Redundant Non-Contact Switch With Wireless Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-contact type switches can be easily defeated, compromising safety features in applications like industrial interlock systems, as they can be manipulated by permanently attaching a magnet to a magnetic relay, allowing unauthorized access or operation.
Innovation Solution
A redundant non-contact switch system incorporating a wireless authentication (WA) pair and a magnetic pair, where both must register as closed within specific thresholds for the switch to report a closed status, utilizing inductive power transmission and sensors to ensure secure operation, and including backup power for reliable authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic relay is used in a non-contact switch, then the switch operation is simple and reliable, but the switch can be easily defeated by permanently attaching a magnet
Solution Approach 1:
The non-contact switch is divided into two independent parts: a first part with a magnet sensor and a second part with a magnet. This segmentation ensures that both parts must be present and properly positioned for the switch to function, preventing defeat by a single magnet attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication system serves as an intermediary between the two parts of the switch. The magnet sensor detects the magnet's presence and communicates this information wirelessly to verify proper positioning, adding a layer of verification that prevents unauthorized operation.
2Reliability
If a redundant non-contact switch with wireless authentication is implemented, then the switch security is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple verification mechanisms (magnet detection, wireless authentication, position verification) are merged into a single integrated switch system. All these mechanisms work together to provide comprehensive security while operating as one unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch system performs multiple functions: detecting magnet presence, verifying wireless authentication, checking position, and controlling circuit interruption. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into one universal security device.
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
Enhances security by requiring simultaneous successful wireless authentication and magnetic status verification, making it more difficult to bypass or defeat the switch, thereby maintaining safety protocols in interlock systems.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet sensor attached to the other of the first member and the second member. The magnetic pair may be configured to register a magnetic status of closed or open, depending on whether a magnet distance between the magnet and magnet sensor is beyond a threshold magnet distance
Implementation Method 2
operation of the WA authentication and/or the magnetic pair relies on inductive power transmission. In one example, a transmit coil may be attached to one of the first member and the second member, and a receive coil may be attached to the other of the first member and the second member
Data Source
AI summary
A redundant non-contact switch reports a status as closed or open for a first member and a second member that move relative to each other between an open state and a closed state. In some embodiments, the redundant non-contact switch includes a wireless authentication (WA) pair and a magnetic pair. The WA pair may include a WA responder attached to one of the first member and the second member, and a WA interrogator attached to the other of the first member and the second member. The WA pair may be configured to register a WA status of closed or open, depending on a WA authentication between the WA responder and the WA interrogator. The magnetic pair may include a magnet attached to one of the first member and the second member, and a magnet sensor attached to the other of the first member and the second member. The magnetic pair may be configured to register a magnetic status of closed or open, depending on whether a magnet distance between the magnet and magnet sensor is beyond a threshold magnet distance. In some instances, the redundant non-contact switch reports the status as closed only if both the WA status is registered as closed and the magnetic status is registered as closed.