Electromagnetic Relay Intermediate Member Force Transmission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic relays require increased driving force or size of the electromagnet to deform a movable touch piece with a large elastic modulus, leading to higher power consumption and potential deformation under impact forces.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an intermediate member that transmits driving force generated by magnetization and demagnetization of the electromagnet to elastically deform the movable touch piece, with an energization unit to assist in deforming the piece smoothly, reducing the need for larger electromagnets or increased power consumption, and enhancing impact resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a movable touch piece with a large elastic modulus is used, then the reliability and impact resistance are improved, but the driving force required to deform it increases, leading to higher power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediate member (movable iron piece) is introduced between the electromagnet and the movable touch piece. This intermediary component allows the system to benefit from both the high impact resistance of a large elastic modulus touch piece and the lower power consumption of a smaller electromagnet, as the intermediate member facilitates efficient force transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a composite structure combining the electromagnet, intermediate member made of magnetic material, and movable touch piece with large elastic modulus. This composite arrangement optimizes the overall performance by leveraging the strengths of different materials and components to achieve both reliability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If the size of the electromagnet is increased to generate sufficient driving force, then the power to deform the movable touch piece is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving forceVSAvoidelectromagnet size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate member acts as a force amplification mechanism, allowing a smaller electromagnet to generate sufficient driving force on the movable touch piece through magnetic attraction and mechanical leverage, thereby avoiding the need for a large electromagnet

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate member is designed to rotate about a fulcrum, introducing dynamic motion that amplifies the driving force from the electromagnet. This rotational mechanism allows a small electromagnetic force to generate a larger force on the movable touch piece through lever action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If three plate springs are integrated to form the movable touch piece, then the structural stability is improved, but the driving force required to elastically deform them increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddriving force
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate member serves as a mediator that overcomes the high elastic resistance of the integrated three-plate spring structure. By transmitting force through magnetic attraction and rotational leverage, it enables the stable but stiff movable touch piece to be actuated with reduced driving force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables smooth deformation of the movable touch piece with a large elastic modulus without increasing electromagnet size or power consumption, while providing excellent impact resistance and preventing deformation, thus improving the operating characteristics of the electromagnetic relay.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate member configured to rotate based on magnetization and demagnetization of the electromagnet and elastically deform the movable touch piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetization and demagnetization: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a movable touch piece, having a movable contact contactably and separably opposed to the fixed contact, and configured to elastically deform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the energization unit be made up of a hinge spring fixed to the yoke, and have a press piece configured to press the pressure receiving portion of the intermediate member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2768004B1Electromagnetic relay
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 OMRON CORP
  • EP2768004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2768004B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2768004B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides an electromagnetic relay which smoothly drives a movable touch piece with saved power consumption even when one with a large elastic modulus is used as the movable touch piece. The electromagnetic relay includes: a fixed touch piece having a fixed contact; a movable touch piece, having a movable contact contactably and separably opposed to the fixed contact, and configured to elastically deform; an electromagnet; an intermediate member configured to rotate based on magnetization and demagnetization of the electromagnet and elastically deform the movable touch piece; and an energization unit configured to energize the movable touch piece to the fixed contact piece side via the intermediate member.