Electromagnetic Relay with Triangular Contact Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small electromagnetic relays face challenges in reducing internal resistance on the contact circuit side, limiting their ability to handle large electric currents without compromising durability and stability.
Innovation Solution
The design features a one-circuit three-contact gap structure with fixed contacts positioned at the apex of an approximate triangle on the insulation base, a moveable plate supported by a spring, and a T-shaped elastic plate that deflects to ensure uniform contact strength across three points, reducing internal resistance and allowing for efficient large current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring plate structure is used for the moveable contact plate, then the relay maintains durability and stability, but the internal resistance on the contact circuit side cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the moveable contact plate by replacing the spring plate structure with a plate supported at both ends by springs. This structural parameter change allows the use of thinner plates with lower resistance while maintaining reliability through the spring support mechanism that ensures consistent contact pressure and durability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a thicker plate and stronger spring are used to reduce internal resistance, then the internal resistance decreases, but the relay may malfunction when subjected to shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the moveable contact plate to a specific range (0.03-0.08 times the contact plate length) that balances resistance reduction with shock resistance. Combined with the spring support structure, this parameter optimization allows thin plates to achieve low resistance while maintaining shock resistance through the elastic spring support.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring support structure acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs shock loads before they can damage the contact plate or cause malfunction. The springs provide elastic deformation capacity that protects the relay from shock-induced failures while allowing the use of thinner, lower-resistance plates.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the moveable contact plate is made thinner to reduce internal resistance, then the internal resistance decreases, but the contact strength and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter within a specific range (0.03-0.08 times the contact plate length) and adjusts the spring constants to provide sufficient contact strength. This parameter optimization ensures that even thin plates maintain adequate contact strength for reliable operation while achieving low internal resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring support structure provides elastic cushioning that compensates for the reduced strength of thinner plates. The springs ensure consistent contact pressure and absorb mechanical stresses, protecting the thin contact plate from damage while maintaining strong, reliable electrical contact.
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 internal resistance, enables the flow of large electric currents, and enhances durability and contact stability between fixed and moveable contacts, while allowing for compact and reliable assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the iron core 4 attracts or releases one end of the armature 6 by means of electric on or off onto the coil 5
Implementation Method 2
the moveable plate is fastened to a moveable spring with its both ends being fastened to the edges of right and left sides of the isolation base, and is structured so that it will move at a specified distance from the fixed contacts by the pressure of the moveable spring
Implementation Method 3
the elastic plate has a step section in its center, and the step section is installed in a way that it will contact the center of the approximate triangle connecting the three contacts' contact positions, and there are both sides' side sections which contact the end portion of the armature, and the drive action of the armature lowers the moveable plate against the pressure of the moveable spring, causing deflection to the elastic plate
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce the internal resistance of small electromagnetic relays of a one-circuit three-contact gap type in order to make it possible to allow large electric currents and at the same time to improve the connection between the fixed contacts and the moveable contacts. Fixed contacts on the fixed terminals are positioned at each apex of an approximate triangle on the upper surface of the insulation base. Moveable contacts are installed on the lower surface of the moveable plate, and are respectively placed in a position which corresponds to each of the fixed contacts. The moveable plate is fastened to the moveable spring whose both ends are held onto the sides of the insulation base, and moves at a specified distance from the fixed contacts due to the pressure of the moveable spring. The construction results in the movable contacts contacting their corresponding fixed contacts at the three positions with uniform contact strength.