Magnetic Switch Layout for Compact High-Accuracy Flux Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switches face challenges with increased size and deteriorating detection accuracy due to the arrangement of magnets and sensors, leading to potential nullification and reduced magnetic flux detection.
Innovation Solution
The switch incorporates four magnets arranged in a specific order and orientation, with sensors positioned to deviate from the center of each magnet, enhancing magnetic flux detection while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If magnets are arranged in a conventional configuration, then the actuator size can be reduced, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient magnetic flux detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-to-one magnet-sensor correspondence to a many-to-many relationship where multiple sensors detect magnetic flux from multiple magnets. The sensors are arranged in a direction intersecting the magnet arrangement direction, creating a two-dimensional detection matrix that enhances detection accuracy without increasing actuator volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of sensor arrangement by positioning sensor centers at positions deviating from magnet centers in the second direction. This parameter optimization allows sensors to detect magnetic flux at optimal positions, improving detection accuracy while maintaining compact actuator dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned at the center of each magnet, then detection accuracy is maximized, but the actuator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection functions of multiple sensors to collectively detect magnetic flux from multiple magnets. Instead of requiring separate one-to-one correspondence, the combined detection capability of multiple sensors positioned at optimized locations achieves high detection accuracy while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses more sensors than the minimum required for one-to-one magnet detection. This excessive action of adding additional sensors allows for optimized positioning that improves detection accuracy while the sensors can be arranged in a space-efficient manner that doesn't significantly increase actuator volume.
3Reliability
If multiple magnets are arranged in the actuator, then detection reliability is improved, but the actuator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges magnets and sensors in intersecting directions, creating a two-dimensional detection matrix. This spatial arrangement allows multiple magnets to be packed more efficiently in the actuator without significantly increasing its volume, while the intersecting sensor arrangement ensures reliable detection from multiple magnetic sources.
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
This configuration ensures reliable magnetic flux detection with reduced actuator size and improved accuracy by positioning sensors at high flux density areas, effectively addressing the issues of size and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the sensors outputs a detection signal when the main body and the actuator come into proximity and the sensor detects a magnetic flux generated by at least one of the three magnets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A switch according to the present disclosure includes a main body and an actuator that is capable of being disposed at a detection position that the actuator is close to the main body and faces the main body. The actuator includes a first magnet, a second magnet, a third magnet, and a fourth magnet arranged in order along a second direction intersecting a first direction that is a facing direction of the main body and the actuator when the actuator is located at the detection position. Each magnet is arranged such that one magnetic pole and another magnetic pole are arranged along the first direction, and that an arrangement of the magnetic poles in the first direction is different from that of an adjacent magnet. The main body includes three or more sensors configured to be able to detect a magnetic flux generated by at least one of the first to the fourth magnet. Three or more of the sensors are arranged along the second direction. When the actuator is located at the detection position, a center of at least one of three or more of the sensors in the second direction is located at a position deviating in the second direction from a center of each of the first to the fourth magnet in the second direction.