Magnetic Foil Switch Arrangement for Reliable Snap-Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch arrangements with foil contacts are not suitable for manual operation in closing systems like automobile doors due to neutral switching states and incompatibility with foil properties, especially when using mechanical tilt-jump mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A novel snap-action mechanism using at least one magnet allocated to the foil and an active magnetic body, where two magnets with aligned polarities create a strong attraction to move the foil into contact and break contact, eliminating the need for external energy and providing reliable switching haptics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical tilt-jump mechanism is used to achieve snap-action switching, then reliable manual operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases and compatibility with foil contacts is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tilt-jump mechanism with a magnetic field-based switching mechanism. Magnets are positioned on the foil and actuate the switching action through magnetic attraction/repulsion forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining reliable snap-action functionality suitable for manual operation in closing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating principle from mechanical to magnetic by introducing magnets with specific polarities arranged on the foil. This parameter change enables the foil-based contacts to achieve reliable snap-action switching through magnetic field interactions rather than mechanical mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If foil contacts are used to reduce space, then the area is reduced, but neutral switching states occur that are not suitable for manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation with magnetic field actuation to eliminate neutral switching states. The magnets positioned on the foil create strong magnetic forces that ensure the foil contacts transition definitively between open and closed states, eliminating intermediate neutral positions while maintaining the space-saving advantages of foil-based construction.
3Reliability
If magnets are used to create snap-action mechanism, then reliable switching is achieved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnets locally at specific positions on the foil where they are most effective for actuating the switching action. This localized application of magnetic components achieves reliable snap-action switching while minimizing the total weight of magnetic materials used, as magnets are placed only where needed rather than throughout the entire switch structure.
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 a compact, space-saving switch configuration with reliable snap-action functionality suitable for manual operation in closing systems, compensating for tolerances and providing good switching haptics without mechanical wear.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet assigned to the foil; and at least one active body placeable in the magnetic field of the magnet
Implementation Method 2
the active body is a magnetic component that is placeable facing the magnet on the other side of the foil
Data Source
AI summary
A switch arrangement for electric currents has at least two contacts to be closed and opened. At least one of the contacts is formed by sections of an electrically conductive pathway of a foil. At least one magnet assigned to the foil. At least one magnetic component is placeable in the magnetic field of the magnet and facing the magnet on the other side of the foil. When the magnetic body is placed in the magnetic field of the magnet it is attracted to the magnet causing the foil to be squeezed and the contacts to make contact, closing the switch.