E-Shaped Magnetic Core Induction Generator for Wireless Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction generators require a significant amount of mechanical energy to generate enough electrical energy to operate wireless switches, leading to inefficiency and high manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

An E-shaped magnetic core induction generator design where a magnet moves between two positions, changing the magnetic flux direction through a coil, allowing for efficient electrical voltage generation with minimal mechanical energy input, and optimizing magnetic flux density for improved efficiency and reduced costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a conventional induction generator design is used, then electrical energy can be generated to operate wireless switches, but a great deal of mechanical energy is required leading to inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical energy inputVSAvoidenergy conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic circuit configuration from conventional designs to an E-shaped core with specific flux path arrangements. This parameter change in the magnetic circuit topology enables the magnetic flux to pass through the coil core twice per actuation cycle, effectively doubling the generated electrical energy for the same mechanical input and resolving the energy efficiency contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic core is segmented into distinct functional regions: first and second legs, a connection area, and a coil core. This segmentation creates separate magnetic flux paths that allow the flux to traverse the coil core multiple times during one actuation cycle, increasing energy generation efficiency while maintaining simple mechanical actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If conventional induction generator designs are used, then electrical energy can be generated, but manufacturing costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy outputVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnetic flux guidance function and electrical energy generation function into a single integrated E-shaped core structure. The connection area of the core serves dual purposes: guiding magnetic flux and supporting the coil assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining high electrical energy output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The E-shaped core structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides magnetic flux through defined paths, supports the coil assembly, and enables the flux to pass through the coil core twice per actuation cycle. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and manufacturing requirements compared to conventional designs that would require separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the magnetic flux density is not optimized, then the generator structure is simpler, but the magnetic flux density distribution in the magnetic circuits is poor leading to reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenerator structure complexityVSAvoidmagnetic flux density distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality optimization by designing the connection area with specific geometric characteristics that concentrate and guide magnetic flux effectively. The connection area is dimensioned and shaped to create optimal flux density distribution at critical locations, ensuring efficient energy transfer without requiring complex overall structure modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 E-shaped magnetic core induction generator achieves high efficiency in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy with reduced mechanical energy requirements and lower manufacturing costs, enabling effective operation of wireless switches and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

the direction of the magnetic flux through the middle arm of the magnetic core changes. This generates an electrical voltage between electrical connections of the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2666234B1Induction generator and method for producing an induction generator
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP2666234B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2666234B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2666234B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an induction generator (100) for a wireless switch, comprising a U-shaped magnetic diverter (102) having a first and a second limb, and a coil core (104) which is arranged between the limbs and has an induction coil (106). In a first position, a movably arranged magnetic element (110) is connected to the first limb and the coil core (104), and in a second position is connected to the coil core (104) and the second limb.