FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of switching devices. In particular, it pertains to a switch employing magnetic force for its working.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Many applications require shuttling of one part between two positions in a quick snap like movement. For example in switch gears used for making and breaking electric circuits, contacts are made to switch between a closed position and an open position by quick movement of a moving contact from a position in which it is in contact with a fixed contact to other position in which it is away from it and vice versa, and the quick snap like movement is required to minimize arcing between the two. In another exemplary application a displacer in a heat engine may be shuttled between a hot chamber and a cold chamber to displace a working fluid from one chamber to other.

[0004] Mechanism used to affect such shuttling of a part between two positions may depend on application and may typically depend on storing energy and releasing it to affect the quick movement. One such mechanism that is typically used in switch gears on even in domestic electrical switches is based on a toggle spring. Alternative mechanisms based on driven linkages such as rhombic drive used in heat engines. These mechanisms, however, require considerable space and being mechanical systems have other disadvantages such as frictional losses and need regular maintenance.

[0005] There is therefore, a need in the art for a switching means that obviate deficiencies of the known mechanisms so that they require less space and have enhance working efficiency.

[0006] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0007] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the

specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a simple and compact switching means that overcomes deficiencies of the known configurations.

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a switching means that does not undergo high frictional losses due to presence of contact surfaces.

[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a switching means that employs strong magnetic forces to obtain a smooth and convenient operation.

[0014] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a switching means that overcomes expenses from undue maintenance and costly-part replacement.

[0015] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a switching means that is simple in construction while having wide industrial applications.

SUMMARY

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a mechanism to shuttle a part between two positions in a quick movement. In an aspect the disclosed mechanism can provide a quick linear motion through magnetic forces, and thus can be implemented in contactless manner to prevent frictional losses and wear tear associated with mechanism that involve contact based relative movements.

[0017] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a contact-less magnetic mechanism that can function like a switch and can shuttle a part between two positions by quick movement. In an aspect, the disclosed switch stores energy in a magnetic field during a pushing action and after a break point converts the stored energy into mechanical work to provide a quick translatory motion to an attached part to move the attached part from one position to other and vice versa. In an alternate embodiment, the switch may not store any energy and energy for quick movement can be obtained through an electromagnet. In an aspect, the medium to provide forces to move the part being magnetic field no moving contacts are needed and thus the switch works with minimum frictional losses and, therefore, enables itto work as an efficient shuttling or shifting or switching mechanism.

[0018] In an aspect, the above concept of utilizing the magnetic energy that is stored in magnetic field and thereafter can be converted to useful mechanical work such as a quick translatory motion at a precise moment such as a break point can be used by arranging two magnets in mutually repulsive positions such that when they are pushed closer to each other energy is stored, and once they have crossed each other the direction of repulsive force is reversed resulting in the reversed repulsive force to provide a quick translatory movement consuming the stored energy. Thus point of crossing the two magnets is the break point at which the switch breaks to provide quick movement.

[0019] In an aspect, the disclosed concept can be implemented by choosing suitable shapes for the two magnets such that they can cross each other without disturbing their configuration and/or motion during their to and fro translatory movement. The present invention proposes a ring or annular shaped magnet and a disc or cylindrical shaped magnet for fulfilling the requirements of the foretold system.

[0020] In an aspect, the disclosed magnetic switch can comprise a ring or annular magnet and a cylindrical or disc shaped magnet with the two magnets concentrically positioned and configured to move in a translatory to and fro manner along their axis. Inner diameter of the ring magnet can be greater than the diameter of the cylindrical magnet to enable the cylindrical magnet to pass through the ring magnet. The magnets can be arranged to repel each other i.e. similar poles of the two magnets face each other; and as can be appreciated the two shall retain their repulsive position irrespective whether the cylindrical magnet is above the ring magnet or below after crossing each other.

[0021] In application, either of the two magnets, say the ring magnet, can be suitably configured with the part to be quickly moved between two positions and the other magnet i.e. the cylindrical magnet in the instant case, can be suitably configured with an actuating mechanism. With the part to be moved being in say first position the actuating mechanism can make the cylindrical magnet move towards the ring magnet against the repulsive force between the two. At one stage the cylindrical magnet shall cross the ring magnet resulting in change in direction of the repulsive forces which shall cause the cylindrical magnet and along with it the part to be quickly moved to shuttle from its first position to the second position. Exactly the opposite sequence shall take place for movement of the part from the second position to the first position. Thus the magnetic switch comprising of the ring magnet and the cylindrical magnet can shuttle a desired part between two positions at a quick speed.

