Bistable Actuator Position Detection via Magnetic Field Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting the movement or position of an actuating partner is challenging in limited installation spaces or under stressful environmental conditions such as moisture, vibration, or heat, especially in the automotive sector, where reliable and interference-free detection is required without a permanent electrical signal or power supply.
Innovation Solution
A bistable electromagnetic actuator device with a magnetic field detector that interacts with the permanent magnet means of the armature unit, allowing position or movement detection independently of the electromagnetic drive, using Hall sensors or coils to generate a reliable detection signal, even in de-energized states, and enabling continuous monitoring of the plunger unit's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional sensors are used for position detection, then detection functionality is provided, but the device complexity and equipment expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electromagnetic actuator device perform dual functions: it acts as both an actuator (moving the plunger unit) and as a sensor (detecting position via the magnetic field detector). The magnetic field detector, already present for monitoring the permanent magnet's position during actuation, is used to detect the position of the actuating partner, eliminating the need for separate sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator device monitors its own operational state and the position of the actuating partner using its integrated magnetic field detector. The system uses its own magnetic field interactions to generate detection signals, making the device self-sufficient for both actuation and detection without requiring external sensing equipment.
2Reliability
If sensors are added for reliable detection under stressful environmental conditions, then detection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field detector serves dual purposes: monitoring the permanent magnet's position during electromagnetic actuation and detecting the position of the actuating partner under stressful environmental conditions. This multi-functionality provides reliable detection without adding separate sensing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic field detection instead of traditional mechanical or electrical sensors that would be vulnerable to environmental stressors like moisture, vibration, and heat. The magnetic field detector provides contactless, interference-free detection that is inherently more reliable in harsh automotive environments.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If continuous power supply is provided for detection, then detection functionality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field detector operates by detecting changes in the magnetic field as the plunger unit moves between its two stable positions. The detection is triggered periodically by the actuator's own operation rather than requiring continuous power supply, reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the magnetic field changes naturally occurring during actuation to generate detection signals. The permanent magnet's movement creates the detection signal passively, eliminating the need for continuous power supply to the detection system.
4Measurement precision
If a starting position determination is performed before movement detection, then accurate movement detection is achieved, but the detection time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field detector continuously monitors the position of the permanent magnet and generates detection signals throughout the entire actuation process. There is no separate starting position determination step; the detection is continuous and provides accurate position information at all times, reducing detection time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector provides continuous feedback on the plunger unit's position during actuation, allowing real-time monitoring of movement from the initial to the final position. This continuous feedback eliminates the need for separate measurement steps and provides accurate movement detection throughout the process.
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 device provides stable functionality as a position sensor and movement detector, suitable for stressed environments, allowing for clear detection and signal output, even without continuous power, and is modularly usable, enhancing the actuator's functionality in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
A bistable electromagnetic actuator device with a magnetic field detector that interacts with the permanent magnet means of the armature unit
Implementation Method 2
using Hall sensors or coils to generate a reliable detection signal
Implementation Method 3
using Hall sensors or coils to generate a reliable detection signal
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a bistable electromagnetic actuator device comprising a permanent magnet means (12; 12a, 12b) and an armature unit (18) having a plunger unit (10) which extends in a direction of movement and can be moved by stationary electromagnetic drive means (22) to at least one of two end and/or stop positions that are stable in a de-energized state. A housing (20) which at least partially surrounds the armature unit is provided with stationary magnetic field detection means (34; 34a, 34b) for contactless interaction with the permanent magnet means in at least one of the end or stop positions which is provided for the purpose of detecting the armature position. The end face of the plunger unit has an engagement portion (28) for interacting with an actuating partner in a contacting and formfitting manner, such that when the electromagnetic drive means are deactivated, more particularly de-energized, formfitting contact and/or actuation by the actuating partner causes the armature unit to move to one of the end or stop positions in which the armature unit remains stable in a de-energized state, and the magnetic field detection means are arranged and connected so as to generate and output a detector signal which corresponds to said end or stop position, more particularly after the contact or actuation.