Relay Movable Element Lorentz Force Contact Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional relays face challenges in maintaining contact between movable and fixed contacts during large-current energization due to the increasing electromagnetic repulsive force, which requires larger contact pressure springs and increased relay size.
Innovation Solution
The relay design incorporates a movable element subjected to a Lorentz force generated by a magnetic flux orthogonal to the current flow, counteracting the electromagnetic repulsive force and ensuring contact stability even during high-current conditions, allowing for a smaller contact pressure spring and reduced relay size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact pressure spring is increased to counteract electromagnetic repulsive force during large-current energization, then contact stability is improved, but relay size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic repulsive force into a beneficial effect by using the same current that causes repulsion to generate a Lorentz force through interaction with a magnetic field. The Lorentz force acts in the opposite direction to the repulsive force, counteracting it and stabilizing contact during large-current energization without requiring increased spring force or relay size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary element that mediates between the current flow and the contact force. The magnetic field enables the conversion of electrical current into a mechanical Lorentz force that counteracts the electromagnetic repulsive force, allowing contact stability without increasing spring strength or relay dimensions
2Reliability
If the contact pressure spring is increased to maintain contact during large-current energization, then contact stability is improved, but the relay becomes larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the current flow serve multiple functions: it both creates the electromagnetic repulsive force (harmful effect) and generates the Lorentz force through interaction with the magnetic field (beneficial effect). This multi-functionality allows the system to counteract its own repulsive force without adding separate actuation mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic repulsive force into a beneficial Lorentz force by utilizing the same current flow passing through the movable element in the presence of a magnetic field. This conversion eliminates the need for stronger springs or additional components, maintaining simplicity while improving contact stability
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 solution effectively restricts separation between movable and fixed contacts during large-current energization, enabling a downsized relay with improved contact stability and reduced physical size.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation portion that has a winding shape and generates a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
A Lorentz force that is generated by the movable element passing magnetic flux and the current flowing in the movable element acts in a direction for bringing the movable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A relay includes two stators and a movable element. Each stator has a fixed contact and includes an excitation portion that has a winding shape and generates a magnetic field. The movable element has movable contacts. In a magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the excitation portion, a movable element passing magnetic flux that passes through the movable element is orthogonal to a direction of current flowing in the movable element and a moving direction of the movable element. A Lorentz force that is generated by the movable element passing magnetic flux and the current flowing in the movable element acts in a direction for bringing the movable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts.