Electromagnetic Relay Yoke Structure for Three-Axis Magnet Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic relays experience magnet movement in the third orthogonal direction due to impacts, affecting operation and increasing magnetic flux leakage.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic relay design includes a magnet with magnetic surfaces in three orthogonal directions, anchored by a yoke with corresponding portions to restrict movement in all three directions, maintaining the magnet's position and reducing magnetic flux leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the magnet is not fixed to a contact case, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and the configuration is simplified, but the magnet may move in the third direction upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional magnet with two magnetic surfaces (one dimension of magnetic attraction) to a magnet with three magnetic surfaces extending in three mutually orthogonal directions (three dimensions of magnetic attraction). This dimensional expansion allows the magnet to be restrained in all three spatial directions by the yoke, preventing impact-induced movement without requiring additional fixing structures that would increase manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the magnet and the housing. By providing three portions that are respectively attracted to the three magnetic surfaces of the magnet, the yoke indirectly secures the magnet's position in three-dimensional space without requiring direct mechanical fixation to the housing, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving position stability.
2Device complexity
If the magnet is not fixed, then the configuration is simplified, but the operation of the electromagnetic relay may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the magnetic attraction in three mutually orthogonal directions through the three magnetic surfaces, the magnet achieves stable positioning in three-dimensional space. This prevents impact-induced displacement that would adversely affect relay operation, while maintaining a relatively simple configuration without complex fixing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet's own magnetic field serves the dual function of both actuating the relay (attracting the movable contact piece) and securing its own position (attracting the three portions of the yoke). This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate fixing structures, simplifying the configuration while ensuring operational reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the magnet is fixed by a seal member, then the magnet position is stable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnet-fixing function from the seal member (which would otherwise serve only for sealing) and integrates it into the magnetic interaction between the magnet and yoke. The three portions of the yoke are specifically designed to be attracted to the three magnetic surfaces, providing stable positioning without requiring additional seal members or fixing structures, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke is given a multi-functional role: it serves both as part of the magnetic circuit (conducting magnetic flux from the magnet to the movable contact piece) and as a positioning structure (restraining the magnet in three directions through magnetic attraction). This universality eliminates the need for separate fixing components, reducing manufacturing cost while ensuring magnet position stability.
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 minimizes magnet movement, preserves arc interruption performance, and maintains the magnet's arrangement and size without increasing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet generates a magnetic field inside the housing. The magnet includes a first magnetic surface directed in a first direction, a second magnetic surface directed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third magnetic surface directed in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The yoke is connected to the magnet. The yoke includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is disposed opposite to the first magnetic surface and is attracted to the first magnetic surface. The second portion is disposed opposite to the second magnetic surface and is attracted to the second magnetic surface. The third portion is disposed opposite to the third magnetic surface and is attracted to the third magnetic surface.
Implementation Method 2
The magnet generates a magnetic field inside the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic relay includes a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact, a movable contact piece, a housing, a magnet, and a yoke. The movable contact piece includes a first movable contact. The housing accommodates the first fixed contact and the movable contact piece. The magnet includes a first magnetic surface directed in a first direction, a second magnetic surface directed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third magnetic surface directed in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The yoke is connected to the magnet and includes a first portion disposed opposite to the first magnetic surface and attracted to the first magnetic surface; a second portion disposed opposite to the second magnetic surface and attracted to the second magnetic surface; and a third portion disposed opposite to the third magnetic surface and attracted to the third magnetic surface.