Induction Generator for Radio Switch with Cam-Controlled Magnet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction generators for miniature wireless switches face challenges in generating high electrical energy from mechanical actuation due to their small size, with previous solutions being inefficient in energy conversion and miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

The induction generator employs a cam-controlled movement path with a control profile and engagement element, along with dual mechanical energy stores, to facilitate a metastable position and rapid movement of the magnetic element, enabling high induction voltage generation through deflection and deflection mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the induction generator is miniaturized for wireless switch applications, then the overall size is reduced, but the electrical energy generation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduction system sizeVSAvoidelectrical energy generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a cam-controlled mechanism that transforms the magnetic element's movement from simple linear translation to a dynamic trajectory involving deflection and rapid return. This dynamic movement pattern increases the rate of change of magnetic flux, enabling high power generation in a miniaturized system. The cam profile specifically designed to create metastable positions and rapid transitions maximizes the induction voltage despite the small size of the induction coil and magnetic element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cam-controlled mechanism induces rapid oscillatory motion of the magnetic element between metastable positions, creating a vibration-like effect. This rapid back-and-forth movement generates high-frequency changes in magnetic flux through the induction coil, producing sufficient electrical energy even though the physical dimensions of the induction system are greatly reduced. The vibrational motion pattern is key to achieving high power output from a miniaturized induction generator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Device complexity

If a simple linear movement path is used for the magnetic element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the induction voltage generation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement control mechanismVSAvoidinduction voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary device that converts simple linear actuation into complex magnetic element trajectories. The cam profile acts as a mediator between the actuating force and the magnetic element, imposing a predetermined movement path that includes deflection phases and rapid return segments. This intermediary mechanism enables high induction voltage generation without requiring complex direct control of the magnetic element's motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism pre-establishes the optimal movement trajectory for the magnetic element before actuation occurs. The control profile is designed in advance to create metastable positions and define the deflection-return motion pattern. This preliminary configuration of the movement path ensures that when actuation occurs, the magnetic element follows the predetermined high-efficiency trajectory, maximizing induction voltage without real-time complex control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the magnetic element moves slowly between rest positions, then the device durability is improved, but the electrical energy conversion efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidenergy conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The cam-controlled mechanism creates a periodic motion pattern where the magnetic element rapidly transitions between metastable positions and then returns to rest positions. The periodic deflection and return cycles generate repeated high-voltage induction pulses. The system alternates between high-speed energy generation phases and low-speed rest phases, maintaining durability through controlled periodic operation while achieving high instantaneous power output during the active cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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 design effectively generates a high induction voltage while maintaining a compact size, allowing for efficient energy conversion and miniaturization, enabling the induction generator to produce a large amount of energy through accelerated movement of the magnetic element.

Implementation Method 1

an induction generator (1, 1'), in particular for a miniature snap-action switch (2). The induction generator (1, 1') has a magnetic element (3) with a permanent magnet and at least one induction coil (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic element (3) with a permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2550726B1Induction generator
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP2550726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2550726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2550726B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An induction generator (1, 1') for a radio switch (2) having a magnet element (3) as well as an induction coil (4) with a coil core (5) wherein the coil core (5) is U-shaped, wherein a first rest position (Y1) and a second rest position (Y2) are in each case defined for the magnet element (3), in contact with the limbs (6, 7) of the coil core (5), and a flux direction reversal takes place in the coil core (5) whenever a change takes place between these positions, wherein a movement path for the magnet element (3) is predetermined for a movement between the rest positions (Y1, Y2), wherein the induction generator (1, 1') has a first mechanical energy store (10) which is operatively connected to the magnet element (3) and first of all stores energy in the course of forcing a movement from a rest position (Y1, Y2) and, after reaching an intermediate position which is defined along the movement path and corresponding to which the magnetic forces on the coil core (5) decrease suddenly, emits this energy to the magnet element (3) in order to mechanically accelerate the movement of the magnet element (3) to the respective other rest position (Y2, Y1) after leaving the intermediate position.