Night Vision Goggle Magnetic Switch Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetically activated switch assemblies for night vision goggles are inefficient due to high reluctance magnetic flux paths, leading to improper activation and limited design versatility, as they rely on air gaps and sensitive reed switches that can be triggered by environmental magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A night vision goggle adapter with a low-reluctance magnetic flux path using rotatable magnetic flux conducting units and shunts to control magnetic flux, allowing for precise positioning and alternate paths to prevent unnecessary activation, integrated into a helmet mount assembly with adjustable components for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air gaps are used in the magnetic flux path, then the device structure is simpler, but the magnetic flux path reluctance increases making the switch less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes air gaps from the magnetic flux path by implementing direct magnetic coupling between the magnet and reed switch through a magnetically permeable barrier. This extraction of the air gap eliminates the high-reluctance element while maintaining structural simplicity, allowing the magnetic flux to pass through the barrier material directly without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetically permeable barrier material as an intermediary between the magnet and reed switch. This mediator allows magnetic flux to pass through while providing physical separation, achieving both structural simplicity and effective magnetic coupling without requiring air gaps.
2Reliability
If a more sensitive reed switch is used to compensate for higher reluctance, then the switch can activate more reliably, but the night vision goggles may be activated by environmental magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for high sensitivity reed switches by eliminating air gaps from the magnetic flux path. The direct magnetic coupling through the permeable barrier provides sufficient flux density to activate standard reed switches, thereby removing the vulnerability to environmental magnetic field interference that plagues high-sensitivity designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If air gaps are incorporated into the magnetic flux path, then the design is easier to manufacture, but the structural versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic path parameter from including air gaps to using direct magnetic coupling through permeable materials. This parameter change enables greater design versatility as the magnetic flux path can now be configured in various geometries without being constrained by the need to maintain air gaps, while still being manufacturable using standard fabrication techniques.
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 provides reliable and versatile magnetic switch operation for night vision goggles, preventing false activation by environmental fields and allowing for various design configurations without relying on air gaps, enhancing the reliability and usability of the night vision goggles.
Implementation Method 1
a primary magnet generating a first magnetic flux; a magnetic flux conducting unit having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatable about a first axis positioned adjacent to the primary magnet
Implementation Method 2
a first plurality of shunts disposed about the primary magnet; and a second plurality of shunts disposed about the goggle mount assembly; wherein the magnetic flux conducting unit is configured to overlap the primary magnet and form a magnetic circuit for conducting the first magnetic flux
Data Source
AI summary
A night vision goggle adapter including: a goggle mount assembly; a primary magnet generating a magnetic flux; a magnetic flux conducting unit having a first end and a second end; a first plurality of shunts; and a second plurality of shunts disposed about the goggle mount assembly; wherein the magnetic flux conducting unit may overlap the primary magnet and form a magnetic circuit for conducting the magnetic flux towards the second end of the magnetic flux conducting unit when none of the first plurality of shunts and none of the second plurality of shunts are overlapped by the magnetic flux conducting unit; and wherein the magnetic flux is shorted through one of the first plurality of shunts or the second plurality of shunts when the magnetic flux conducting unit is positioned to overlap one of the first plurality of shunts or one of the second plurality of shunts.