Electromagnetic Relay Vent Hole Design for Flame Extinguishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic relays face limitations in design freedom and ensuring a predetermined passage area for flame extinguishment due to the restrictive positioning of the vent hole relative to the terminal insertion hole, which affects the vent hole's dimensions and air tightness requirements.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic relay design allows for the positioning of the vent hole at the junction of the casing and base, independent of the terminal insertion hole, enabling flexible design and ensuring effective flame extinguishment by setting the vent hole dimensions to accommodate both passage area and flame extinguishment requirements, without necessitating adhesion for air tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the vent hole is formed next to the terminal insertion hole as in conventional electromagnetic relays, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the degree of freedom of design is reduced and the predetermined passage area cannot be ensured when the terminal width is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the vent hole from the terminal insertion hole, positioning the vent hole independently on the base rather than adjacent to the terminal insertion hole. This segmentation allows the vent hole to be designed independently according to flame extinguishment requirements without being constrained by terminal dimensions, thereby enhancing design freedom while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the vent hole to a different spatial location on the base, away from the terminal insertion area. By changing the spatial arrangement to a separate dimension or location, the vent hole can achieve the required passage area for flame extinguishment without being limited by terminal width constraints
2Reliability
If the vent hole width is set smaller than the predetermined dimension for flame extinguishment, then flame can be extinguished, but the predetermined passage area for air passage cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the vent hole parameters (width and length) to achieve the optimal balance between flame extinguishment and air passage. By carefully selecting the dimensional parameters within the patent's specified ranges, the vent hole can simultaneously satisfy both the flame extinguishment requirement (width smaller than predetermined dimension) and the passage area requirement
3Reliability
If the housing space communicates with the external only through the vent hole, then air tightness can be maintained, but the casing and base must adhere and be fixed to each other ensuring air tightness at the joining portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air tightness function from the joining portion of the casing and base by providing a separate sealing member. This sealing member is specifically dedicated to ensuring air tightness at the opening portion, thereby decoupling the air tightness requirement from the mechanical joining complexity and allowing simpler joining methods to be used
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 design enhances the degree of freedom in relay design, ensures effective flame extinguishment, and allows for alternative joining methods between the casing and base, improving the reliability and versatility of the electromagnetic relay.
Implementation Method 1
a coil disposed in the housing space to generate an electromagnetic force upon an energization of the coil
Implementation Method 2
the base and the terminal extinguish the flame by drawing heat from the flame
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes a casing having a housing space open to an external to the casing through an opening. A base is joined to the casing to close the opening. A coil, a pair of fixed contact elements and a pair of movable contact elements are housed in the housing space. A vent hole set to a dimension making it possible to extinguish flame passing therethrough is formed in a portion where the casing and the base are joined together.