Magnetic Displacement for Electrical Switching Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical high-frequency switching devices experience contact failure due to abrasion caused by friction during lateral movement, which can occur even when the switch is open, and mechanical drives can negatively impact high-frequency behavior.

Innovation Solution

The switching element is driven by magnetic forces, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and thus preventing sliding friction and abrasion, with magnets arranged to adjust their distance to control the magnetic force effectively moving the switching element between contact surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical plungers are used to drive lateral switching movement, then the switching element can be moved between contact surfaces, but sliding friction and abrasion occur leading to contact failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching element movementVSAvoidelectrical contact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical plunger-driven switching system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are positioned to create magnetic attraction forces that move the switching element laterally between contact surfaces without mechanical contact, eliminating sliding friction and abrasion while maintaining reliable electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary force to transfer energy and motion to the switching element. The magnets act as mediators that exert force on the switching element through the magnetic field, enabling movement without direct mechanical contact between drive components and the switching element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical drive components are present, then the switching element can be actuated, but the high-frequency behavior is negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching element actuationVSAvoidhigh-frequency behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical drive components (tappets, plungers) that interfere with high-frequency signals by substituting them with magnets that act through magnetic fields. This non-contact actuation method does not introduce mechanical vibrations or physical obstructions that would degrade high-frequency performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a closed switching space is used, then the housing is sealed, but abrasion remains trapped and can cause contact failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external contaminationVSAvoidcontact reliability due to trapped abrasion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of a closed switching space (trapping abrasion) into a benefit by eliminating the source of abrasion through non-contact magnetic actuation. Since no mechanical friction occurs, the sealed environment maintains its protective function without accumulating harmful particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If magnets are moved closer to control magnetic force, then switching effectiveness increases, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching effectivenessVSAvoidmagnet positioning structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions magnets in the lateral direction (transverse to the switching element's longitudinal axis) rather than moving them axially closer. This lateral positioning achieves effective magnetic attraction without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining switching reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution ensures contactless switching, reducing the risk of electrical contact impairment and allowing for a simple, adaptable design that can be integrated into existing structures without mechanical connections, maintaining reliable performance even in sealed environments.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic force of the magnet acting on the switching element can be increased by its forward movement towards the switching element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a wire winding creates a magnetic field and thus a polarization of the armature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic polarization: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP1897108B1Electrical switching device comprising magnetic displacement elements for a switching element
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1897108B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1897108B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1897108B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical switching device (1), especially a high-frequency switching device, comprising at least one long electrical switching element (4) that is arranged, with one contact end (6) thereof, between two counter-contact elements (7a, 7b) which are interspaced in the transversal direction. Said electrical switching element can be displaced by two displacement elements forming a transversal displacement drive (23), transversally to the longitudinal direction thereof, selectively in relation to one or the other of the counter-contact elements (7a, 7b). The displacement elements are arranged next to the switching element (4) and can be displaced transversally back and forth therefrom. In order to improve the transversal displacement drive (23) for the switching element (4), the switching element (4) at least partially consists of a magnetic material, the displacement elements being formed by magnets (12, 13).