Compact Magnetic Switch for Circuit Board Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic switches used in alarm systems are too large for direct mounting on circuit boards, making them vulnerable to external magnet manipulation and lacking in compactness for integrated solutions.

Innovation Solution

Development of very compact magnetic switch assemblies with a base and cover forming a housing, including laterally spaced electrodes and a shiftable electrically conductive component that changes positions based on magnetic field conditions, allowing for direct mounting on circuit boards and enhanced security features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional magnetic switches are used, then reliable switch operation is achieved, but the switch size is too large for direct circuit board mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch sizeVSAvoidmounting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is segmented into distinct functional components: a base with electrodes, a cover forming a housing, and a shiftable conductive component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall compactness, enabling circuit board mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If larger magnetic switches are used, then reliable detection is achieved, but vulnerability to external magnet manipulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidexternal magnet manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The switch design incorporates preliminary anti-action by creating a controlled magnetic environment within the housing that resists external magnetic interference. The shiftable conductive component and electrode arrangement are configured to maintain reliable operation despite external magnet attempts, effectively countering the harmful manipulation before it can affect switch operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Volume of moving object

If compact switch design is implemented, then circuit board integration is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch compactnessVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base and cover are merged to form an integrated housing structure that encloses and protects the shiftable conductive component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the necessary compact configuration for circuit board mounting, and the housing simultaneously provides structural support and protection against external manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 compact magnetic switch assemblies provide secure and reliable detection of unauthorized openings in door or window systems, while also being adaptable for use in proximity sensors, offering improved resistance to external manipulation and integration with circuit boards.

Implementation Method 1

shiftable between separate switch-operating positions depending upon the magnetic field conditions imposed upon the components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The operating assembly serves to create a magnetic field condition to shift the component to the first switch position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the switch comes into proximity with a metallic structure which magnetically couples with the shiftable component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3387664B1Compact magnetic switch for circuit boards
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 MAGNASPHERE CORP
  • EP3387664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8
  • EP3387664B1 patent drawingFigure 9~15
  • EP3387664B1 patent drawingFigure 15A~18A

AI summary

Small, low-profile magnetic switch assemblies (26, 76, 126, 168) include a base (38, 78, 156) equipped with first and second laterally spaced apart switch electrodes, indentations (62, 102, 158) between the electrodes, and electrically conductive movable components (72, 110, 166), which are magnetically shiftable between a first switch position in simultaneous contact with the base electrodes, and a second switch position out of such simultaneous contact. The switch position of the component (72, 110, 166) is determined by the magnetic field conditions experienced by the component (72, 110, 166). The indentations (62, 102, 158) and associated shiftable components (72, 110, 166) permit the assemblies (26, 76, 126, 168) to be constructed as comparatively tiny units, which may be mounted on circuit boards.