Magnetic reluctance actuator

Abstract

Magnetic reluctance actuator comprising a magnet, a ferromagnetic armature, and a ferromagnetic mover forming at least part of a magnetic circuit carrying a magnetic flux, wherein the magnetic flux generates a first magnetic force on the mover which acts in a first direction, wherein the magnetic circuit further comprises at least a variable air gap and an air gap actuator arranged to control the size of the variable air gap, wherein the magnetic reluctance of the magnetic circuit is increased or decreased by respectively increasing or decreasing the size of the air gap, thereby respectively decreasing and increasing the magnitude of the magnetic flux and the magnitude of the first magnetic force, wherein the actuator is arranged to adjust the position of the mover by adjusting the size of the variable air gap.