Self-Stable Solenoid Armature for Camera Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scouting cameras require continuous energy to maintain and switch between infrared filter positions, leading to high energy consumption, slow response times, and potential mechanical failure due to reliance on energized mechanisms and springs, making them inefficient and costly for extended use in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A filter-moving solenoid system with a self-stable armature and permanent magnets allows the filter to remain fixed in positions without continuous solenoid energization, reducing energy usage and improving response times by only energizing the solenoid during armature movement between filtering and non-filtering positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solenoid mechanism is continuously energized to maintain the infrared filter in a filtering position, then the filter position is stable, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid is energized only periodically during transitions between filtering and non-filtering positions, rather than continuously. The armature remains stable in each position without continuous energization, consuming minimal energy during static states while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The armature is designed to be self-stable in both filtering and non-filtering positions through its mechanical construction and magnetic properties. Once positioned, the armature maintains its state without requiring continuous external energy input from the solenoid, effectively serving itself to maintain position stability.
2Reliability
If the solenoid mechanism is continuously energized to maintain filter position, then the filter remains stable, but response time to switch positions slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid operates in brief periodic pulses only during position transitions rather than continuous operation. This allows rapid activation and deactivation of the magnetic field, enabling quick response times for switching between positions while maintaining stability during static states.
Solution Approach 2:
The armature's self-stable design allows it to quickly settle into positions without requiring prolonged energization. The mechanical and magnetic properties of the armature enable rapid positioning and stable holding, improving response time while maintaining position reliability.
3Device complexity
If springs are used to mechanically hold the filter in a default position, then the mechanism is simpler, but the spring has limited use life and can fatigue or fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces spring-based mechanical holding with a solenoid-based electromagnetic holding system. The solenoid uses magnetic fields rather than mechanical springs to maintain the armature in positioned states, eliminating spring fatigue and failure while maintaining system simplicity through direct electromagnetic actuation.
4Reliability
If the mechanism is continuously energized to maintain filter positions, then position stability is ensured, but power demand and energy usage over time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid is energized only periodically during position transitions rather than continuously throughout operation. This periodic operation dramatically reduces the total energy consumption of the camera system over time while maintaining filter position stability during actual use states through the self-stable armature design.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-stable armature maintains filter positions without requiring continuous external energy input. This self-maintaining capability significantly reduces the stationary energy consumption of the camera system while ensuring position stability is preserved during operational states.
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 solenoid system significantly reduces energy consumption and enhances response times, enabling extended camera operation without frequent battery replacement or recharging, while maintaining quick and efficient filter position switching.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid and an armature, movable between at least first and second operative positions
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first and second contact segments of the armature can include a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet can attract to a ferromagnetic core of the solenoid, holding the armature in a fixed position in a self-stable manner
Data Source
AI summary
A filter-moving solenoid system for use with a camera is provided. The filter-moving solenoid system includes a solenoid and an armature that has at least first and second operative positions and at least first and second contact segments. A first contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a first operative position and a second contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a second operative position. The filter-moving solenoid system is configured so that the armature is self-stable in each of the first and second positions, allowing the filter to selectively remain fixed in such positions without requiring the solenoid to be energized in so doing.