Hall-Effect Switch Sensitivity Test System

Solution Overview

Problem

Testing the sensitivity and accuracy of Hall-effect switches to specific magnetic fields requires a strong electromagnetic field, which typically demands high Direct Current (DC) levels, straining power supplies and limiting fine-tuning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnet connected to an adjustable power supply and a permanent magnet is used to apply a variable magnetic field, reducing the DC requirements and enabling precise control of magnetic field strength through an electromagnet with a ferromagnetic core and adjustable power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a strong electromagnetic field is generated using only an electromagnet, then the magnetic field strength is sufficient for testing, but the power supply is strained due to high DC requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines an electromagnet and a permanent magnet into a single integrated magnetic field generation system. The electromagnet provides adjustable magnetic field strength while the permanent magnet contributes a baseline magnetic field, reducing the overall power requirements compared to using an electromagnet alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field strength by varying the DC input to the electromagnet while maintaining a constant contribution from the permanent magnet. This allows for fine-tuning of the magnetic field to match specific testing requirements without requiring high power levels throughout the entire testing range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a strong electromagnetic field is generated using only an electromagnet, then the magnetic field strength is sufficient for testing, but fine-tuning capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoidfine-tuning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field strength by varying the DC input to the electromagnet while maintaining a constant contribution from the permanent magnet. This allows for fine-tuning of the magnetic field to match specific testing requirements without requiring high power levels throughout the entire testing range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent magnet acts as an intermediary that provides a stable baseline magnetic field, allowing the electromagnet to make precise adjustments around this baseline. This intermediary element enhances the fine-tuning capability by providing a reference point for incremental adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If high DC levels are used to generate a strong magnetic field, then the magnetic field strength is sufficient, but the power supply is strained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoidpower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines an electromagnet and a permanent magnet into a single integrated magnetic field generation system. The electromagnet provides adjustable magnetic field strength while the permanent magnet contributes a baseline magnetic field, reducing the overall power requirements compared to using an electromagnet alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent magnet provides a partial magnetic field contribution that reduces the burden on the electromagnet. This partial action from the permanent magnet allows the electromagnet to operate at lower, less stressful current levels while still achieving the required total magnetic field strength for testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This setup allows for efficient testing of Hall-effect switches with reduced power consumption and precise magnetic field adjustments, enhancing sensitivity and accuracy assessments.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet connected to an adjustable power supply is provided with a permanent magnet to test the switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Hall-effect switches may be used in a device to determine when power should be shut down to the device when the Hall-effect switch is close to a magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7843193B2System to Test Magnetic Sensitivity of Hall-Effect Switch

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A system and method for determining the magnetic sensitivity of a Hall-effect switch through the use of a variable powered DC electromagnet having a permanent magnet attached to it. In use the electromagnet is placed in contact with a Hall-effect switch component and the DC voltage varied until a detector determines the Hall-effect switch has been triggered. The electromagnet is then moved to be in contact with a probe connected to a Gauss meter to determine the magnetic sensitivity of the Hall-effect switch.