Multi-Contact Relay Arc Suppression via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional relays face challenges in suppressing electric arcs in small-scale devices due to limitations in increasing the distance between contacts, which can lead to contact faults and inaccurate electric circuits, and existing arc protection methods are not effective in these scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A relay design incorporating a coil assembly with an iron core, magnetic members, and spring mechanisms, along with a contact assembly featuring bridge members and shunts, which allows for magnetic attraction and compression to control contact movement and reduce arcing by adjusting the contact points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between two contacts/leads is increased to reduce electric arcing, then electric arc suppression is improved, but the relay may cause contact fault and the electric circuit accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact assembly is divided into multiple contacts (first contact, second contact, third contact, fourth contact) arranged in a specific configuration. By segmenting the contact structure and creating multiple contact points, the patent achieves effective arc suppression without increasing the overall distance between contact leads, thus maintaining circuit accuracy while preventing harmful arcing effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-distance dimension to a multi-dimensional contact arrangement. The contacts are positioned at different spatial locations with specific horizontal and vertical relationships, creating a three-dimensional contact structure that suppresses arcs through geometric configuration rather than simply increasing linear distance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between two contacts/leads is increased to reduce electric arcing, then electric arc suppression is improved, but the relay size increases which is not suitable for small-scale devices
Solution Approach 1:
The contact assembly segments the contact function into multiple discrete contacts positioned closely together in a compact arrangement. This segmentation allows arc suppression to be achieved through the distributed contact structure rather than requiring large spacing, enabling small-scale relay design while maintaining effective arc protection
Solution Approach 2:
The contact assembly adopts a nested structure where multiple contacts are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration. The first and second contacts are positioned with specific horizontal offsets, while the third and fourth contacts are vertically offset, creating a nested-like compact structure that maximizes arc suppression effectiveness within minimal space
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
The design effectively suppresses electric arcs and maintains accurate circuit operation by ensuring reliable contact closure and opening, while also reducing resistance and contact voltage through parallel connections.
Implementation Method 1
the coil assembly has at least one iron core received in the housing, at least one coil sleeving on the at least one iron core
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnetic member dispose above the at least one coil, and at least one spring disposed between the at least one magnetic member and the at least one coil
Implementation Method 3
at least one spring disposed between the at least one magnetic member and the at least one coil. The at least one spring has two ends respectively abutting against the at least one magnetic member and the at least one coil
Data Source
AI summary
A relay with multiple contacts includes a coil assembly and a contact assembly. The contact assembly includes at least one base having at least two slots defined therein and at least two bridge members respectively received in the at least two slots. Each bridge member has at least two terminal portions respectively formed thereon. Each terminal portion has a movable contact mounted thereon. At least one connector has at least two fixed contacts mounted thereon. Each fixed contact selectively connects with the corresponding movable contact. A first conducting member and a second conducting member are located between the coil assembly and the contact assembly. The first conducting member has at least one first fixed contact for selectively connecting with the corresponding movable contact. The second conducting member has at least one second fixed contact for selectively connecting with the corresponding movable contact.