Magnetic Reed Switch Hinge for Moisture-Resistant Door Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges with integrated switches are prone to water and gas ingress, leading to operational failures and inconsistent activation of electrical circuits.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design incorporating a reed sensor with a magnetic actuator mounted on a pivot pin, which moves relative to the sensor to activate or deactivate an electrical circuit, ensuring reliable operation by sealing out moisture and maintaining consistent contact activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plunger type switch is used in the hinge, then the switch can be actuated by the pivot pin during door opening, but the switch is not sealed and is prone to water and gas entering which adversely affects operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plunger type switch with a magnetic field-based reed sensor switch. The magnetic actuator on the pivot pin generates a magnetic field that actuates the reed sensor contacts without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for sealed enclosures while maintaining reliable operation. This substitution of mechanical actuation with magnetic field interaction resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a plunger type switch is used in the hinge, then the switch can be actuated by the pivot pin, but the switch has not always activated an electrical circuit during opening of a door
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic reed sensor switch provides more consistent electrical circuit activation compared to mechanical plunger switches. The magnetic field interaction ensures reliable contact opening and closing without the mechanical wear, misalignment, or binding issues that cause inconsistent activation in plunger switches. The magnetic actuator's movement with the pivot pin reliably triggers the reed sensor at the appropriate door opening position.
3Reliability
If a reed sensor with magnetic actuator is used instead of a plunger switch, then moisture resistance and operational reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic actuator function with the existing pivot pin component. The magnetic actuator is mounted directly on the pivot pin, merging the switching actuation function with the door mounting mechanism. This integration reduces overall device complexity despite using a reed sensor, as it eliminates the need for separate mechanical switch actuation mechanisms and reduces the number of discrete 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 design provides a reliable and moisture-resistant switch hinge with consistent electrical circuit activation, enhancing operational reliability and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic actuator creates a magnetic field for opening the normally closed contacts of the reed sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge for a door pivotally mounted on a cabinet is provided with a switch for activating an electrical circuit within the cabinet. The switch has a reed sensor mounted within a base of the hinge for activating the electrical circuit and a magnetic actuator affixed to a pivot pin of the hinge for moving relative to the reed sensor to activate the reed sensor between a normally open position deactivating the electrical circuit when the door is closed and a closed position activating the electrical circuit when the door is open.