Electromagnetic Actuator Coil with Central Tap for Armature Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic control devices require a large fitting volume to detect the position of the armature, as they often need separate coils for position detection and displacement, which increases the overall size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function coil design where the same coil is used for both armature position displacement and detection, with the coil divided into part-coils connected in series and a central tapping point for sensor current, allowing for precise position determination within a compact space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate sensor coil is provided for position detection, then position detection capability is improved, but the fitting volume of the control device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is designed to perform dual functions: it serves as both the actuating coil for displacing the armature and as the sensor coil for detecting the armature position. By making the coil universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate sensor coil, thereby maintaining position detection capability while reducing the overall fitting volume of the control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the actuating coil and sensor coil into a single integrated coil structure. The coil is divided into part-coils that can function both for generating the magnetic field to move the armature and for sensing the armature position through inductance measurements, combining two previously separate functions into one component.
2Measurement precision
If the coil is divided into part-coils with tapping connections, then position detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is divided into multiple part-coils arranged axially, with each part-coil having specific tapping connections. This segmentation allows selective energization of different coil sections based on the desired armature position, enabling precise position detection and control. The part-coils can be independently controlled to create localized magnetic fields for accurate armature positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil structure is made dynamically controllable through the tapping connections, allowing the electrical configuration to change based on operational requirements. Different combinations of part-coils can be activated depending on the desired armature position, providing dynamic adaptability that simplifies the control logic while maintaining high position detection accuracy.
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 design enables accurate and efficient detection of the armature position with minimal additional volume, as the coil serves both functions, reducing the overall size of the control device while maintaining precise position determination capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an electric coil (5) which has a central longitudinal axis (2) and surrounds an inside space (4) of the coil... can be moved along the central longitudinal axis (2)... by passing a movement current through the coil
Implementation Method 2
a sensor current provided for determining an axial position of the armature can be passed into a subset of the part-coils... when the armature is in a defined axial position an axial end face of the armature is within an axial range defined by an axial separation zone provided between two adjacent part-coils
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic control device has a coil with a central axis and an interior space, and a control element that moves along the axis and is arranged at least partially within an interior space of the coil. The control element comprises an armature that axially moves to a desired position when the coil is energized. The coil is divided into at least two separate portions that are arranged axially behind one another and connected electrically in series with one another. An electric central tap is provided, between two adjacent coil portions, by which a sensor current, provided for determining an axial position of the armature, can be fed into a subset of the coil portions. When the armature is in a defined axial position, an axial end face of the armature is located within an axial area determined by an axial separation zone provided between two adjacent coil portions.