Magnet-Reed Position Sensor for Radiation-Resistant Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detection devices used in sterilization systems, which involve high radiation and temperature, are prone to decomposition and frequent replacement due to their low resistance to these conditions.

Innovation Solution

A detection device with high resistance to radioactive radiation and high temperatures, featuring a sensor with a magnet and electrical switch that operates reliably even under extreme conditions, allowing for accurate recording of the position of movable objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detection devices are used in sterilization systems, then they can detect object positions, but they decompose under high radiation and temperature conditions requiring frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection device reliabilityVSAvoidservice life of detection device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electronic sensors and mechanical switches with a magnetic field-based detection system. A permanent magnet is mounted on the movable object, and a reed switch mounted on the stationary structure detects the magnet's position through magnetic field interaction. This substitution eliminates electronic components that are sensitive to radiation and temperature, allowing the detection device to withstand high radiation doses and temperatures without decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the detection system by using magnetic field interaction instead of electrical signals. The reed switch is actuated by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, and this magnetic-based parameter change allows the system to operate reliably in high radiation and temperature environments where conventional electronic systems would fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If detection devices with electronic components are used, then they can provide precise detection, but they are degraded by sustained radiation exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection precisionVSAvoidradiation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic sensing components with a magnetic field-based system. The permanent magnet and reed switch combination provides position detection through magnetic field interaction rather than electrical signals, eliminating the degradation of electronic components by radiation while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device uses a composite approach combining a permanent magnet (providing stable magnetic field) with a reed switch (providing reliable switching). This composite system leverages the radiation-resistant properties of magnetic materials and the robust mechanical switching action of the reed switch to achieve both precision and radiation resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional detection devices are used in high temperature environments, then they can detect positions, but they require frequent replacement due to thermal degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection function reliabilityVSAvoidservice life under high temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces temperature-sensitive electronic components with a magnetic field-based detection system. The permanent magnet and reed switch are inherently resistant to high temperatures, allowing the detection device to maintain reliability in thermal environments without frequent replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The detection device effectively withstands high radiation doses and elevated temperatures, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring reliable operation in sterilization systems.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical switch is designed to be activated by the magnetic field of the magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4115436B1Sensing device for sensing the position of a movable object
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 FRAMATOME GMBH
  • EP4115436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4115436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4115436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensing device (18) for sensing the position of a movable object comprising: a base (20); an arm (22), which is mounted for rotation relative to the base (20), the arm (22) being rotatable about a first axis of rotation (26) and having a free end (28) for contacting the movable object; and a sensor (24), which is designed to sense rotation of the arm (22) relative to the base (20), the sensor (24) having a first part and a second part. The first part rotates with the arm (22), and the second part is fastened to the base (20). The first part is a first element of a magnet(40)-switch(42) pair, the switch being an electrical switch (42) designed to be actuated by means of the magnetic field of the magnet (40), and the second part is the other element of the magnet(40)-switch(42) pair.