Optical Switch Activator with Diffuse Reflector and Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switch activators are not compact enough for use in small-bodied switches, such as small diameter float switches, and lack efficient mechanisms to maintain a compact design while ensuring reliable light path interruption.
Innovation Solution
The optical switch activator employs in-line optical fibers aligned with the path of a movable member, utilizing a glowable diffuse reflector and a delay means to ensure compactness and reliable light path interruption, allowing the switch to function effectively in various orientations and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional optical switch activator configurations are used, then light path interruption function is achieved, but the device size is too large for small-bodied switches
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are nested within the activator body, with the distal ends positioned in an optically coupled relationship inside the activator. This nesting arrangement allows the light source and detector to be integrated within the compact activator volume while maintaining reliable optical coupling for light path interruption detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a lateral light path configuration to an in-line configuration where light travels parallel to the activator axis. This dimensional change allows compact packaging along the length of the activator rather than requiring lateral space, enabling small-bodied switch implementation.
2Ease of operation
If optical fibers are positioned with a gap between distal ends, then the movable member can interrupt the light path, but precise optical alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
An optically coupling member is introduced as an intermediary between the distal ends of the optical fibers. This coupling member facilitates light transfer between the fibers while providing mechanical alignment features that simplify positioning and reduce the need for precise manual alignment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupling creates an optically coupled relationship that equalizes the optical path conditions between the two fibers. This equipotential optical configuration ensures that light can effectively transfer between fibers with minimal alignment sensitivity, making the system more tolerant of manufacturing variations.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact activator design is implemented, then small-bodied switch compatibility is achieved, but switch flutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
A viscous fluid is introduced as a cushioning medium within the activator, surrounding the movable member. This fluid provides damping forces that resist rapid oscillations and switch flutter, stabilizing the movable member's position while allowing the activator to maintain its compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic damping mechanism where a viscous fluid provides resistance to the movable member's motion. This hydraulic cushioning effect suppresses switch flutter and stabilizes operation without requiring increased activator volume, maintaining compactness while improving stability.
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 enables a compact optical switch activator that can be used in small-bodied switches, providing reliable light path interruption and detection, suitable for both hazardous and non-hazardous environments, with the glowable diffuse reflector enhancing visibility and the delay means ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
By 'glow' is meant a non-specular reflection, such as a diffuse reflection, where the incoming light is reflected or scattered in a broad range of directions
Implementation Method 2
The invention comprises an optical switch activator with the optical fibers (light guides) disposed in an optical housing
Implementation Method 3
An optically opaque means to interrupt the beam of light is movable, and in one position, blocks the light path
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switch having a housing, a light source and a light detector. The light source and light detector are located remote from the housing. The light source is connected to the housing with a first light guide, and the light detector is connected to the housing with a second light guide. The first and second light guides have distal ends coupled to the activation, and a part of the activator housing or movable member is a glowable diffuse reflector. The switch moveable member moves in a path in the switch body between an optical path present state and an optical path absent state.