Magnetic Switch Actuator Isolating Contacts from Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switches with mechanical actuators are prone to fatigue and corrosion, leading to contact failure due to exposure to corrosive environments and mechanical wear.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic switch actuator system using a mount with a first and second magnet to urge a body and trigger, allowing actuation of a switch via a magnetic field without physical contact, thereby isolating the actuator from corrosive environments and eliminating mechanical wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical actuator with conductive portion is used to engage electrical contacts, then the switch can be actuated, but the actuator is prone to fatigue and corrosion leading to contact failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch reliabilityVSAvoidcorrosion and fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. The conductive actuator that physically engages electrical contacts is substituted with a magnet that actuates the switch through magnetic field interaction, eliminating mechanical wear and corrosion of contact surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the actuator and the switch. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnet interacts with the switch through the magnetic field, allowing actuation without physical contact and thus preventing corrosion and fatigue of the actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the actuator is exposed to corrosive environments, then the switch can operate, but the contacts corrode and oxidize causing switch failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch operationVSAvoidcorrosive environment exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical actuator exposed to corrosive environments with a magnetic actuator. The magnet is not susceptible to corrosion or oxidation, allowing the switch to operate reliably in corrosive environments without degradation of the actuating component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic actuator creates an inert interaction environment through magnetic field coupling. The magnet and switch contacts do not require direct physical contact, effectively creating a non-corrosive interaction zone that protects against oxidative degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 magnetic switch actuator system effectively actuates switches without mechanical contact, reducing corrosion and fatigue, ensuring reliable operation and extending the lifespan of the switch by isolating the actuator from corrosive conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The first magnet and the second magnet are oriented to be attracted to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

movement of the body from the first position to a second position is to cause the trigger to actuate a switch via a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9460875B2Magnetic switch actuators

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 GENERAL EQUIP & MFG COMPANY INC

AI summary

Magnetic switches are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a mount and a switch actuator assembly coupled to the mount. The switch actuator assembly includes a body, a trigger, and a first magnet oriented to be attracted to a second magnet. Movement of the body from a first position to a second position is to cause relative movement between the first magnet and the second magnet and relative movement between the trigger and a switch.