Rotary Control Magnetic Sensing with Flux Pipe Switch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems require electrical wiring modifications and replacement of mechanical switches, making them difficult for average consumers to install and use without professional assistance.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a magnetic element, magnetic sensing circuits, and a magnetic flux pipe structure that allows for wireless control of electrical loads without the need for electrical wiring modifications or replacement of mechanical switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard mechanical toggle switches are replaced by load control devices, then advanced control features and energy savings are achieved, but installation complexity increases requiring electrical wiring modifications and professional assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switch replacement with a magnetic sensing system that detects the position of a mechanical toggle switch actuator. The load control device uses magnetic elements and Hall-effect sensors to detect actuator position without requiring electrical wiring modifications, thereby maintaining advanced control features while eliminating complex installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic flux pipe structure as an intermediary component that couples the mechanical actuator to the magnetic sensing circuit. This flux pipe structure guides magnetic flux from the magnetic element attached to the actuator to the Hall-effect sensor, enabling non-contact position detection and simplifying the interface between mechanical and electronic systems.
2Power
If mechanical toggle switches are replaced by load control devices, then power delivery control is improved, but installation difficulty increases requiring disconnection and reconnection of electrical wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical wiring modifications with a magnetic coupling mechanism. The load control device attaches to the mechanical actuator via magnetic elements and detects actuator position through Hall-effect sensors, eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect electrical wiring while maintaining full power delivery control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the load control device to self-align and self-couple with the mechanical actuator through magnetic attraction. The magnetic element attached to the actuator automatically guides the Hall-effect sensor to the correct position via the magnetic flux pipe structure, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If load control devices are installed in existing electrical systems, then advanced control functionality is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex requiring skilled installers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical wiring integration with a magnetic sensing approach. The load control device uses magnetic elements coupled to the existing mechanical actuator and Hall-effect sensors to detect actuator position, allowing installation without electrical wiring work and making the system accessible to average consumers rather than requiring skilled installers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal load control device that can be attached to standard mechanical toggle switches through magnetic coupling. The device maintains full load control functionality while using a universal magnetic attachment mechanism that works with existing mechanical actuators, eliminating the need for model-specific installation procedures.
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 easy installation and use of load control systems in existing electrical systems, providing energy savings and advanced control features without requiring electrical re-wiring or replacement of mechanical switches.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic sensing circuit may include a Hall-effect sensing circuit
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic flux pipe structure configured to conduct the magnetic field generated by the magnetic element and redirect the magnetic field towards the at least one magnetic sensing sensor circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a moving portion, a magnetic element coupled to the moving portion, at least one magnetic sensing circuit responsive to magnetic fields, and at least one magnetic flux pipe structure. The magnetic element may comprise alternating positive and negative sections configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic element may be any shape, such as circular, linear, etc. The magnetic sensing circuit may be radially offset from the magnetic element, and the magnetic flux pipe structure may be configured to conduct the magnetic field generated by the magnetic element towards the magnetic sensing circuit. The magnetic element may generate the magnetic field in a first plane, and the magnetic sensing may be responsive to magnetic fields in a second direction that is angularly offset from the first plane. The magnetic flux pipe structure may redirect the magnetic field towards the magnetic sensing circuit in the second direction.