Non-contact Plunger Position Detection for Electromagnetic Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detection devices for electromagnetic switching devices have limitations in reliability and efficiency, particularly in accurately determining the switching state without being exposed to jerky movements, which affects their size, weight, speed, and service life.

Innovation Solution

A detection device with a sensor that can detect the plunger's position without physical contact, integrated into the housing, and optionally includes a processing circuit for signal processing and communication, allowing for direct electrical or visual indication of the switching state, and can be integrated into the electromagnetic switching device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical switching contact is used to detect the switching state, then the detection device can be simple in structure, but the reliability is reduced due to exposure to jerky movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsensor device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switching contact with a sensor device that detects the plunger position without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and exposure to jerky movements, thereby improving reliability while maintaining detection functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the plunger and the sensor device. The magnetic field allows the sensor to detect plunger position indirectly without mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the sensor device is designed to detect plunger position without touching, then reliability increases, but the device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor device reliabilityVSAvoiddetection device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical contact components with a non-contact sensor system, the patent eliminates the need for heavy mechanical structures while maintaining detection reliability. The sensor device can be implemented with lightweight electronic components.

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

3Productivity

If a mechanical switching contact is used, then the device can be simple, but the detection speed is limited due to mechanical movement constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidsensor device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switching contacts with a non-contact sensor system that detects plunger position through magnetic field sensing. This eliminates mechanical movement constraints and enables faster detection responses while maintaining system functionality.

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

The solution enhances reliability, miniaturization, and speed while providing a more robust and efficient detection system that can be visually or electrically communicated, improving the overall performance and integration with the electromagnetic switching device.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor device is designed in such a way that it can detect the position of the ram without touching the ram

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2109872B1Recording device for recording the switch state of an electromagnetic switch device
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2109872B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A recording device (7), for recording the switch state of an electromagnetic switch device (1), comprises a housing (8), in which a plunger (9) is a movably mounted. The plunger (9) may be moved between two mechanical end positions, wherein the end positions of the plunger (9) correspond to the switch states of the electromagnetic switch device (1). A sensor device (14) is arranged in the housing (8) by means of which it may be recorded in which of the end positions the plunger (9) is and from which a corresponding electrical signal (E) may be emitted. The sensor device (14) is designed to be able to record the position of the plunger (9) without contacting the plunger (9).