Magnetically Reset Reed Push Switch for Stable ON/OFF States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Push switches using reed switches face instability in maintaining the ON state due to uneven magnetization of reeds, susceptibility to external magnetic fields and vibrations, and require additional mechanical components for durability.
Innovation Solution
A push switch design featuring a reed switch with a vertically aligned central axis, surrounded by an annular first magnet and an axially movable second magnet, where the second magnet's repulsive force allows for stable ON and OFF states without the need for an elastic member, enabling the switch to maintain reliability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent magnet is used to magnetize reeds for switching, then the switch can be turned on and off, but the ON state cannot be maintained stably because only one reed is magnetized while the other is not
Solution Approach 1:
The single permanent magnet is segmented into two separate magnets: a first permanent magnet positioned near the lower reed and a second permanent magnet positioned near the upper reed. This segmentation allows each reed to be independently and symmetrically magnetized, ensuring that both reeds acquire equal magnetic polarity and can maintain stable contact in the ON state without being affected by external magnetic fields or vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the switch are given different magnetic properties by positioning the first permanent magnet near the lower reed and the second permanent magnet near the upper reed. This local quality approach ensures that each reed is magnetized by its corresponding permanent magnet, creating symmetric magnetization that stabilizes the ON state while allowing independent control of each reed's magnetic state.
2Ease of operation
If elastic members are added to return the permanent magnet to the original position, then the switch can reset after operation, but the device complexity increases and mechanical durability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical return mechanism (elastic members and supporting parts) is replaced with a magnetic field-based reset mechanism. The second permanent magnet, when moved closer to the reed switch, creates a magnetic field that causes both reeds to become magnetized with the same polarity, generating magnetic repulsion that automatically pushes the reeds apart and resets the switch to the OFF state, eliminating the need for mechanical elastic members.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field parameters are changed by moving the second permanent magnet closer to the reed switch during operation. This parameter change (distance between magnets) alters the magnetic field strength and distribution, enabling the reeds to become magnetized and repel each other, thus achieving automatic reset without mechanical components.
3Reliability
If the reed switch is positioned with contact point between the two magnets, then both reeds can be magnetized symmetrically for stable states, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The case is designed with a positioning structure that serves multiple functions: it holds the reed switch, positions the first and second permanent magnets at precise locations, and ensures the contact point is positioned between the magnets. This universal positioning structure achieves symmetric magnetization and stable switch states while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
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 design provides a simple, high-reliability, and durable push switch capable of operating as both normally-open and normally-closed types, maintaining stable states against external impacts like magnetic fields and vibrations without requiring additional mechanical components for return mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a pushing member (15) mounted to the second magnet (14), for moving the second magnet (14) to an operating position close to the first magnet (13) at the time of downward operation
Implementation Method 2
magnetic flux of a permanent magnet is applied to a pair of reeds of the reed switch to magnetize them, making them contact each other by magnetic attraction force
Data Source
AI summary
A push switch includes a vertically arranged reed switch, a hollow case disposed to surround the reed switch, an annular first magnet fixedly disposed on the lower side in the case to surround the reed switch and magnetized in the axial direction, an annular second magnet disposed to be axially movable on the upper side in the case to surround the reed switch and magnetized in a direction opposite to the first magnet, and a pushing member mounted to the second magnet to move the second magnet to an operating position close to the first magnet at the time of downward operation. The case is positioned so that in a non-operating state, the pushing member is not pressed down within the case. The contact point of the reed switch comes at the center between the first magnet and the second magnet in the axial direction.