Electromechanical Relay Side-Mounted Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical relays with two changeover switches require increased width to maintain sufficient insulation and minimum distance between connection elements, which is not feasible without compromising compact design.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a magnet system with a coil and armature, and two changeover switches with contact springs, where connection elements are led out on side surfaces, allowing for increased insulation and maintaining the minimum distance without increasing the overall width by optimizing the arrangement of contact springs and actuators in a sandwich structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If two changeover switches are arranged in a conventional electromechanical relay, then the relay provides more connection elements, but the width of the relay housing must be increased to maintain sufficient insulation and minimum distance between connection elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a planar arrangement of connection elements to a three-dimensional configuration. Connection elements are led out not only from the front surface but also from the side surfaces of the relay housing. This spatial redistribution allows multiple connection elements to be accommodated within the same width by utilizing the depth dimension and side surfaces, thereby resolving the contradiction between increasing the number of connection elements and maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by integrating the actuating device within the housing structure and arranging contact springs and connection elements in a nested configuration. The actuating device is positioned inside the housing, and connection elements are routed through or along the housing walls, effectively nesting multiple functional components within the compact relay structure. This allows the relay to accommodate two changeover switches with sufficient insulation distances without increasing the overall width.
2Reliability
If connection elements are led out from side surfaces of the housing, then the minimum distance and insulation between connection elements is maintained, but the arrangement complexity of contact springs and actuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the functions of multiple components into integrated assemblies. The actuating device integrates the coil, armature, and actuator mechanisms into a single coordinated unit that simultaneously controls both changeover switches. The contact springs are arranged to serve both switching functions while sharing common mounting structures and insulation pathways. This integration reduces the overall complexity despite the multi-dimensional arrangement of connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality through the actuating device, which serves multiple functions: generating the magnetic field via the coil, moving the armature to actuate switches, and coordinating the operation of both changeover switches. The housing structure also serves multiple purposes: providing mechanical support, electrical insulation, and routing pathways for connection elements. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliable insulation.
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 allows for a compact design with increased electrical insulation between connection elements, maintaining the prescribed minimum distance of 5.5 mm without widening the relay, enabling more connection elements within the same width as a single changeover switch relay.
Implementation Method 1
The relay has a magnet system which has a coil having a longitudinal axis, a coil core and an armature
Implementation Method 2
a first changeover switch, which has two fixed contacts and a contact spring, the contact spring having a fixed end and a section that can move between the two fixed contacts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to an electromechanical relay (1), which can be plugged into a terminal block (2) in a plug-in direction (S). The relay (1) is arranged in a housing (7) and has two changeover switches (8, 15), which are each connected to connecting elements (22-27). At least one of the connecting elements (22-27) is led laterally out of the housing (2), and at least some sections thereof extend at right angles to the plug-in direction.