Electro Permanent Magnetic Module Bistable State Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro permanent magnetic systems lack a reliable and energy-independent method to indicate the magnetic state of the module, especially in scenarios with removable connections, making it difficult to determine the state of multiple modules and units, and current visual indicators are not easily legible or consistent.
Innovation Solution
A bistable magnetization indicator is integrated with the electro permanent magnetic module, capable of storing and displaying the magnetic state information without requiring electrical power, using a two-colour cylindrical wheel rotated by a stepping motor and sensors to ensure accurate and consistent state indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a visual indicator system is installed on the control unit to display magnetic state, then the magnetic state information is available, but the information consistency is lost when the connection is removed and the legibility during positioning operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic state indicator with the electro permanent magnetic module itself, rather than keeping it separate in the control unit. The indicator is physically integrated into the module housing, so it travels with the module and maintains information consistency regardless of connection status. This combining resolves the contradiction by ensuring the indicator always displays the correct state of its associated module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bistable indicator mechanism as an intermediary that stores and displays magnetic state information locally on the module. This intermediary component acts as a mediator between the magnetic state and the operator, providing continuous visual feedback without requiring a connection to the control unit, thus maintaining information consistency and legibility simultaneously.
2Reliability
If traditional indicator lamps powered by electrical energy are used, then the magnetic state can be indicated, but the indicator requires continuous energy supply and may fail when energy is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service indicator system that uses the magnetic field itself to power and operate the indicator. The magnetic module's own magnetic field interacts with the indicator mechanism, eliminating the need for external electrical power. This self-service approach enhances reliability by removing dependence on external energy sources while consuming no additional energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical lamp-based indicator system with a mechanical or magnetic field-based indicator mechanism. Instead of using electrical energy to illuminate lamps, the system uses the magnetic field to directly actuate the indicator, substituting an electrical system with a magnetic/mechanical one that is more reliable and energy-independent.
3Ease of operation
If the indicator is positioned away from the module for easy access, then the control unit can be simplified, but the legibility during positioning operations is reduced and information consistency is lost with removable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indicator with the module in a unified integrated design. The indicator is positioned on the module housing within view during positioning operations, ensuring both information accuracy and accessibility. This merging eliminates the need to choose between proximity and accessibility, as the indicator serves both functions simultaneously.
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 provides a reliable, energy-independent means to indicate the magnetic state of the module, ensuring operator safety and information consistency, even with removable connections, by using a bistable indicator that does not require electrical power to maintain its state, allowing for easy identification of the module's state during operations.
Implementation Method 1
a bistable magnetization indicator (14) integrated with said electro permanent magnetic module (12)... using a two-colour cylindrical wheel rotated by a stepping motor
Implementation Method 2
sensors to ensure accurate and consistent state indication
Implementation Method 3
an electro permanent magnetic module (12) intended for anchoring ferromagnetic material
Implementation Method 4
one or more solenoids required for module activation/deactivation
Data Source
AI summary
An electro permanent magnetic system (10) for anchoring ferromagnetic material, with magnetic state indicator (14), comprising: an electro permanent magnetic module (12), a control unit (11) for said electro permanent magnetic module (12), an electrical connection system (13) between said control unit (11) and said electro permanent magnetic module (12); a magnetization indicator (14) for said electro permanent magnetic module (12) associated with the electro permanent magnetic module (12); characterized in that said magnetization indicator (14) is a bistable indicator having two stable states; said magnetization indicator (14) not requiring electrical power to remain in one of said stable states; said magnetization indicator (14) being electrically fed only in association with the magnetization or demagnetization of said electro permanent magnetic module (12), to pass from one stable state to the other of said two stable states.