Multi-Contact Relay Arc Suppression via Segmented Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional relays face challenges in suppressing electric arcs in small-scale devices due to limited space, which can lead to contact faults and circuit inaccuracies when attempting to increase the distance between contacts for arc suppression.
Innovation Solution
A relay design featuring a coil assembly with an iron core, magnetic members, and spring mechanisms, along with a contact assembly with bridge members and shunts, that moves to establish and break contacts under magnetic attraction, effectively reducing electric arcing through controlled contact movement.
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 size increases and contact accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact assembly is divided into multiple independent contacts (first contact, second contact, third contact) with different configurations. Each contact can be independently positioned and configured to handle specific circuit requirements, allowing arc suppression for critical contacts while maintaining compact overall structure through optimized spatial arrangement of segmented contact elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional linear contact arrangement to a multi-dimensional spatial configuration. Contacts are arranged in three-dimensional space with varying distances and orientations, allowing certain contacts to have larger separation distances for arc suppression while other contacts maintain smaller distances for accuracy, all within a compact relay housing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between two contacts/leads is increased to reduce electric arcing, then electric arc suppression is improved, but contact accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact assembly is segmented into multiple independent contacts with different separation distances. Critical contacts that require high accuracy maintain small separation distances, while non-critical contacts have larger distances for arc suppression. This segmentation allows differential treatment of contacts based on their functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different contact regions of the relay are given different local qualities - some contacts have small separation distances optimized for accuracy and low contact resistance, while other contacts have large separation distances optimized for arc suppression. Each contact's configuration is locally optimized according to its specific functional requirements in the circuit.
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 while maintaining accurate circuit operation and reducing contact resistance, suitable for small-scale devices where space is limited.
Implementation Method 1
when the at least one coil adapts to be induced a magnetic field by supplying electric current
Implementation Method 2
the at least one magnetic member is magnetically attracted to move toward the at least one coil
Implementation Method 3
The at least one spring is compressed by the at least one magnetic member. The movable contacts of the at least two bridge members correspondingly and respectively move to electrically contact with the at least one first fixed contact
Implementation Method 4
The movable contacts of the at least two bridge members correspondingly and respectively move to electrically contact with the at least one first fixed contact, the at least one second fixed contact, and the at least two fixed contacts
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A relay with multiple contacts includes a coil assembly (11) and a contact assembly (2). The contact assembly (2) includes at least one base (21) having at least two slots (211) defined therein and at least two bridge members (22) respectively received in the at least two slots (211). Each bridge member (22) has at least two terminal portions (223) respectively formed thereon. Each terminal portion (223) has a movable contact (221) mounted thereon. At least one connector (23) has at least two fixed contacts (231) mounted thereon. Each fixed contact (231) selectively connects with the corresponding movable contact (221). A first conducting member (12) and a second conducting member (13) are located between the coil assembly (11) and the contact assembly (2). The first conducting member (12) has at least one first fixed contact (121) for selectively connecting with the corresponding movable contact (221). The second conducting member (13) has at least one second fixed contact (131) for selectively connecting with the corresponding movable contact (221).