[0022] In an aspect, the two magnets can be permanent magnets; alternatively one of them can be an electromagnet. There can further be means to switch on the current through the energizing coils of the electromagnet at the breaking point. Thus the force required to move the magnets towards the breaking point can be eliminated or at least minimized.

[0023] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0025] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic arrangement of a magnetic switch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side view of a magnetic switch with ring holder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary top views from two sides of ring magnet of the magnetic switch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary schematic arrangement of electromagnetic coils and cylindrical magnet arrangement in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRD7TION [0030] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0032] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a contact less magnetic switch that work as a linear motion convertor through magnetic switching so as to shuttle a part between two positions in a quick movement. In particular, the present disclosure provides a magnetic switch that can convert energy stored in a magnetic field during a pushing action into mechanical work. Thus the disclosed switch can be implemented in contactless manner to prevent frictional losses and wear tear associated with mechanisms that involve contact based relative movements.

[0034] In an aspect, the above concept of utilizing the magnetic energy that is stored in magnetic field and, thereafter, can be converted to useful mechanical work such as a quick translatory motion at a precise moment such as a break point can be used by arranging two magnets in mutually repulsive positions such that when they are pushed closer to each other energy is stored, and once they have crossed each other the direction of repulsive force is reversed resulting in the reversed repulsive force to provide a quick translatory movement consuming the stored energy. Thus point of crossing the two magnets is the break point at which the switch breaks to provide quick movement.

[0035] In an aspect, the disclosed concept can be implemented by choosing suitable shapes for the two magnets such that they can cross each other without disturbing their configuration and/or motion during their to and fro translatory movement. The present invention proposes a ring or annular shaped magnet and a disc or cylindrical shaped magnet for fulfilling the requirements of the foretold system.

[0036] In an aspect, the disclosed magnetic switch can comprise a ring or annular magnet and a cylindrical or disc shaped magnet with the two magnets concentrically positioned and configured to move in a translatory to and fro manner along their axis. Inner diameter of the ring magnet can be greater than the diameter of the cylindrical magnet to enable the cylindrical magnet to pass through the ring magnet. The magnets can be arranged to repel each other i.e. similar poles of the two magnets face each other; and as can be appreciated the two shall retain their repulsive position irrespective whether the cylindrical magnet is above the ring magnet or below after crossing each other.

[0037] In application either of the two magnets say the ring magnet can be suitably configured with the part to be quickly moved between two positions and the other magnet i.e. the cylindrical magnet in the instant case, can be suitably configured with an actuating mechanism. With the part to be moved being in say first position the actuating mechanism can make the cylindrical magnet move towards the ring magnet against the repulsive force between the two. At one stage the cylindrical magnet shall cross the ring magnet resulting in change in direction of the repulsive forces which shall cause the cylindrical magnet and along with it the part to be quickly moved to shuttle from its first position to the second position. Exactly the opposite sequence shall take place for movement of the part from the second position to the first position. Thus the magnetic switch comprising of the ring magnet and the cylindrical magnet can shuttle a desired part between two positions at a quick speed.

[0038] In an aspect, the two magnets can be permanent magnets; alternatively one of them can be an electromagnet. There can further be means to switch on the current through the energizing coils of the electromagnet at the breaking point. Thus the force required to move the magnets towards the breaking point can be eliminated or at least minimized.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1 wherein an exemplary schematic arrangement of the magnetic switch 100 is disclosed. As shown therein the magnetic switch 100 can comprise a cylindrical magnet 102 and a ring magnet 104 arranged concentrically and configured to move linearly along their common axis. The ring magnet 104 can be housed around a guiding means 106 and the cylindrical magnet 102 can move through inner diameter of the ring magnet 104. The guiding means 106 ensures a constrained movement of the ring magnet 104 with respect to the cylindrical magnet 102. The two magnets are arranged such that their like poles face each other and lead to a repulsive force towards the other.

[0040] In an aspect, the dimensions of both the magnets and their magnetic strength can be suitably chosen depending on the magnitude of magnetic force required to obtain the desired mechanical force.

[0041] In another aspect, the cylindrical magnet 102 can be fixed on a switching rod and the ring magnet 104 can be fixed on an annular shaped ring magnet holder and the two can have dimensions and positions so as to meet the requirement of the application where the switch is being used. In an embodiment, the material for the switching rod can be austenitic stainless steel or any other material that suits the application.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, for a cylindrical magnet of length 'L' and diameter 'D', the length of switching rod can be 5xL while its diameter can be (D+4mm). Likewise, the diameter of ring magnet 104 can be Dx6 and its thickness L/2 while guiding means 106 can have a diameter of (D+5mm). Further, the ring magnet holder can have length equal to the length of the switching rod i.e. 5xL while its diameter can be (Dx6+lmm).

