Magnetic Position Detection Without Elastic Components

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices with movable elements that rely on elastic components for position setting often suffer from fatigue, friction issues, and changing tactile feedback over time, leading to potential damage and reduced functionality.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing ferromagnetic arrangements with magnetic attraction or repulsion to detect and set the position of a movable element without elastic components, ensuring stable and long-term operation by varying magnetic interactions based on spatial overlap, allowing for reliable position detection and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If elastic elements are used to set positions of a movable element, then the component can be set in multiple positions, but the elastic elements can break or be impaired due to frequent movement and friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition setting capabilityVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces elastic mechanical elements with a magnetic field-based system. A first ferromagnetic arrangement on the movable element interacts with a second ferromagnetic arrangement on the stationary element through magnetic attraction/repulsion forces, eliminating the need for elastic components that undergo mechanical stress and wear during frequent position changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the movable and stationary elements. The magnetic interaction serves as the mediating force that enables position setting without direct mechanical contact between elastic components, thereby reducing friction and mechanical wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If elastic elements are used for position setting, then multiple positions can be achieved, but friction occurs during movement which damages the component over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition setting capabilityVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical friction-based position setting with a magnetic field-based system. The ferromagnetic arrangements interact through magnetic forces without requiring physical contact between moving parts, thereby eliminating friction that would otherwise damage the component over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If elastic elements are used for position setting, then the component can change positions, but tactile feedback changes over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidfeedback consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces elastic mechanical elements that degrade over time with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic interaction between ferromagnetic arrangements provides consistent tactile feedback throughout the component's operational life, as magnetic fields do not suffer from fatigue or wear like elastic materials.

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 solution provides a cost-effective, friction-free, and noiseless operation with consistent tactile feedback, enabling the device to maintain functionality over long periods without mechanical stress or wear, and allows for defined relative positions and switching states.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic attraction being used to detect the respective position and/or to set this position in a mechanically stable manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

magnetic attraction or repulsion being used to detect the respective position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

there is a magnetic attraction between the first ferromagnetic arrangement and the second ferromagnetic arrangement which is of different size depending on a spatial overlap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2709120B1Device for detecting and/or adjusting a position of a movable element of the device

Publication Date: 2015.06.10 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The device has a movable element which is provided with lower ferromagnetic arrangement and a spatially fixed element. The movable element is moved in two adjustable positions relative to spatially fixed element. The upper ferromagnetic structure and lower ferromagnetic structure is provided with a magnet. The magnetic interaction between the ferromagnetic arrangements in respective position is measured, when spatial overlap of the ferromagnetic arrangements is different in size.