Activation device with magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic activation devices for electric motor-driven food processors cannot transmit pressure inputs, limiting their functionality compared to switches or combined push-turn activation devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating additional rotating magnets between the engaging and feeding elements to enable both pressure and rotational input transmission, with magnetic forces ensuring static friction and optimal positioning, and using sensors to detect displacements for activation recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic forces are used for activation device operation, then the device surface can be cleaned better and dust/dirt/liquid are prevented from entering the device housing, but the activation device cannot transmit pressure inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary to transmit pressure inputs across the housing boundary without physical penetration. Magnets in the engaging element interact with magnets in the feeding element through the housing wall, enabling pressure input transmission while maintaining the sealed surface that prevents dust, dirt, and liquid ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact through the housing with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of mechanical switches or contacts that would require openings in the housing, the invention uses magnetic interaction between engaging and feeding elements to detect and transmit pressure inputs, eliminating the need for physical penetrations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic forces are used for activation device operation, then the device surface can be cleaned better, but the activation device lacks rotational input capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to transmit rotational movements across the housing boundary. Magnets arranged in the engaging element interact with corresponding magnets in the feeding element, allowing rotational input detection while maintaining the sealed surface that prevents contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical rotational transmission through the housing with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic interaction between engaging and feeding elements enables detection of rotational activation without requiring physical openings, thus maintaining the protective sealed surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are added to provide both pressure and rotational input transmission, then the activation device becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal magnetic interaction system that can detect both pressure and rotational inputs using the same basic mechanism. By arranging magnets in specific configurations within the engaging and feeding elements, the system achieves multiple functions (pressure detection, rotational detection) without requiring separate independent systems, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines pressure and rotational input detection into a single integrated magnetic interaction system. The engaging element with its magnets interacts with the feeding element through magnetic fields, merging multiple input modalities into one unified detection mechanism, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each input type.
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 the transmission of both pressure and rotational inputs to the food processor, improving user interaction and allowing for better cleaning and maintenance by maintaining the activation device's position through magnetic forces.
Implementation Method 1
corresponding magnets within separate partial regions of the activation device... magnetic forces, which emanate from corresponding magnets... engaging rotating magnet of the engaging element is set up to exert a magnetic force on a corresponding feeding rotating magnet
Implementation Method 2
engaging push magnet, which can be displaced in the direction of the feeding element by pressure-activating the activation device, and is set up to exert a magnetic force on a corresponding feeding push magnet
Implementation Method 3
The corresponding rotating magnets of the engaging element and feeding element also ensure an optimal positioning and fixation of the engaging element on a device having the intermediate plane... The magnetic attraction of the corresponding rotating magnets produces a static friction between the engaging element and the device housing
Data Source
AI summary
An activation device for transmitting a user input to a control device has an engaging element that forms a first housing part and a feeding element that forms a second housing part. The engaging element has a push magnet, whose magnetic field extends into the feeding element and the feeding element has a push magnet that can be displaced without contact through exposure to the magnetic field. The engaging push magnet can be displaced in the direction of the feeding element by pressure-activating the activation device, and is set up to exert a magnetic force on a corresponding feeding push magnet. The engaging element and feeding element each have at least one rotating magnet that can be displaced parallel to an intermediate plane running between them. The engaging rotating magnet of the engaging element exerts a magnetic force on a corresponding feeding rotating magnet of the feeding element.