Retractable Plunger Touch Sensor for 3D Printer Spatial Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors for 3D printers and machine tools are bulky due to the need for complex structures and high power consumption, leading to spatial restrictions and inefficiencies, especially when detecting objects made of non-specific materials.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor with a solenoid and a plunger equipped with a permanent magnet, where the plunger is pushed into the main body case by a detection object to generate a detection signal, allowing for compact size and low power consumption, and is retractable upon command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex structure with servo motor and servo arm is used to detect object position, then detection function is achieved, but device volume increases and spatial restriction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from the complex servo motor-servo arm system and implements it through a simplified plunger-based mechanical switch structure. The plunger directly contacts the object to be detected and triggers a switch, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromechanical servo motor system with a purely mechanical plunger-spring-switch system. The spring provides restoring force to return the plunger to initial position, and the mechanical switch directly detects plunger displacement, substituting complex electronic control with simple mechanical action.
2Productivity
If high power consumption components are used for automatic detection, then detection speed improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through the spring-plunger mechanism where the plunger is rapidly pushed out upon switch activation and then automatically returns to initial position via spring force. This periodic mechanical action enables quick detection cycles without continuous power consumption, as the spring stores and releases energy mechanically.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism serves itself by automatically returning the plunger to its initial position after detection, without requiring external power input. The system uses the stored elastic potential energy in the spring to reset the mechanism, making the detection cycle self-sustaining after initial activation.
3Device complexity
If non-retractable plunger structure is used, then detection simplicity improves, but interference with next operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic behavior in the plunger structure, transitioning from static to movable state upon detection. The plunger is initially retracted, then pushed out during detection, and automatically returns to retracted position via spring force, enabling the structure to adapt its state based on operational requirements without complex control.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism pre-positiones the plunger in a retracted state before detection, preventing interference with subsequent operations. The preliminary retraction ensures the plunger is ready for the next detection cycle and cannot interfere with objects or operations that occur after the current detection completes.
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
Enables quick and efficient sensing with reduced power consumption and spatial requirements, suitable for various materials, improving output quality and reducing labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid 110 wound on a bobbin 101
Implementation Method 2
a plunger 130 formed on an upper end thereof with a permanent magnet 131; a core 120 positioned at a central portion of the solenoid 110 to interact with magnetic force of the permanent magnet 131
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a touch sensor and, more particularly, to a touch sensor having a solenoid provided therein, wherein the touch sensor: after a plunger is pushed out of a main body case thereof when a detected start command is input, detects the plunger being pushed into the main body case by means of a detected object (bed) and generates a detection signal; and when a detection end command is input, allows the plunger to be pushed in, thereby removing hindering elements that arise and solving spatial limitations while 3D printing or operating machine tools. Also, the touch sensor is capable of carrying out a detecting function quickly and at a low power consumption and enables manpower to be reduced.