Sensor-Integrated Locking Pin for Remote Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking bolts cannot determine their position remotely, relying on haptic or visual perception, which is unreliable, especially in safety-critical systems, and lack precise positioning relative to bolt guides.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors, such as inductive or magnetic sensors, to detect the axial end positions of the locking bolt, generating electrical signals that allow remote position querying, enabling contact-free detection of locking and unlocking states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual haptic or visual inspection is used to determine locking bolt position, then the system structure remains simple, but the reliability of position determination deteriorates under adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual haptic and visual inspection methods with automated sensor-based detection systems. Sensors (such as inductive, magnetic, capacitive, or optical sensors) are integrated into the locking mechanism to automatically detect and report the position of locking elements, eliminating the need for manual verification and providing reliable position determination regardless of environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary elements between the locking mechanism and the control system. These sensors act as mediators that convert physical position information into electrical signals that can be processed and communicated, enabling reliable remote monitoring of locking bolt positions without direct human intervention.
2Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to determine locking bolt position, then the device complexity remains low, but the measurement precision deteriorates when the view is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes visual inspection methods with sensor-based detection systems that provide precise position information regardless of line of sight. Sensors such as inductive, magnetic, capacitive, or optical sensors are integrated into the locking mechanism to automatically detect and report the position of locking elements, eliminating the need for visual verification and providing reliable position determination even when obscured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary elements that convert physical position information into electrical signals. These sensors are strategically positioned within the locking mechanism to detect the presence and position of locking elements through magnetic fields, electrical fields, or other non-line-of-sight mechanisms, providing accurate measurement without requiring visual access.
3Loss of information
If no position sensing is implemented, then the device complexity remains minimal, but the loss of information about locking state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the position of locking elements and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop ensures that the system always has current information about the locking state, enabling automatic verification, reporting, and control decisions based on actual physical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and signal processing circuits as intermediary elements that capture and transmit information about the locking state. These intermediaries convert mechanical position information into electrical signals that can be processed, stored, and communicated, preventing information loss and enabling remote monitoring and control.
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 reliable remote determination of the locking bolt's position, improving safety and precision by providing a contact-free, robust method that functions under adverse conditions like heat, dust, and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic sensor has the advantage that it can function even under harsh conditions such as heat, dust, and vibrations—and even through non-ferromagnetic objects.
Implementation Method 2
Inductive sensors: These react to both ferromagnetic and non-magnetic metallic objects.
Data Source
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AI summary
Manually operated locking bolt (1) with a cylindrical, sleeve-shaped bolt guide (3) and a bolt (2) axially displaceable in the bolt guide (3), which has a locking end (15) and an actuating end (31), wherein the bolt (2) is axially displaceable and lockable between a first axial end position or a second axial end position within the bolt guide (3), wherein at least one sensor (27) is attached to the bolt guide (3), which detects the two axial end positions of the bolt (2) as a measured variable and generates a processable electrical signal from them.