Electromagnetic Relay Latching Mechanism for High Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic relays face challenges in achieving high voltage and high capacity without increasing size or power consumption, particularly in maintaining anti-vibration and impact performance, especially in the open contact state.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a permanent magnet that, in conjunction with a hinge spring's restoring force, retains the armature in an open contact position, allowing for improved performance when contacts are closed while maintaining anti-vibration and impact performance when contacts are open, using a configuration with a coil, iron core, yoke, pivotable armature, and elastic members to manage contact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a plunger-type relay with two contacts in series is used to achieve high voltage and high capacity, then the load current circuit can be disconnected at two points, but the relay becomes large in size and consumes a large amount of current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contact system into two separate contact points (first contact and second contact) on the same movable contact, creating series disconnection without requiring two separate relay units. This segmentation allows high voltage handling while maintaining a compact single-relay structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single relay unit performs multiple functions: it provides series disconnection for high voltage, maintains compact size through integrated design, and enables dual contact operation from one armature movement. The movable contact simultaneously engages/disengages both contact points, achieving multi-functionality without increasing overall relay size.
2Power
If a plunger-type relay with two contacts in series is used to achieve high voltage and high capacity, then the load current circuit can be disconnected at two points, but the relay consumes a large amount of current
Solution Approach 1:
The relay employs a latching mechanism where the armature, once actuated, maintains the contact state through its own mechanical configuration and magnetic retention, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption to sustain the closed contact state. The system serves itself by using the armature's position and magnetic field to maintain operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay operates in periodic cycles: brief energization to switch state, then passive maintenance of that state. The coil is energized only transiently to move the armature between open and closed positions, after which the latching mechanism maintains the state without continuous power input, creating a periodic on-off operation pattern.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a latching relay is used to reduce power consumption, then the ON or OFF state does not depend on driving current, but it becomes difficult to determine contact failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the coil's electrical continuity. When contacts are properly closed, the coil circuit remains continuous. If a contact fails (opens), the coil circuit is interrupted, providing immediate electrical feedback that indicates contact failure. This allows monitoring of contact status without requiring continuous power to maintain the latched state.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil circuit serves as an intermediary indicator system. Rather than directly monitoring contact closure, the system uses the coil's electrical continuity as a mediator to infer contact status. When the movable contact properly closes the circuit, current flows through the coil; when contact fails, the coil circuit opens, providing indirect but reliable detection of contact failure.
4Reliability
If a permanent magnet is used to improve anti-vibration and impact performance in open state, then the armature can be retained in open position, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the permanent magnet into the existing armature structure, making the armature both the moving contact and the carrier for the permanent magnet. This integration combines multiple functions (contact movement and magnetic retention) into a single component, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining anti-vibration performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The armature serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the movable contact that opens and closes the circuit, provides the mechanical lever for arm movement, and carries the permanent magnet for retention in the open position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure.
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 enables high voltage and high capacity operation without increasing the size or power consumption of the electromagnet, enhancing contact retention forces and reducing heat generation, thus improving anti-vibration and impact performance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet which generates an attractive force for retaining the armature in an open contact position
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member which elastically deforms in accordance with the pivoting of the armature, and applies a contact force
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnet unit comprising a coil, an iron core, and a yoke connected to the iron core
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes an electromagnet unit, an armature supported so as to be pivotable relative to a yoke by a hinge spring, a contact including a first contact and a second contact, which can switch, in accordance with pivoting of the armature, between a closed contact state and an open contact state, an elastic member which elastically deforms in accordance with pivoting of the armature, and applies a contact force between the first contact and the second contact in the closed contact state, and a magnet which generates an attractive force for retaining the armature in an open contact position corresponding to the open contact state, wherein the armature is retained in the open contact position by a resultant force of a restoring force applied to the armature by the hinge springe, and the attractive force of the magnet.