Electromagnetic Relay Vent Structure for Moisture Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic relays face challenges in effectively releasing moisture while minimizing the entry of foreign matter and contaminants, particularly due to limited vent locations and the risk of contaminants adhering to terminals and entering through vents.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic relay incorporates a ventilation route at the joint area between a plate and a case, which communicates the inside of the relay with the outside, utilizing grooves and holes to facilitate moisture release while preventing the entry of contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If vents are provided in slits of the case member to release moisture, then moisture release is achieved, but foreign matter such as bugs and dust can easily enter through the vents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional vent opening in the case slit to a three-dimensional S-shaped passage that winds through the case structure. This dimensional transformation allows the vent to release moisture while the winding path physically blocks foreign matter like bugs and dust from entering the internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent passage is designed with curved S-shaped geometry rather than a straight line. This curvature creates multiple bends and turns that moisture vapor can follow, while physical contaminants such as bugs and dust particles are prevented from navigating the winding path, thus achieving selective permeability.
2Productivity
If vent area is increased to improve ventilation efficiency, then moisture release improves, but foreign matter entry becomes easier
Solution Approach 1:
The vent system is segmented into multiple small openings distributed across the case slits rather than one or two large vents. Each opening connects to the S-shaped passage, providing sufficient total area for moisture release while maintaining the blocking effect against foreign matter through the winding passage design.
Solution Approach 2:
The S-shaped curved passage design allows multiple small vent openings to be connected effectively, providing sufficient total vent area for good ventilation efficiency while the curvature of the passage prevents foreign matter from entering despite the increased total opening area.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If vents are provided in slits where terminals are inserted, then moisture can be released, but contaminants adhering to terminals can flow along terminals and enter through vents
Solution Approach 1:
The S-shaped passage acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the internal relay space. Contaminants that may adhere to terminals are blocked by this winding passage structure, which allows moisture vapor to pass through while preventing solid contaminants from reaching the internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved S-shaped geometry of the vent passage creates a physical barrier that contaminants adhering to terminals cannot follow, while moisture vapor can diffuse through. The bends and turns in the passage prevent the direct flow path that contaminants would need to reach the internal space.
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes a functional unit configured to execute an electromagnetic relay process, a plate having a flat shape, the functional unit being mounted on the plate, and a case having a box shape and covering the functional unit when fitted to the plate. The case has a ventilation route at a fitting part that contacts with the plate when the case is fitted to the plate, the ventilation route communicating an inside of the electromagnetic relay, in which the functional unit is present, with an outside of the electromagnetic relay.