Electromagnetic Relay Permanent Magnet Recessed Base

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic relays with permanent magnets mounted on the upper surface are prone to deterioration due to arcs and result in a bulky design, limiting the achievement of a low-height configuration.

Innovation Solution

The electromagnetic relay incorporates a permanent magnet housed in a recessed portion on the lower surface of the base, with an auxiliary yoke to direct and enhance the magnetic field, reducing magnetic flux leakage and allowing for a compact, low-height design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent magnets are mounted on the upper surface of the base, then the electromagnetic relay can generate the necessary magnetic field, but the permanent magnets are liable to be deteriorated due to generated arcs and the base thickness cannot be effectively utilized resulting in a bulky design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent magnet durabilityVSAvoidrelay height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnet is inverted from its conventional position on the upper surface of the base to a recessed position on the lower surface of the base. This inversion protects the permanent magnet from arc deterioration while effectively utilizing the base thickness to achieve a low-height relay design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent magnet is positioned in a recessed portion on the lower surface of the base, utilizing the vertical dimension (base thickness) rather than horizontal surface area. This dimensional change allows the magnetic field to be generated from below, protecting the magnet from arcs while reducing the overall relay height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If permanent magnets are mounted on the upper surface of the base, then the electromagnetic relay can operate, but the base thickness is wasted and the relay height increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase thickness utilizationVSAvoidrelay height

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnet is positioned in a recessed portion on the lower surface of the base, utilizing the vertical dimension (base thickness) rather than horizontal surface area. This dimensional change allows the magnetic field to be generated from below, protecting the magnet from arcs while reducing the overall relay height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If permanent magnets are exposed on the upper surface, then assembly is simple, but the permanent magnets are deteriorated by arcs reducing device life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent magnet assemblyVSAvoidelectromagnetic relay life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnet is inverted from its conventional position on the upper surface of the base to a recessed position on the lower surface of the base. This inversion protects the permanent magnet from arc deterioration while effectively utilizing the base thickness to achieve a low-height relay design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent magnet is pre-positioned in the recessed portion of the base during base manufacturing, protecting it from arc deterioration before the relay is assembled. This preliminary positioning ensures the magnet is shielded from the start, extending the relay's operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If permanent magnets are mounted on the upper surface, then the structure is conventional and simple, but arcs cause deterioration and the design is bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent magnet mounting structureVSAvoidpermanent magnet resistance to arc deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnet is inverted from its conventional position on the upper surface of the base to a recessed position on the lower surface of the base. This inversion protects the permanent magnet from arc deterioration while effectively utilizing the base thickness to achieve a low-height relay design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 protects the permanent magnets from arc-induced deterioration, enables a low-height electromagnetic relay with improved magnetic efficiency and reduced part count, and facilitates easier assembly and reduced magnetic flux leakage.

Implementation Method 1

a permanent magnet configured to induce an arc generated between the movable contact and the fixed contact in a predetermined direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnet block mounted on an upper surface of the base; a movable iron piece configured to be rotatable based on excitation and non-excitation of the electromagnet block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10269519B2Electromagnetic relay

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 OMRON CORP

AI summary

An electromagnetic relay includes a base, an electromagnet block mounted on an upper surface of the base, a movable iron piece configured to be rotatable based on excitation and non-excitation of the electromagnet block, a movable contact piece configured to be rotatable integrally with the movable iron piece, a movable contact fixed to a free end portion of the movable contact piece, and a fixed contact fixed to a fixed contact terminal, and disposed so as to be separable from and contacted with the movable contact along with rotation of the movable contact piece. A permanent magnet configured to induce an arc generated between the movable contact and the fixed contact in a predetermined direction is housed in a recessed portion formed on a lower surface of the base in a direction toward a side opposite to the movable contact as viewed from the fixed contact terminal.