Electromechanical Switch Actuation for Contact Rubbing Without Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling electromechanical switching elements, such as relays, fail to effectively prevent or delay failures due to sticking contact elements, which can lead to mechanical jamming, oxide buildup, and contact welding, and do not adequately address the need for adaptive control based on varying application scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method involving repeated pulsing of the electromechanical switching element during the switching process, with the coil current oscillating between predetermined maximum and minimum values, causing the armature to move within the overtravel range and rub contacts together, while using integrated measurement technology and a microcontroller for adaptive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the switching element is repeatedly pulsed during switching-off or switching-on process, then the contacts are rubbed together to prevent sticking and maintain conductivity, but the coil current must oscillate between maximum and minimum values which increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by repeatedly pulsing the switching element during the switching-off or switching-on process. The coil current is switched on and off multiple times within a single switching operation, causing the armature to move back and forth within the overtravel range. This periodic movement rubs the contacts together, preventing oxide buildup and maintaining conductivity, while the current oscillates between predetermined maximum and minimum values.
2Reliability
If the armature is moved within the overtravel range to rub contacts together, then contact quality is maintained, but the switching process time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the contact rubbing operation during the existing switching-off or switching-on process, rather than adding a separate operation. The repeated pulsing occurs within the overtravel range during the normal switching sequence, so the contact maintenance action is embedded within the existing time framework, minimizing additional time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated measurement technology and microcontroller are used for adaptive control, then the system can adapt to varying application scenarios, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a universal component that can be used across varying application scenarios. The integrated measurement technology and microcontroller provide adaptive control that can adjust to different applications, making the switching element universally applicable while maintaining optimized performance through electronic adaptation rather than requiring multiple specialized designs.
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
Prevents contact separation and maintains conductivity by repeatedly rubbing contacts together, reducing system failures and ensuring uninterrupted operation with minimal user effort.
Implementation Method 1
a coil with an iron core, and an armature, wherein... the coil current flowing into the coil oscillates between a predetermined maximum value and a minimum value, causing the armature to move within the overtravel range
Implementation Method 2
causing the contacts to rub against each other without separating from each other... The reasons for these faults are varied, including mechanical jamming, oxide buildup
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for actuating an electromechanical switching element at least comprising: a plurality of contacts; a coil having an iron core; and an armature, wherein, in the event that a predefined condition is fulfilled, the switching element is repeatedly pulsed on and off during the switch-off process or pulsed off and on during the switch-on process at a predefined point in time within an overtravel range in such a way that the coil current flowing into the coil oscillates between a predefined maximum value and a minimum value so that the armature moves within the overtravel range, thereby causing the contacts to rub against one another without becoming detached from one another, the minimum value being defined as the current value at the point in time at which the armature begins to detach from the iron core.