Magnetic Trigger Position Sensing Without Potentiometer Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Position detection using resistive potentiometers in devices like power tools is prone to degradation due to physical contact issues, leading to unreliable control over trigger and selection elements.
Innovation Solution
A contactless magnetic sensing system employing first and second magnets and a magnetic sensor to detect perpendicular magnetic field components, allowing for the determination of trigger and selection element positions without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistive potentiometers are used for position detection, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to physical contact degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based resistive potentiometer system with a contactless magnetic sensing system. Magnets are attached to the trigger and selection elements, and a magnetic sensor detects their positions through magnetic field interactions without physical contact. This substitution eliminates wear and degradation issues while providing reliable position detection for both elements simultaneously.
2Reliability
If contactless magnetic sensing is implemented, then the reliability improves by eliminating physical contact, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting the position of the trigger element along its linear trajectory and simultaneously detecting the selected position of the selection element among multiple discrete positions. By using a single magnetic sensor to monitor both elements through their respective magnets, the system achieves multi-functionality that offsets the added complexity with consolidated design.
3Measurement precision
If resistive potentiometers are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates over time due to contact degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based resistive potentiometer system with a contactless magnetic sensing system. Magnets are attached to the trigger and selection elements, and a magnetic sensor detects their positions through magnetic field interactions without physical contact. This substitution eliminates wear and degradation issues while providing reliable position detection for both elements simultaneously.
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 system provides reliable and improved performance by eliminating the need for physical contact, enhancing the control of devices through accurate and durable position detection.
Implementation Method 1
detect a strength of a first magnetic field component, a strength of a second magnetic field component, and a strength of a third magnetic field component, wherein the first magnetic field component, the second magnetic field component, and the third magnetic field component are perpendicular to each other
Implementation Method 2
One type of magnetic sensor is a Hall-based sensor, which is a magnetic sensor capable of detecting a strength of a magnetic field using the Hall effect, with an output voltage of the Hall-based sensor being directly proportional to the strength of the field
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system may include a first magnet arranged such that a position of the first magnet corresponds to a position of a trigger element on a linear trajectory. The sensor system may include a second magnet arranged such that a position of the second magnet corresponds to a selected position of a selection element. The sensor system may include a magnetic sensor to detect a strength of a first magnetic field component, a strength of a second magnetic field component, and a strength of a third magnetic field component. The magnetic sensor may be further to determine the position of the trigger element based on the strength of the first magnetic field component and the strength of the second magnetic field component, and to determine the selected position of the selection element based on the strength of the third magnetic field component.