Magnetic Switch Actuator With Multi-Position Flux Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical actuators in powered devices suffer from wear and tear, unwanted noise, and haptic friction due to component part abrasion, leading to potential failure and operational difficulties, especially in confined environments.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design that utilizes magnetic engagement to hold positions, reducing friction by eliminating component part contact, utilizing a first and second actuator portion with magnetic elements and limbs that align to couple magnetic flux, providing resistance to movement and allowing for variable magnetic strength through electromagnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking system with spring-loaded detent is used to prevent accidental operation, then the actuator can be held securely in position, but the component parts experience wear and tear leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical locking system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The actuator includes a magnet and a ferromagnetic element that interact through magnetic attraction to hold the actuator in desired positions, eliminating the need for mechanical contact between locking components and thereby preventing wear and tear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ferromagnetic element as an intermediary between the magnet and the actuator body. This intermediary enables magnetic coupling to achieve secure positioning without direct mechanical contact between moving and stationary parts, thus extending actuator lifespan while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a release button mechanism is used to enable movement between positions, then accidental operation is prevented, but operation becomes cumbersome and awkward in confined environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical release button mechanism with a magnetic field-based release system. The user can release the actuator by applying a magnetic field (e.g., using a magnet or electromagnetic actuator) to overcome the magnetic holding force, eliminating the need for physical button pressing and greatly improving ease of operation in confined spaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical components are moved frequently to switch between positions, then mode switching is enabled, but wear and tear on parts increases leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic fields to enable mode switching without mechanical wear. The actuator can be moved between positions by applying controlled magnetic forces, and the magnetic holding system maintains positions without mechanical contact. This preserves adaptability for multiple modes while dramatically improving reliability by eliminating wear on mechanical switching components.
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 actuator reduces wear and tear, noise, and haptic friction, enhancing durability and user comfort while maintaining secure position retention, with the ability to tailor magnetic strength for specific applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator portion comprising a magnet and a first magnetic element having a first plurality of limbs, whereby magnetic flux of the magnet is directed through the first plurality of limbs
Implementation Method 2
limbs of the first plurality of limbs align with limbs of the second plurality of limbs thereby to couple the magnetic flux through the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, the coupled magnetic flux resisting relative movement between the first actuator portion and the second actuator portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5B
AI summary
An actuator for actuating a switch of a powered device, the actuator having a plurality of positions in which the actuator is magnetically held in position, the actuator comprising: a first actuator portion comprising a magnet and a first magnetic element having a first plurality of limbs, whereby magnetic flux of the magnet is directed through the first plurality of limbs; and a second actuator portion comprising a second magnetic element having a second plurality of limbs for receiving the magnetic flux from the first plurality of limbs, wherein the second actuator portion is movable relative to the first actuator portion; the actuator having a plurality of positions in which limbs of the first plurality of limbs align with limbs of the second plurality of limbs thereby to couple the magnetic flux through the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, the coupled magnetic flux resisting relative movement between the first actuator portion and the second actuator portion.