[0043] In an aspect, the foretold dimensions of the two magnets and related components are only to serve as an exemplary reference and by no means aim to limit the scope of the proposed invention. Any suitable dimension depending upon the underlying application can be conveniently chosen for these components without departing from the scope of the proposed invention.

[0044] As can be seen from the schematic arrangement of the switch 100 shown in FIG. 1 the ring magnet 104 and cylindrical magnet 102configured with their opposite poles facing each other shall repel each other. However, the two can be brought nearer by application of an adequate force such that the two magnets align with each other and on further movement cross each other. Once the two magnets cross each other direction of repulsive force between the two shall get reversed. The reversed repulsive force can result in the ring magnet 104 to move in opposite direction resulting in a switching action or shuttling. Thus the point where the two magnets cross each other can be the breaking point of the switch.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side view 200 of the magnetic switch 100 showing the two magnets and their installation parts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As stated earlier, either of the two magnets, say the ring magnet 104, can be suitably configured with the part such as 206 that needs to be quickly moved between two positions. For this the ring magnet 104can be circumferentially enclosed in a ring holder 202 that has means to connect it with a part 206. The other magnet i.e. the cylindrical magnet 102 in the instant case, can be suitably configured with an actuating mechanism through another part such as 204. With the part to be moved 206 being in say first position the actuating mechanism 204 can make the cylindrical magnet 102 move towards the ring magnet against the repulsive force between the two. At one stage the cylindrical magnet 102 shall cross the ring magnet 104 resulting in change in direction of the repulsive forces which shall cause the cylindrical magnet 102 and along with it the part 206 to be quickly moved to shuttle from its first position to the second position. Exactly the opposite sequence shall take place for movement of the part 206 from the second position to the first position. Thus the magnetic switch 100 comprising of the ring magnet 104 and the cylindrical magnet 102 can shuttle a desired part between two positions at a quick speed.

[0046] In an aspect, view 200 also shows breaking point or 'switching point' for the magnetic switch 100. At this point, the two magnets are so aligned that the interfering magnetic forces balance out each other. Beyond this point, in any direction, upwards or downwards, a repulsive force starts acting on the magnets on account of like poles facing each other. From the illustrated position if the cylindrical magnet 102is pushed further downwards then the ring magnet 104 will be shuttled upwards. Due to the upward movement of the ring magnet 104, the attached part 206 shall also move up resulting in the desired switching action of any component attached thereto.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary top and bottom views from two sides of ring magnet of the magnetic switch 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown therein is the ring holder 202 housing the ring magnet 104 and comprising holes 302 for each receiving the holder shaft 208. The central innermost circle represents the the cylindrical magnet 102.

[0048] In an aspect, the ring magnet 104 and the cylindrical magnet 102 can be permanent magnets. In an alternate embodiment, one of the two magnets can be an electromagnet. In an aspect, use of an electromagnet can enable varying stroke length of the translatory motion from the switch which cannot be done if permanent magnets are used. Further, with use of an electromagnet force caused by the switch for the translatory motion can be adjusted depending on requirement.

[0049] In an embodiment, the magnetic field of the electromagnet can be changed by varying current in coils of the electromagnet through MOSFET and PWM. The MOSFET and PWM can be controlled by a microprocessor; and they together can achieve a desired variable magnetic field resulting in a variable power stroke and a variable stroke length. They can also enable a smooth and sudden stroke control, cog free operation. Use of electromagnet can also result in reduced cost of the proposed switch as they replace expensive permanent magnets.

[0050] In an aspect, electronic control system can be used to achieve more precision, control and efficient working of magnetic switch and accordingly of the part attached thereto and being moved such as displacer or bellows etc. The control system can include Hall Effect sensor (alternatively "Hall sensor"), MOSFET among other components so as to obtain these improvements. There can be one or more Hall Effect sensors to provide precise measurement of magnetic movement and placed at suitable location(s) with respect to coils that act as electromagnets when current is passed through the coils. The system further includes Microcontroller interface to control MOSFET stages.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment the microcontroller can be, but not limited to ATMEGA 128. Further, electronic control system can make use of GSM/GPRS module such as but not limited to SIM300 module, and it can be interfaced with the microcontroller.

