Eddy Current Latching Device Gradual Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching devices either fail to fully stop relative movement or cause sudden stops, lacking redundancy and graduated slowing effects, which can lead to injuries and false activations in applications like seat belts and fall safety devices.
Innovation Solution
A latching device that combines eddy current formation and a latch arrangement to control relative speed, allowing for tunable braking effects by adjusting the kinematic relationship between conductive/magnetic members and their fields, providing both slowing and stopping capabilities with redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch arrangement is used to fully stop relative movement, then stopping capability is improved, but the stopping action becomes sudden and causes injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The eddy current brake acts as a cushioning mechanism that engages before the latch arrangement to reduce the relative speed between the spool and housing. This pre-slowing action reduces the kinetic energy that the latch must dissipate, preventing sudden stops and potential injuries to the wearer.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping function is divided into two separate mechanisms: the eddy current brake handles the gradual slowing phase, while the latch arrangement handles the final stopping phase. This segmentation allows each mechanism to optimize its function without the drawbacks of the other.
2Speed
If eddy current formation is used to control speed, then graduated slowing effect is improved, but the ability to fully stop movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The speed control function is segmented into two phases: the eddy current brake provides graduated slowing by converting kinetic energy to thermal energy through electromagnetic induction, while the latch arrangement provides definitive stopping through mechanical engagement. Both phases work together to achieve complete speed control from gradual deceleration to full stop.
Solution Approach 2:
The eddy current brake and latch arrangement are merged into a single integrated system where the brake reduces speed to an optimal engagement velocity for the latch, and the latch provides the final stopping action. The combination achieves both graduated slowing and complete stopping capabilities.
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 solution enables a more graduated stopping effect and redundancy, minimizing the risk of sudden stops and false activations, while allowing for a wide range of applications with customizable braking responses.
Implementation Method 1
relative speed of movement of the members are in part controlled or reduced via eddy current formation
Implementation Method 2
inducing an eddy current drag force by relative movement of the at least one conductive member in the at least one magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are latching devices where relative speed of movement between members is in part controlled or reduced via eddy current formation and in part controlled or relative motion stopped via a latch arrangement. Various embodiments are described, one being use of a conductive member; at least one magnetic field and a latch member that, prior to latching, moves independently to the at least one conductive member. A kinematic relationship exists between the conductive member and at least one magnetic field that enables the conductive member to move at a different speed relative to the magnetic field on application of an energizing force, thereby inducing an eddy current drag force by relative movement of the conductive member in the magnetic field. The eddy current drag force resulting causes movement of the conductive member causing the conductive member to engage the latch member thereby halting movement between the at least one conductive member and the at least one latch member.