Magnetic Switch Actuation for Product Packaging Test Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging for electrically powered devices that offer a test mode often require reconfiguration or additional complex components, increasing cost and labor to switch between test and normal use modes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a magnet fixedly within the package to actuate a magnetic switch on the device, allowing it to operate in test mode when the magnet is present and switching to normal use mode when removed, with user-actuated inputs and control circuitry for mode control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reconfiguration components or additional moving components are added to switch between test mode and normal use mode, then the device can be tested in the package, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest mode capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A magnet is introduced as an intermediary component within the packaging structure. The magnet interacts with a magnetic switch on the device to automatically trigger test mode without requiring any mechanical reconfiguration of the device itself. This mediator approach enables mode switching while keeping the device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical reconfiguration systems (such as switches, relays, or moving components) with a magnetic field-based activation system. The magnet mounted on the packaging structure creates a magnetic field that actuates the magnetic switch on the device, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention or complex switching mechanisms on the device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If reconfiguration components are added to switch between test mode and normal use mode, then the device can be tested in the package, but the manufacturing labor and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest mode capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing labor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet serves as a passive intermediary that is simply mounted on the packaging structure during assembly. This approach requires minimal additional assembly steps compared to integrating complex mechanical switching mechanisms into the device, thereby reducing manufacturing labor and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into two independent parts: the magnet mounted on the packaging structure and the magnetic switch integrated into the device. This segmentation allows the magnet to be added during packaging assembly without requiring modification or complex integration into the device manufacturing process, simplifying overall manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device operates continuously in test mode, then consumers can thoroughly test the device, but battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest mode capabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic or limited-duration test mode activation rather than continuous operation. The magnet triggers test mode when the device is on the packaging structure, but the test mode operates only for limited intervals or until the device is removed from the packaging, thereby controlling battery consumption while still enabling thorough testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the physical presence of the device on the packaging structure (detected via the magnetic field interaction) as feedback to control test mode activation. When the device is removed from the packaging, the magnetic field interaction ceases, providing feedback that automatically deactivates test mode and prevents excessive battery consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables consumers to test the device without reconfiguring it, reducing complexity and labor, while minimizing battery consumption in test mode and ensuring seamless transition to normal use mode.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet actuates a magnetic switch on the device, allowing it to operate in test mode when in close proximity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9340342B2Product packaging having magnetic activated test mode

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 ENERGIZER BRANDS LLC

AI summary

A packaged product is provided. The packaged product includes a package and a magnet fixedly disposed within the package. The packaged product also includes an electrically powered device disposed in the package. The device includes a magnetic switch disposed in close proximity to the magnet such that the magnet actuates the magnetic switch. The device operates in a test mode when the magnet is in close proximity to the magnetic switch and operates in a normal use mode when the device is removed from the package such that the magnet is no longer in close proximity to the magnetic switch.