Optical Blade Position Sensing Without Added Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blade open-close devices require increased torque to detect the position of the blade due to the weight of the detectable member, leading to inefficiencies and potential size increases.
Innovation Solution
A blade open-close device with a detectable member that changes position in response to the blade's movement, using a rotor magnet and Hall IC to detect the blade's position without increasing torque, allowing for a smaller and more efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detectable member is attached to the blade for position detection, then the blade position can be detected, but the blade becomes heavier and requires greater torque
Solution Approach 1:
The detectable member is divided into two separate detectable portions (first detectable portion and second detectable portion) that are positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the detector to determine blade position by detecting which portion is present, achieving position detection without requiring a heavy single detectable member attached to the blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The detectable member acts as an intermediary element that translates blade movement into detectable signals. The first and second detectable portions are positioned such that they sequentially pass by the detector as the blade moves, allowing the detector to infer blade position without the blade itself needing to carry detection components.
2Measurement precision
If a detectable member is attached to the blade for position detection, then the blade position can be detected, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detectable member is segmented into two compact detectable portions positioned at different locations along the blade path. This segmentation enables the use of a compact detector that only needs to detect the presence/absence of these portions, reducing the overall device volume compared to using a single large detectable member.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second detectable portions are positioned in different spatial locations such that they can be detected by a single detector positioned at a fixed location. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows compact device design by eliminating the need for multiple detectors or large detection zones.
3Measurement precision
If a detectable member is attached to the blade for position detection, then the blade position can be detected, but the blade movement is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The detectable member is segmented into two separate detectable portions rather than a single attached component. This segmentation allows the detectable portions to be positioned in locations that do not interfere with blade movement, as they can be detected without being physically attached to the blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The detectable member serves as an intermediary that translates blade position into detectable signals without being rigidly attached to the blade. This allows the blade to move freely while the detectable portions pass by the detector, minimizing interference with blade operation.
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 device reduces the torque required for blade position detection, enabling a compact design and minimizing interference with the blade's movement, while maintaining accurate detection.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor magnet that rotates when an actuator coil is energized with a current
Implementation Method 2
using a rotor magnet and Hall IC to detect the blade's position
Data Source
AI summary
A blade open-close device includes a base, a blade, an actuator unit, a detectable member, and a detector. The base includes an opening portion on an optical axis. The blade is movable in an intersecting direction to cover or uncover the opening portion. The actuator unit moves the blade to one of a closing position to cover the opening portion or an opening position to uncover the opening portion. The detectable member changes a position of a first magnet and a position of a second magnet in response to coming into contact with the blade moving. The detector detects the first magnet when the blade is at the opening position and detects the second magnet when the blade is at the closing position.