Snap-On Relay Contact Structure for Polarity-Independent Arc Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electromagnetic relays require precise polarity connection to prevent arc damage, leading to potential destruction from reverse electrical conduction.
Innovation Solution
A non-polarized snap-on electromagnetic relay design with a barrier block and strike-arc magnet that guides and extinguishes electric arcs without considering polarity, using a movable contact assembly and fixed conductive plates to ensure safe electrical conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electromagnetic relay is used with polarity connection requirements, then the relay can operate reliably with correct polarity, but the relay will be damaged by arc effect when reverse electrical conduction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the harmful arc effect by introducing a strike-arc magnet that guides the arc to a predetermined arc receiving portion on the movable contact assembly. The arc energy is concentrated on this specific region, allowing the relay to handle reverse electrical conduction without damage. The harmful arc is converted into a controlled phenomenon that no longer threatens the relay's reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The strike-arc magnet acts as an intermediary between the contacts and the arc. It generates a magnetic field that influences the arc's path, directing it to the arc receiving portion. This intermediary component mediates the interaction between the electrical current and the relay structure, protecting the relay from arc damage while maintaining operational reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional electromagnetic relay requires strict polarity connection, then arc damage is prevented, but the relay cannot handle reverse electrical conduction and requires precise installation orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The relay is designed to function universally regardless of polarity or installation orientation. The strike-arc magnet and arc receiving portion configuration enables the relay to handle both normal and reverse electrical conduction equally well. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for polarity consideration during installation, allowing the relay to be installed in any orientation without affecting its protective capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall relay structure maintains symmetry for universal installation, the internal arc receiving portion is asymmetrically positioned relative to the strike-arc magnet. This asymmetric configuration ensures that regardless of which terminal is connected to positive or negative, the arc will always be directed to the appropriate receiving portion, enabling polarity-independent operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-polarized design with strike-arc magnet is implemented, then the relay can handle arbitrary polarity connection, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The strike-arc magnet is integrated into the existing relay structure, merging its arc-guiding function with the relay's contact system. The arc receiving portion is formed as part of the movable contact assembly rather than as a separate component. This merging approach adds polarity-independent functionality while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than making the entire relay complex, the patent applies local quality by adding the strike-arc magnet and arc receiving portion only in the specific locations where arc control is needed. The rest of the relay structure remains simple and unchanged. This localized approach achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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
Enables safe and reliable electrical conduction without polarity concerns, effectively eliminating electric arcs to prevent damage from current reversals.
Implementation Method 1
the barrier block contains a strike-arc magnet... guides the electric arc towards the arc receiving portion by the strike-arc magnet and stretches the electric arc to reduce the energy density of the electric arc
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid coil assembly... the link assembly is installed on a side of the solenoid coil assembly and operated according to the driving state of the solenoid coil assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A non-polarized snap-on electromagnetic relay capable of arbitrarily connecting two electrodes for electrical conduction to execute a charging or discharging operation without the need of considering positive and negative polarity includes a base, a solenoid coil assembly, a link assembly, a fixed contact assembly, and a movable contact assembly, and all these assemblies are installed on the base. The base of the electromagnetic relay further includes a barrier block disposed in the fixed contact assembly and symmetrically arranged between two fixed conductive plates, and a movable spring plate of the movable contact assembly is set across the barrier block, so that the stroke movement of the movable contact on the movable spring plate takes place on two sides of the barrier block, and the barrier block contains a strike-arc magnet.