Form C Reed Switch Motor State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reed switches of the Form A type lack the capability to differentiate between stationary and moving states of a motor, leading to inefficient control of electromagnetic brakes and motor operation.

Innovation Solution

A reed switch of the Form C type is designed with a common terminal, a normally open terminal, and a normally closed terminal, utilizing a magnetic envelope and spring members to create a 'double contact structure' that changes contact configurations based on the presence of an external magnetic field, allowing for precise control of motor operation by coupling power to either the motor or the electromagnetic brake.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional Form A reed switch is used, then the structure is simple, but the capability to differentiate between stationary and moving states of a motor is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to differentiate motor statesVSAvoidreed switch structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reed switch is divided into multiple independent contact elements: a normally open contact element and a normally closed contact element, each capable of responding to magnetic fields independently. This segmentation allows the single reed switch device to provide multiple state differentiation capabilities (detecting both motion and stationary states) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a Form C reed switch with double contact structure is designed, then precise control of motor operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor control precisionVSAvoidcontact configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The normally open contact element and normally closed contact element are merged within a single reed switch housing, sharing common components such as the magnetic envelope, support structure, and sealing. This merging approach enables precise motor control through multiple contact configurations while avoiding the complexity of using separate switches for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reed switch is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both normally open and normally closed contact elements that can be used for different control purposes: the normally closed contact provides default connection for safety functions, while the normally open contact provides switched connection for motor control. This universal design allows a single device to handle multiple control requirements.

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

3Reliability

If the electromagnetic brake is engaged continuously, then the motor is safe when stationary, but wear on components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor safetyVSAvoidcomponent wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The reed switch contact configuration dynamically changes based on the presence or absence of a magnetic field. When the motor is stationary (no magnetic field), the normally closed contact maintains engagement for safety. When the motor is in motion (magnetic field present), the contact configuration automatically switches to disengage the brake. This dynamic response ensures safety while minimizing unnecessary wear by only engaging the brake when truly needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient operation of motors by ensuring the electromagnetic brake is released when the motor is in motion and engaged when stationary, improving motor control and reducing wear on components.

Implementation Method 1

The distal end portion is configured to come into contact with the first fixed terminal piece in response to an external magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The first spring member has a base end portion secured to the first fixed terminal piece and a distal end portion configured to come into contact with the movable contact portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8760246B2Reed switch
Publication Date: 2014.06.24 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • US8760246B2 patent drawing
  • US8760246B2 patent drawing
  • US8760246B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A reed switch includes an envelope, a first fixed terminal piece, a second fixed terminal piece, a third fixed terminal piece, a movable reed piece, a first spring member, a second spring member, and a third spring member. The movable reed piece has a base end portion, a distal end portion, and a movable contact portion. A distal end portion of the second spring member is farther from the first spring member than a base end portion of the second spring member in a state where the movable contact portion is spaced apart from a distal end portion of the first spring member and the distal end portion of the second spring member.