Transmissive Optical Sensor for Contact Carrier Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contact position sensing technologies, particularly those using photoelectric reflective object sensors, are costly and inaccurate.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a housing with a non-reflective latch and a transmissive optical sensor that senses the presence or absence of the latch member to determine the position of a contact carrier, reducing costs and improving accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If photoelectric reflective object sensors are used to detect contact position, then the sensing capability is provided, but the cost significantly increases and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoidposition sensing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces photoelectric reflective sensors with a transmissive optical sensor system that uses a non-reflective latch member as a mechanical indicator. This substitution eliminates the need for complex reflective sensing while improving measurement precision through direct light blockage detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between sensing capability and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a non-reflective latch member as an intermediary element between the contact carrier and the optical sensor. This latch member serves as a reliable mechanical indicator that directly blocks light when in engagement, providing accurate position sensing without the cost and inaccuracy issues of reflective sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If photoelectric reflective object sensors are used to detect contact position, then the sensing function is achieved, but the device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing functionVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive non-reflective latch member made from basic materials instead of expensive photoelectric reflective sensors. This latch member is a straightforward mechanical component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, significantly reducing device cost while maintaining the essential sensing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the expensive photoelectric reflective sensor system with a simpler transmissive optical sensor combined with a mechanical latch indicator. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while preserving the core sensing functionality through a more economical approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a non-reflective latch member is used with transmissive optical sensor, then measurement precision and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the device complexity changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition sensing accuracyVSAvoidsensor system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the reflective element from the sensing system, using only a simple non-reflective latch member instead. This extraction simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating complex reflective sensor components while maintaining high measurement precision through the straightforward light blockage detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using reflective surfaces to indicate position, the patent inverts the approach by using a non-reflective latch member that blocks light transmission. This inversion simplifies the optical system design and reduces device complexity while achieving superior measurement precision through direct light interruption detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution provides a cost-effective and accurate method for sensing the position of a contact carrier, enhancing the reliability of position sensing in contact modules.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is configured to sense a presence or an absence of the latch member at one particular location depending upon the position of the contact carrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2045828B1Method and Apparatus for Sensing Contact Position

Publication Date: 2015.06.17 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

A device for sensing the position of a contact carrier (4) of a contact includes a housing (12), a sensor (66) supported by the housing (12) and a latch (36) that is movable by the contact carrier. The latch (36) has a latch member (40) located in proximity to the sensor (66) and that is generally non-reflective. The sensor (66) is configured to sense a presence or an absence of the latch member (40) at one particular location depending upon the position of the contact carrier (4). A method of sensing position of a contact carrier (4) of a contact module is also presented.