Electromechanical Actuator Centrifugal Mass Linear Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems rely on pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for high-force applications, which are inefficient and complex, lacking effective electromechanical alternatives that can convert high-speed rotation to low-speed, high-force actuation without torque transfer.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical power actuator using a centrifugal mass principle, with a primary electromagnetic coil, rotor, acting element, and energy storage device, including a rotatable flywheel, to convert high-speed rotation to linear movement without torque transfer, enabling efficient high-force actuation in vehicle systems like clutches and brakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pneumatic or hydraulic actuators are used for high-force applications, then high force and defined actuating paths can be achieved, but structural complexity and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the torque transfer mechanism and integrated gear elements from the actuator design. By using a centrifugal mass principle where high-speed rotation is directly converted to linear movement through centrifugal force, the complex torque transfer path is removed, achieving high force output without the structural complexity of traditional pneumatic or hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic rotor (high-speed, low-force) with a centrifugal mass system that converts rotational energy directly into linear actuation force. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical gear elements and torque transfer mechanisms, providing a more efficient path from electromagnetic power to high-force linear actuation
2Force
If torque transfer and integrated gear elements are used to convert high-speed rotation to low-speed actuation, then force multiplication is achieved, but device complexity and points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes torque transfer mechanisms and integrated gear elements from the system. Instead of using multiple mechanical components to multiply force, it employs a centrifugal mass principle where the rotating mass itself generates the actuation force through centrifugal effect, eliminating unnecessary intermediate elements and reducing points of failure
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores kinetic energy, generates centrifugal force for actuation, and provides the mechanical connection between the electromagnetic motor and the linear actuation element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gear elements and torque transfer mechanisms
3Loss of energy
If high-speed rotation is directly converted to linear movement without torque transfer, then efficiency increases, but force multiplication capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the electromagnetic rotor by allowing it to rotate at high speed without the constraint of torque transfer to a lower speed output. The centrifugal mass principle enables the system to generate high force directly from high-speed rotation through centrifugal force, eliminating energy losses associated with gear transmission and torque conversion while maintaining force multiplication capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic actuators are designed for high force output, then they can replace pneumatic and hydraulic systems, but their high-speed rotation must be converted to low-speed actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical speed conversion mechanism (gears, torque transfer) with a centrifugal mass principle. The high-speed rotating electromagnetic motor directly generates linear actuation force through the centrifugal effect of rotating masses, enabling electromagnetic actuators to replace pneumatic and hydraulic systems without requiring complex speed conversion mechanisms
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 solution reduces structural complexity, increases efficiency, and allows for the replacement of pneumatic and hydraulic actuators with electromechanical ones, providing reliable and energy-efficient operation by transforming high-speed, low-force electromagnetic power into high-force axial or linear movement without gear elements.
Implementation Method 1
a primary electromagnetic coil (322) formed to be arranged in at least one winding around the actuation axis (321)
Implementation Method 2
an electromechanical actuation principle in vehicle systems... using a simple space-saving mechanism... convert high-speed rotation to linear movement in one step. This principle is the centrifugal mass principle, wherein an actuation force is transferred from a centrifugal force appearing on rotated masses
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an electromechanical power actuator (120), wherein the actuator (120) is configured to apply an actuation force along a linear actuation axis (321) to a friction generation device for a motor vehicle. The actuator (120) comprises a primary electromagnetic coil (322) formed to be arranged in at least one winding around the actuation axis (321) or around an axis parallel or transversal thereto. Furthermore, the actuator (120) comprises a rotor (323) magnetically connected to the primary electromagnetic coil (322). The rotor (323) has a plurality of mass elements (325) rotatable with the rotor (323) and radially movable with respect to a rotation axis of the rotor (323) and in relation to rotation speed of the rotor (323). The actuator (120) also comprises an acting element (326) formed to be guided along the actuation axis (321) and coupled to the rotor (323). Moreover, the actuator (120) comprises a coupling (327) formed to connect the acting element (326) to the mass elements (325). The acting element (326) is axially movable in relation to radial movement of the mass elements (325). The coupling (327) comprises an axial bearing for inhibiting torque transfer from the rotor (323) to the acting element (326).