Actuator Inductor Winding for Safety Switch Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety switches with mechanical actuators face challenges in reliably detecting and locking the closed state of safety devices, particularly due to potential failures or manipulation, and require a more compact and secure design to prevent false signaling.
Innovation Solution
The actuator features an inductor for contact-free signal exchange with a reading inductor, a locking flank with windings around a recess or hole for secure locking, and a predetermined breaking point to manage excessive tensile force, ensuring reliable locking and signal transmission while minimizing damage to the safety switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical actuator is used for detecting and locking the closed state of a safety device, then the locking function can be achieved, but the reliability is reduced due to potential failures or manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical actuator design with a contact-free signal exchange system using inductors. The actuator includes an inductor that communicates wirelessly with a reading inductor in the switch element, eliminating mechanical wear and manipulation vulnerabilities while maintaining the locking function through a locking flank that can be locked by a lock element.
2Reliability
If the inductor windings are positioned to extend around the locking flank for secure locking detection, then false signaling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inductor windings with the locking flank structure such that the windings extend around the locking flank or around a recess/hole forming the locking flank. This integration allows the signal exchange and locking detection functions to be performed by the same structural element, preventing false signaling while avoiding additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking flank serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical locking surface for the lock element, defines the geometric constraint for proper actuator positioning, and serves as the core around which inductor windings are positioned for contact-free signal exchange. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection components.
3Reliability
If the actuator is designed to lock securely on the switch element, then detection reliability is improved, but the actuator may cause damage to the safety switch under excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the actuator as a sacrificial component with a predetermined breaking point that will fail before the switch element or housing is damaged. This breaking point is created by a reduced cross-sectional area that acts as a stress concentration point, ensuring the actuator breaks under excessive tensile force while protecting the more expensive and critical switch elements.
4Reliability
If a contact-free signal exchange system is implemented, then manipulation resistance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometric features including a locking flank with a specific profile and a recess or hole with defined dimensions that must match corresponding features in the switch element. These asymmetric features ensure proper positioning and orientation of the actuator relative to the switch element, enabling reliable contact-free signal exchange while preventing improper installation or manipulation.
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 design enhances the operating safety of safety switches by preventing false signaling and ensuring reliable detection of the actuator's locked state, even under excessive force conditions, while allowing the safety switch to remain functional and undamaged.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator (1) has an inductor (36) for a contact-free signal exchange with a reading inductor (38) of a switch element (16)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (1) of a safety switch (10) for detecting and locking a specifiable state of an apparatus (2), in particular for detecting and locking the closed state of a safety device of a machine (4) or the like, wherein the actuator (1) has an inductor (36) for a contact-free signal exchange with a reading inductor (38) of a switch element (16) of the safety switch (10), and wherein the actuator (1) has a locking flank (50) on which a lock element (24) of the switch element (16) can be brought into locking contact and the actuator (1) can therefore be locked on the switch element (16), characterized in that the inductor (36) has at least one winding extending around the locking flank (50) or around a recess or hole in the actuator (1) forming the locking flank (50) so that the at least one winding extends around the lock element (24) or around an extension of the lock element (24) in the state in which the actuator (1) is locked to the switch element (16), as well as a safety switch having such an actuator.