Electromagnetic Relay Heat Dissipation Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic relays face difficulties in efficiently dissipating heat generated in the fixed terminal and movable contact piece during energization, despite effective heat dissipation from the coil.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a heat dissipation structure with a heat conduction member having higher thermal conductivity than air, positioned on the second surface side of the fixed terminal, and a vent connecting the heat dissipation space to the outside, to efficiently dissipate heat from the fixed terminal and movable contact piece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the heat dissipation structure is added to dissipate heat from the fixed terminal, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation from fixed terminalVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation structure is merged with the existing housing structure. The heat dissipation space is formed within the housing, and the vent is integrated into the housing wall, allowing the heat dissipation function to be added without requiring completely separate components. This merging approach improves heat dissipation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the electromagnetic components, and now also serves as part of the heat dissipation structure through the integrated vent and heat dissipation space. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration allows for effective heat dissipation of the fixed terminal and movable contact piece during energization, enhancing thermal management and preventing overheating.

Implementation Method 1

the heat conduction member that is disposed in the heat dissipation space and that has a higher thermal conductivity than air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a vent connecting the heat dissipation space to the outside of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11476068B2Electromagnetic relay with heat dissipation structure

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 OMRON CORP

AI summary

An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a housing, and a heat dissipation structure. The fixed terminal includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a fixed contact disposed on the first surface. The movable contact piece includes a movable contact that is configured to contact the fixed contact. The housing includes an accommodation space accommodating a portion of the fixed terminal, the fixed contact, and the movable contact piece. The heat dissipation structure includes a heat dissipation space that is provided on the second surface of the fixed terminal for dissipating the heat of the fixed terminal to an outside of the accommodation space.