Electromagnetic Relay Terminal Rotation Restriction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic relay attachment processes are complex due to the need for additional members like bolts and nuts, complicating the attachment of counterpart members.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic relay design featuring a contact device with a fixed and movable contact, a housing, and a terminal portion with a screw portion, where a rotation restriction portion is provided to prevent relative rotation between terminal portions, allowing for secure attachment of a counterpart member without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a nut and bolt are used to attach the counterpart member to the metal terminal, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the complicated attachment process requiring multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidattachment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the nut and the rotation stopper into a single integrated rotation restriction portion. This rotation restriction portion is formed as an integral part of the terminal portion structure, eliminating the need for separate nut and rotation stopper components. The integrated design maintains attachment reliability while simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of parts required for assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a nut and rotation stopper are used to prevent slipping rotation, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complicated attachment process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidease of counterpart member attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the nut and rotation stopper functions into a single integrated rotation restriction portion that is formed as part of the terminal portion. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the attachment operation to a single fastening action, improving ease of operation while maintaining the reliability benefits of both anti-rotation and secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation restriction portion is designed to automatically prevent slipping rotation during the attachment process itself, without requiring separate rotation stopper components. The integrated structure provides self-contained functionality that combines fastening and rotation prevention in a single operation, making the attachment process simpler and more intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If additional members like bolts and nuts are used for attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the quantity of components and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of attachment components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple attachment functions into a single terminal portion structure. The rotation restriction portion is formed as an integral part of the terminal portion, combining the functions of the nut, rotation stopper, and mounting structure into one unified component. This reduces the total number of attachment components required while maintaining secure and reliable attachment of the counterpart member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies the attachment process of the counterpart member by eliminating the need for additional members like bolts and nuts, ensuring reliable attachment while reducing the complexity of the attachment process.

Implementation Method 1

a rotation restriction portion for restricting relative rotation between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion is provided on at least one of the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10388478B2Electromagnetic relay for simplifying attachment of a counterpart member

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electromagnetic relay includes a contact device including a fixed terminal with a fixed contact formed, and a movable contactor with a movable contact formed to come into contact with and separate from the fixed contact. The contact device is stored in a housing. The electromagnetic relay further includes a terminal portion including a first terminal portion having a screw portion formed thereon, and a second terminal portion connected to the first terminal portion. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are configured to be electrically connected to each other at least in a state where a counterpart member connected to the terminal portion. A rotation restriction portion for restricting relative rotation between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion is provided on at least one of the first terminal portion or the second terminal portion.