Tilt Switch Light Path Segmentation for Signal Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tilt switches experience light scattering issues due to elongated slots, leading to improper light signal reception even when the ball member is in its blocking state, causing erroneous operations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a base with a lower groove and inclined surfaces, a cover body with press pieces and upper grooves that define a chamber with light passages smaller than the ball member's diameter, minimizing light scattering and ensuring accurate light path blocking and unblocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elongated slots are used in the conventional tilt switch, then the ball member can freely move to block or unblock the light path, but light scattering occurs and improper light signals are reflected to the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The light path is segmented into multiple sections by dividing the passage into a first passage and a second passage. The ball member is positioned to block one passage while leaving the other open, creating distinct operational states that prevent light scattering and improve signal reception accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tilt switch are given different functions: the first passage is optimized for light transmission with specific dimensional constraints, while the second passage is designed for ball member movement. The emitter and receiver are positioned at specific locations to ensure accurate light path alignment only when the ball member is in the correct position.
2Ease of operation
If the light passage width is increased to allow easy ball member movement, then the ball can roll freely, but light scattering increases and erroneous operations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt switch utilizes the dynamic rolling motion of the ball member to transition between two stable states: blocking the first passage while opening the second, or vice versa. The dimensional constraints on the light passages ensure that during this dynamic transition, light scattering is minimized and accurate blocking is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter relationships: the width of each light passage in the top-to-bottom direction is smaller than the diameter of the ball member. This parameter constraint ensures that when the ball member rolls to block one passage, it effectively prevents light scattering while maintaining the ability to move freely between 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
This configuration effectively reduces light scattering and minimizes the possibility of erroneous operations by ensuring the light signal is accurately blocked or unblocked by the ball member, enhancing the reliability of the tilt switch's on/off states.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter head aligned with the first lower passage hole to emit a light signal
Implementation Method 2
the ball member is rollable within the chamber to block or unblock the light path
Implementation Method 3
The receiver 18 is used to receive a light signal emitted by the emitter 17
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt switch includes a base and a cover body. The base includes an upright support having a lower groove, and first and second lower passage holes communicated with the lower groove. An emitter is mounted on the base to emit a light signal. A receiver is disposed opposite to the emitter to receive the light signal. The cover body includes first and second press pieces respectively having first and second upper passage holes that complement with the respective first and second lower passage holes to define first and second light passages, respectively, and an upper groove cooperating with the lower groove to define a chamber. The light signal propagates along a light path passing through the chamber from the first to the second light passage. A ball member is rollable within the chamber to block or unblock the light path.