[0052] In an embodiment, there can be plurality of ring electromagnets arranged along the axis of movement of displacement/shuttling in place of a single ring magnet 104magnet. The arrangement of multiple ring electromagnets can enable change of break point on as required basis or/and for a more precise control on movement by activating an appropriate ring electromagnet using control means.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows view 400 illustrating plurality of ring electromagnets404 and a cylindrical magnet 406 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary illustration shows six ring electromagnets 404which can be activated singly or jointly in any combination by a control mechanism (not shown here). The cylindrical magnet 406 can be free to shuttle or switch its position depending upon activation of the ring electromagnets 404. Hall sensor 402 (this figure shows two units of this sensor)can be configured to monitor position of the cylindrical magnet 406 that can work as feedback to control system to activate the one or more ring electromagnets 402 so as to obtain a desired variation in stroke length or stroke timing or breaking point among other interrelated variables so as to achieve desired switching action. In application, the cylindrical magnet 406, on being shuttled by activation of one or more ring electromagnets 402 can actuates movement of a part such as a displacer (not shown here) in a heat engine connected to it through centre rod 408.

[0054] In an implementation, the plurality of ring electromagnets404 can be current carrying coils (similar in shape to hollow rings and, therefore similar to a ring magnet, so that the cylindrical magnet 404 can pass through the annular space within the coils) made of suitable conducting material such as but not limited to copper, and the control system/mechanism can change amount and /or direction of current flowing through them to create desired magnetic fields. The coils can be housed inside a cylindrical casing 414 of an appropriate material to keep the arrangement devoid of outside influences.

[0055] In an exemplary implementation of the disclosed switch having electromagnetic coils, the switch can be used in a sterling cycle heat engine to move/shuttle a displacer (to which the cylindrical magnet 406 can be connected) to move a working fluid between a hot chamber and a cold chamber. In the exemplary heat engine the displacer may be connected to a bellow or a diaphragm that forms the cold chamber to receive expanded working fluid on being displaced by the displacer from the hot chamber. The cylindrical casing holding the magnetic coils of above implementation can be placed inside a bellow/diaphragm of the heat engine that may comprise Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) to give feedback in respect of bellow's position. Further, diameter and size of the coils can be proportional to the dimensions of the cylindrical magnet.

[0056] In an aspect, the control system of the above exemplary implementation can incorporate a microcontroller such as but not limited to Microcontroller ATMEGA 128, that receives feedback regarding position of the cylindrical magnet406 from Hall Effect sensors 402or the LVDT, and a series of MOSFET configured to get input from the microcontroller and bake/break current to the coils 404. The steps involved in this process can be:

(a) Reading position of the bellow by the microcontroller through LVDT.

(b) Monitoring expansion of the bellow and keeping MOSFET bus in tri-state by the microcontroller. (c) On detecting that the diaphragm has expanded to a predefined level, actuating, by the microcontroller, the MOSFET bus alternatively in pair and pushing the cylindrical magnet 406 to top position.

(d) Detecting, by the microcontroller, position of the cylindrical magnet through Hall sensor, and electromagnetically breaking the magnetic field of electromagnetic coils through the MOSFET to restrict movement of the displacer in the hot chamber (whereby the working fluid is completely transferred to the cold chamber- expanding the bellow).

(e) Detecting position of the contracting bellow through the LVDT, and starting the MOSFET BUS in opposite direction when the diaphragm reaches its ideal position thereby shuttling the cylindrical magnet and consequently the displacer to the cold chamber to transfer the working fluid from the cold chamber to the hot chamber.

(f) Detecting position of the cylindrical magnet through Hall sensor, and on the cylindrical magnet reaching a desired position, applying electromagnetic break to stop the cylindrical magnet and consequently the displacer..

[0057] It is to be appreciated that though the exemplary implementation has been explained with reference to a sterling heat engine, the disclosed switch can be used in any application requiring controlled displacement of a moving part. It can further be appreciated that the power of the switch and consequently speed of shuttling can be varied by varying the current through the coils.

[0058] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0059] The present disclosure provides a simple and compact switching means that overcomes deficiencies of the known configurations. [0060] The present disclosure provides a switching means that does not undergo high frictional losses due to presence of contact surfaces.

[0061] The present disclosure provides a switching means that employs strong magnetic forces to obtain a smooth and convenient operation.

[0062] The present disclosure provides a switching means that overcomes expenses from undue maintenance and costly-part replacement.

[0063] The present disclosure provides a switching means that is simple in construction while having wide industrial applications.