Electromagnetic Relay Layout for Stable Auxiliary Contact Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly accuracy of the contact unit and coil unit in electromagnetic relays affects the operation of the auxiliary contact unit, and providing a structure to isolate the auxiliary contact unit increases the size of the relay.
Innovation Solution
The main contact unit and coil unit are supported perpendicular to the movement direction, with the auxiliary contact unit positioned on the opposite side, reducing the impact of assembly accuracy and preventing the relay from enlarging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the auxiliary contact unit is disposed near the main contact unit, then the relay size is reduced, but the auxiliary contact unit is affected by the opening and closing of the main contact unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the auxiliary contact unit in the movement direction (perpendicular to the base) rather than laterally adjacent to the main contact unit. This dimensional arrangement allows close proximity for compact size while preventing mechanical interference, as the auxiliary contact unit moves independently along the vertical axis without being affected by the lateral opening/closing motion of the main contact unit
2Reliability
If the contact unit and coil unit are assembled with high precision, then the operation of the electromagnetic relay is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the relay into functionally independent segments: the main contact unit and auxiliary contact unit are positioned separately in different spatial zones (lateral vs. vertical directions). This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently with its own tolerance range, reducing the need for high-precision assembly between units while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The base serves as an intermediary support structure that provides reference planes for mounting both the main contact unit and auxiliary contact unit. By establishing a common reference frame on the base, the patent simplifies the assembly process and reduces the cumulative effect of tolerances, making manufacturing more feasible
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 stabilizes the operation of the auxiliary contact unit and prevents the relay from becoming larger, while maintaining stable contact performance.
Implementation Method 1
The movable iron core is moved by the magnetic force generated by the coil
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes a base, a main contact unit having a movable contact piece and a first movable member, a coil unit, an auxiliary contact unit, and a second movable member. The movable contact piece extends in a lateral direction. The first movable member is movable in a movement direction perpendicular to the lateral direction between a first closed position and a first open position. The main contact unit is supported by the base in a support direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the movement direction. The coil unit is supported by the base in the support direction. The auxiliary contact unit is disposed on the opposite side of the main contact unit with respect to the coil unit in the movement direction. The second movable member moves in the movement direction in conjunction with the first movable member.