Non-contact Switch Using Magnetic Sensor for Wear Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contact switches suffer from poor durability due to abrasion and noise issues over time, particularly in long-term use.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact switch design utilizing a magnetic field sensor device and a semiconductor device, where the magnetic field sensor generates an induced voltage in response to external pressure, driving the semiconductor device to control current flow to a load without physical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a contact structure is used to control current flow, then the switch is easy to produce with simple configuration, but the durability deteriorates due to abrasion of contact region and noise is generated during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of productionVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact structure with a magnetic field sensing system. A magnetic sensor detects the position of a movable component with magnetic substance, and a semiconductor device controls current flow based on this detection, eliminating mechanical contact and its associated wear and noise problems while maintaining production simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the mechanical movement and electrical control. The magnetic sensor detects changes in magnetic field caused by the movable component's position, translating mechanical motion into electrical signals without direct contact between moving and stationary parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a contact structure is used to control current flow, then the switch is easy to produce with simple configuration, but noise is caused at the contact region during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of productionVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact structure with a magnetic field sensing system. A magnetic sensor detects the position of a movable component with magnetic substance, and a semiconductor device controls current flow based on this detection, eliminating mechanical contact and its associated wear and noise problems while maintaining production simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a non-contact structure using magnetic field sensor device is used, then durability is improved and noise is removed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact structure with a magnetic field sensing system. A magnetic sensor detects the position of a movable component with magnetic substance, and a semiconductor device controls current flow based on this detection, eliminating mechanical contact and its associated wear and noise problems while maintaining production simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design enhances durability and reduces noise by eliminating contact-related wear and tear, while ensuring reliable operation through a non-contact switching mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field sensor device which is accommodated in the housing to face the magnetic substance and generates an induced voltage depending on an interval between the magnetic field sensor device and the magnetic substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9219477B2Non-contact switch

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 LS AUTOMOTIVE TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a non-contact switch. More particularly, the non-contact switch includes a button which is disposed at a predetermined position of a housing and operated by an external pressure while being formed, at one end portion thereof, with a magnetic substance; a magnetic field sensor device which is accommodated in the housing to face the magnetic substance and generates an induced voltage depending on an interval between the magnetic field sensor device and the magnetic substance; and a semiconductor device which is driven by the induced voltage generated at the magnetic field sensor device to switch power supplied from a separate battery to a separate load.