Mechanical Vibration Switch Linear Sensitivity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior mechanical vibration switches have a nonlinear relationship between the distance of the magnetic material and the magnet, leading to sensitivity being set too low, especially for machinery operating at slow speeds, as the force required to change the switch state is not effectively adjustable.
Innovation Solution
The mechanical vibration switch adjusts sensitivity by maintaining a constant gap between the magnetic material and the magnet while varying the common surface area, providing a linear relationship between the magnetic force and the surface area, allowing for more precise control over the switch's sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the distance between the magnetic material and the magnet is adjusted to change switch sensitivity, then the switch state can be changed at different vibration levels, but the relationship becomes highly nonlinear making sensitivity adjustment ineffective, especially at slow speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adjustable parameter from distance (nonlinear effect) to surface area (linear effect). By varying the surface area of the magnetic material that faces the magnet while maintaining a constant gap distance, the magnetic force changes linearly with the adjustable parameter, providing effective and predictable sensitivity control across all vibration levels including slow speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from adjusting sensitivity along one dimension (distance/gap) to adjusting along another dimension (surface area). This dimensional shift from gap variation to area variation fundamentally changes the relationship from nonlinear to linear, enabling effective sensitivity adjustment without the diminishing returns that occur with distance-based adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If the gap distance between magnetic material and magnet is increased to reduce sensitivity, then the switch requires higher vibration to trip, but the magnetic force drops nonlinearly making fine control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gap distance as the control parameter with surface area as the control parameter. This allows sensitivity adjustment through area variation while maintaining a fixed, precisely controlled gap. The linear relationship between area and magnetic force provides predictable control, eliminating the nonlinear sensitivity changes that occur with gap variation.
3Force
If the common surface area between magnetic material and magnet is increased to increase magnetic force, then the magnetic force increases linearly providing predictable sensitivity control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies surface area as the optimal parameter for control because it provides a linear relationship with magnetic force. The adjustment mechanism varies the exposed surface area of the magnetic material (through positioning, sizing, or shaping) while keeping the gap constant, achieving predictable and proportional changes in magnetic force that simplify the overall control system.
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 approach enables more accurate and effective adjustment of the switch's sensitivity, ensuring better protection for rotating machinery by maintaining a consistent gap and increasing the magnetic force linearly with the surface area, thus improving the switch's performance at slower speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the force of the magnet drops in a non-linear manner as the distance d increases
Implementation Method 2
The sprung mass 19 (M) exerts an inertial force (F) on the bar 31
Implementation Method 3
the spring force Fspring become greater than the magnetic force Fmagnet holding the switch in the set position
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical vibration switch having a magnet connected to a bar that rotates about an axis, an inertial mass connected to the bar, a magnetic material part disposed in a predetermined spaced apart relation from the magnet, a spring, a stop, and an electrical relay mechanically actuated by the bar. The magnetic material part is adjusted parallel to the magnet such that the magnetic force varies approximately linearly with the common surface area S between the face of the magnet and the face of the magnetic material part.