Electromagnetic Relay Regenerative Current Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic relays face interference from regenerative currents when transitioning from an energized to a non-energized state, which can hinder the movement of the mover and disrupt contact states.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a regeneration unit with a switch and load connected to the coil, where the control unit directs regenerative current through the load upon transition, reducing the regenerative current's impact by consuming it, thus facilitating quicker movement between contact positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coil is de-energized to open the contact, then the contact transitions to the open state, but regenerative current generates magnetic flux that produces force in the direction of the closed state, interfering with the mover's movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent connects a regenerative current consumption circuit (comprising a diode and resistor) in parallel with the coil. When the coil is de-energized, the regenerative current is directed through this circuit, where it is consumed by the resistor. This converts the harmful regenerative current that causes interference into a beneficial dissipation path, eliminating the interference while maintaining reliable contact state transitions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If regenerative current is allowed to flow freely, then the coil maintains magnetic flux longer, but this produces force opposing the mover's movement toward the open position, slowing down the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the regenerative current from the main circuit by providing a separate consumption circuit with a diode and resistor. The diode directs the regenerative current away from the coil circuit into the consumption circuit, where it is dissipated by the resistor. This extraction prevents the regenerative current from maintaining magnetic flux in the coil, thereby eliminating the opposing force and enabling faster mover transition to the open position.
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 effectively reduces regenerative current flow, allowing for faster and more reliable transitions between closed and open contact positions, enhancing the electromagnetic relay's operational efficiency and contact integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnet device moves the moving contact from one of the closed position or the open position to the other position by having a magnetic flux generated by the coil when an electric current flows through the coil
Implementation Method 2
even when a transition is made from a state where an electric current is supplied from an excitation power supply to the excitation coil (coil) to a state where no electric current is supplied from the power supply to the excitation coil, a regenerative current is still generated by self-induction in the excitation coil. A magnetic flux generated by the regenerative current produces force
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnet device moves two moving contacts from one of a closed position or an open position to the other position when an electric current flows through a coil. A regenerative current coming from the coil flows through a regeneration unit when the coil makes a transition from an energized state where the coil is supplied with an electric current from a power supply to a non-energized state where the coil is supplied with no electric current from the power supply. The control unit causes the regenerative current to flow through a load by controlling a switch when the coil makes the transition from the energized state to the non-energized state.