Rotating-Magnet Relay for Bidirectional Arc Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery systems face reduced durability due to the inability to manage high currents flowing in both directions effectively, as the magnetic field direction is fixed, leading to arc formation inside the contact terminal when the current direction reverses, which shortens the relay's cycle-life.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with a relay that includes a magnetic device capable of rotating magnets based on current direction, using a motor and gear system to change the magnetic field configuration, ensuring arcs form outside the contact terminal regardless of current direction, thus extending the cycle-life of the contact terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed magnet is used to form the arc direction for one-directional current, then the durability is improved for that direction, but the durability deteriorates when current flows in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magnetic field configuration changeable rather than fixed. The magnetic device rotates the magnets based on current direction detection, allowing the magnetic field to dynamically adapt to bidirectional current flow. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the relay to maintain optimal arc formation for both current directions, improving durability across all operating conditions while gaining current direction adaptability.
2Reliability
If the magnetic field is changed according to current direction using a rotating magnet system, then the cycle-life for bidirectional current is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the magnetic device to perform multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field for arc control, detects current direction (through integration with the current sensor), and rotates to adapt to bidirectional current. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving contact terminal cycle-life for bidirectional current while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a motor and gear system are added to rotate magnets for bidirectional current management, then arc formation outside contact terminal is ensured, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a magnetic device as a mediator between the current flow and the arc formation process. This magnetic device, with its rotating magnets, acts as an intermediate component that controls the magnetic field to guide arc formation outside the contact terminal. While this adds a component, it uses standard motor and gear mechanisms that are readily available, thereby preventing harmful internal arc formation while keeping manufacturing relatively straightforward.
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
The solution enhances the cycle-life of the contact terminal by dynamically adjusting the magnetic field to manage currents flowing in both directions, preventing internal arc formation and improving relay durability.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic device that changes the magnetic field according to the direction of the current flowing between the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal
Implementation Method 2
a motor including a gear block of which a plurality of gear teeth are formed in a circular shape at the end of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
the gear block of the motor and the gear block of the magnet rotation part may be positioned close to each other so that the gear teeth thereof are engaged with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A relay includes a switching device including a moving contact bar electrically connecting two contact terminals when a current flows through a coil, a magnetic device including two magnets facing each other based on a virtual reference line connecting the two contact terminals and surrounding the switching device, a rotation and supporting member positioned between a coupling interior circumference, which is some area of the interior circumference of the magnetic device, and some external circumferential surface of the switching device, the positions corresponding to the combined interior circumference in order for the magnetic device to be supported and rotated with respect to the switching device, and a current sensor that detects the direction of the current flowing between the two contact terminals. The two magnets may be rotated depending on the direction of the current.