Magnetic Latching Relay Positioning via Convex Portions and Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic latching relays face challenges in accurately positioning their magnetic circuits and preventing scraping, especially under varying short-circuit current conditions, which can lead to safety issues and equipment failures.

Innovation Solution

The magnetic latching relay incorporates a cooperating structure between the contact portion's insertion portion and the base slot, featuring positioning convex portions on the yokes and corresponding grooves/ bosses on the base, ensuring precise positioning and preventing scraping, thus enhancing assembly accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional insertion portion and base slot structure is used, then the relay can be manufactured with standard processes, but the magnetic circuit positioning accuracy is insufficient and scraping occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic circuit positioning accuracyVSAvoidcooperating structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion portion is divided into multiple positioning convex portions (first positioning convex portion, second positioning convex portion, third positioning convex portion) that engage with corresponding grooves in the base. This segmentation allows each convex portion to independently control a specific degree of freedom, achieving precise positioning without requiring a monolithic complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning convex portions serve as intermediary elements between the insertion portion and the base slot. These convex portions mediate the connection by engaging with grooves in the base, transferring positioning forces while preventing direct scraping contact between the insertion portion and base surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the contact portion is loosely fitted in the base slot, then assembly is easier and faster, but scraping occurs and positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact portion positioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning convex portions are pre-formed on the insertion portion during manufacturing, and the corresponding grooves are pre-formed in the base. This preliminary action ensures that when assembly occurs, the positioning features are already in place to guide accurate placement, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustment or complex fitting procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning convex portions and grooves create a self-aligning, self-positioning assembly system. When the insertion portion is inserted into the base slot, the convex portions automatically engage with the grooves to establish precise positioning without requiring external alignment tools or complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the magnetic circuit components are tightly constrained, then positioning accuracy is improved, but production efficiency decreases due to complex assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic circuit positioning accuracyVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is extracted from the main magnetic circuit components and implemented through dedicated positioning convex portions and grooves. This extraction allows the magnetic circuit components to maintain their primary functions while the positioning system handles alignment and constraint, enabling parallel processing and assembly operations that improve production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design ensures accurate positioning of the magnetic circuit with improved perpendicularity and reduced contamination risks, enhancing the relay's ability to withstand short-circuit currents while maintaining production efficiency and safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

When positive pulse voltage is applied to the relay coil, the magnetic circuit system operates and the pushing block pushes the movable spring portion to make the contact closed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic latching relay is required to withstand and conduct short-circuit current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field resistance: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3965135B1Magnetic latching relay capable of accurately positioning magnetic circuit
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 XIAMEN HONGFA ELECTRIC POWER CONTROLS CO LTD
  • EP3965135B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3965135B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3965135B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a magnetic latching relay capable of accurately positioning a magnetic circuit, comprising a magnetic circuit portion and a base, the magnetic circuit portion comprising a yoke, an iron core, an armature, and a bobbin, the iron core is inserted into a through-hole of the bobbin, and the yoke comprises two yokes, and one side of each of the two yokes is connected to the iron core respectively at the both ends of the through-hole of the bobbin, and the armature is fitted between the other side of each of the two yokes, the magnetic circuit portion is mounted on the base, with the axis of the through-hole of the bobbin in a horizontal manner; in at least one of the two yokes, a positioning convex portion is further provided on the outward face of the side of the yoke, positioning grooves are formed in at least one side wall to be engaged with the positioning convex portion of the yoke, to realize the positioning of the magnetic circuit portions on the base in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the axis of the bobbin through hole.