminal. The first heat dissipation member is connected to the first fixed terminal.