Interchangeable Lever Assemblies with Magnetic Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lever assemblies lack a standardized 'plug and play' capability, making it difficult to facilitate easy removal and replacement, and to automatically recognize and identify correct assemblies within systems without direct electrical connections, leading to potential assembly errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of lever assemblies with identification magnets and magnetic field sensors, such as Hall Effect devices, which allow for automatic recognition and error detection when installed in mating portions, enabling 'plug and play' functionality and preventing incorrect assembly through geometric keying features and magnetic interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lever assemblies are made interchangeable with standardized interfaces, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for identification magnets and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The lever assembly performs self-identification through magnetic field interactions between identification magnets on the lever and magnetic field sensors in the mating portion. This self-service mechanism automatically communicates the lever type without requiring external configuration or manual input, enabling plug-and-play interchangeability while keeping the interface relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical electrical connections with magnetic field-based identification. Instead of using electrical contacts or complex mechanical coupling mechanisms for identification, the system uses non-contact magnetic field sensing to detect lever assembly types, reducing mechanical complexity while enabling automated recognition
2Measurement precision
If direct electrical connections are used for identification, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the lever assembly and the control system for identification purposes. The identification magnets create magnetic fields that are detected by magnetic field sensors, serving as a non-contact mediator that transfers identification information without requiring direct electrical or mechanical contact between the lever and sensing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electrical connection-based identification with magnetic field-based identification. By using magnets and magnetic field sensors instead of electrical contacts, the system achieves reliable identification without the wear, corrosion, or connection failures associated with direct electrical connections
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 solution enables facile installation and error-free operation of lever assemblies by automatically recognizing and identifying correct assemblies, reducing human error and simplifying the integration process within systems, all without the need for direct electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensor positioned adjacent the magnet for providing an output representative to position of the lever
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of lever assemblies with identification magnets and magnetic field sensors, such as Hall Effect devices
Data Source
AI summary
A lever assembly. The assembly may include a lever, a shaft coupled to the lever for supporting pivotal movement of the lever, a magnet coupled to the lever, the magnet being configured to rotate upon pivotal movement of the lever, and magnetic field sensor positioned adjacent the magnet for providing an output representative to position of the lever.