Magnetic Arm Position Sensor for Radiation-Resistant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detection devices used in sterilization facilities, which expose objects to high radiation and temperatures, often degrade due to continuous exposure, leading to increased maintenance and replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A detection device comprising a rotatable arm with a magnet-switch pair sensor, where the arm is mounted on a metal base with bearings and a reed switch, providing high resistance to radiation and temperature through the use of metal components and a magnetic field-actuated electrical switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detection devices with polymer elements and electronic components are used, then the device can detect object positions, but the device degrades under continuous radiation exposure and high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic sensors with a magnetic field-based detection system. A permanent magnet is mounted on the conveyor, and a reed switch sensor detects its position through magnetic field interaction. This mechanical-magnetic system eliminates vulnerable electronic components and polymer elements, providing resistance to radiation doses up to 20 kGy/h and temperatures up to 200°C.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection mechanism from electronic/optical to magnetic field-based. By using a permanent magnet and reed switch, the system operates passively without power consumption for the sensing element itself, and the magnetic field interaction remains unaffected by radiation or temperature extremes that would degrade electronic components.
2Reliability
If detection devices with electronic components are used, then position detection is possible, but maintenance effort and expense increase due to frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic components with a magnetic field-based detection system consisting of a permanent magnet and reed switch. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electronics that require frequent calibration and replacement, reducing maintenance effort while maintaining reliable position detection throughout the sterilization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, robust components (permanent magnet, reed switch, metal arm with roller) that are inherently resistant to radiation damage. These components have no moving parts except the metal arm and roller, and no electronic circuits that can fail, making them suitable for long-term operation without replacement even in harsh sterilization environments.
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 device reliably detects the position of moving objects under high radiation and temperature conditions, maintaining functionality without the need for frequent replacement, with resistance to gamma doses up to 20 kGy/h and temperatures up to 200°C.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is configured to detect rotation of the arm relative to the base, wherein the sensor has a first part and a second part, wherein the first part moves with the arm, and the second part is attached to the base. The first part is the first component of a magnet-switch pair, wherein the switch is an electrical switch that is configured to be actuated by the magnet's magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device (18) for detecting the position of a moving object comprises a base (20); an arm (22) that is mounted rotatable to the base (20), wherein the arm (22) is rotatable around a first rotational axis (26) and has a free end (28) for contact with the moving object; and a sensor (24) that is configured to detect rotation of the arm (22) relative to the base (20), wherein the sensor (24) has a first part and a second part, wherein the first part moves with the arm (22), and the second part is attached to the base (20). The first part is a first component of a magnet (40) switch (42) pair, wherein the switch is an electrical switch (42) that is configured to be actuated by the magnetic field of the magnet (40), and the second part is another component of the magnet (40) switch (42) pair.