Passive Reed Switch Sensor with Non-Resetting Holding Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems for geological changes and structural integrity face issues with false alarms and inability to reliably record triggering events due to automatic resetting and sensitivity to normal stresses, leading to unreliable event reporting.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a deformable resistance element and adjustable holding force, where the triggering element is not automatically reset, allowing for reliable event recording and masking of normal stresses, using a holding element to exert a threshold force and employing a passive detection mechanism with minimal energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensors are designed with automatic resetting capability, then the sensors can be continuously monitored without manual intervention, but false alarms occur due to normal stresses and the sensors cannot reliably record triggering events
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two independent parts: a triggering element that detects events and a holding element that maintains the triggered state. The triggering element can be actuated by events, while the holding element (deformable resistance element) maintains the triggered position through elastic deformation, preventing automatic resetting and ensuring reliable event recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is pre-loaded with elastic energy through prestressing before an event occurs. When the triggering element moves due to an event, it releases this pre-stored energy, which then maintains the triggered state against restoring forces, ensuring the sensor remains in the triggered position without automatic reset.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are made sensitive to detect small events, then more events can be detected, but normal weather-related stresses cause false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The holding force of the holding element can be adjusted by changing parameters such as the prestress level, the geometric configuration, or the material properties of the deformable resistance element. This allows the sensor to be calibrated to distinguish between normal stresses (which produce smaller forces) and significant events (which produce larger forces exceeding the holding force threshold).
3Adaptability or versatility
If a holding element with adjustable holding force is used, then the sensor can be adapted to specific applications, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed as a deformable resistance element (such as an elastic body or spring) whose holding force can be adjusted by changing physical parameters like prestress, geometry, or material properties. This allows the same basic sensor structure to be adapted to different applications by simply modifying these parameters rather than redesigning the entire system.
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
Ensures secure and reliable event reporting by preventing false alarms and allowing for delayed detection of events, with adjustable sensitivity and low energy consumption, enabling long-term monitoring of geological changes and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable resistance element is provided as the holding element, the holding element being used to achieve a threshold value force
Data Source
AI summary
The sensor (1), to detect a weight overload or shift, is a passive sensor with a trip (3) to close a reed switch (6) on excessive pull/push forces. When open, no current flows through the reed switch and, when activated, the trip does not reset. An antenna (9) transmits a signal to show that the sensor has been tripped.