Multi-directional Sensor Switch for Iron Safety Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor switches are limited in functionality as they only generate ON/OFF signals based on the upright position, failing to account for multi-directional usage, leading to continuous heat generation and safety hazards when irons are placed at angles other than upright or horizontal.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional sensor switch design featuring a housing with a rolling member and optoelectronic device, where the rolling member moves between blocking and unblocking positions along inclined wall faces to alternate ON and OFF signals, allowing for different operational modes based on the iron's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional sensor switch is used with a single light emitter and light receiver, then the structure is simple, but the switch can only detect upright position and fails to provide safety control when placed at other angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent light emitters and light receivers arranged at different positions. Each pair detects a specific direction, collectively covering multiple placement angles (upright, horizontal, inclined). This segmentation allows the system to detect various positions without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor switch is designed to perform multiple detection functions using the same basic structure of light emitters and receivers. The same optical components serve to detect different placement angles (upright, horizontal, inclined positions), making the device universal across multiple usage scenarios rather than limited to a single function
2Reliability
If the sensor switch only monitors upright position, then the control logic is simple, but continuous heating occurs when the iron is placed horizontally or at angles, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using multiple light receivers to continuously monitor the iron's placement status. Each light receiver provides feedback about a specific direction (upright, horizontal, inclined), and the control system processes this feedback to adjust the heating element accordingly, ensuring safe operation across all placement scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the heating element's operation based on real-time detection of the iron's placement angle. Rather than static control for a single position, the system adapts its control strategy according to the detected orientation, enabling reliable safety control across varying conditions
3Measurement precision
If multiple light emitters and receivers are added to detect multi-directional positions, then detection accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves precise multi-directional detection by segmenting the sensing function into multiple discrete light emitter-receiver pairs positioned at strategic locations. This modular segmentation allows for precise detection of different angles while maintaining relatively simple individual components that are easy to manufacture and assemble
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 generation of distinct operational modes by ensuring the rolling member alternates between blocking and unblocking light paths, preventing continuous heat generation and enhancing safety by allowing precise control of power based on the iron's orientation.
Implementation Method 1
The optoelectronic device is mounted in the housing, and has a light emitter and a light receiver disposed outwardly of the chamber surrounding wall at two opposite positions. The chamber surrounding wall is formed with two light passage holes which are aligned respectively with the light emitter and the light receiver to permit a light path from the light emitter to the light receiver to extend therethrough.
Implementation Method 2
The bottom wall has a bottom inclined wall face that is inclined with respect to a plane extending substantially parallel to and below the light path from the light emitter to the light receiver and that forms an included angle of from −80 degrees to 80 degrees with respect to a first axis lying in the plane. The rolling member alternately blocks and unblocks the light path when moving to and fro on the bottom wall.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor switch includes a housing having a receiving chamber defined by top and bottom walls and a multi-sided chamber surrounding wall, and a light emitter and a light receiver disposed outwardly of the surrounding wall at two opposite positions. The surrounding wall is formed with two light passage holes which are aligned respectively with the light emitter and the light receiver to permit a light path to extend therethrough. The bottom wall has a bottom inclined wall face that forms an included angle of from −80 degrees to 80 degrees with respect to a first axis. A rolling member is movable in the receiving chamber to alternately block and unblock the light path when moving to and fro on the bottom wall.