Electromagnetic Actuator Dual-Member Movable Portion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic actuators fail to transmit thrust effectively to the operated member due to the movable portion being supported at only one point and being cantilevered, leading to instability and insufficient thrust transmission.

Innovation Solution

The electromagnetic actuator is designed with a movable portion composed of two members supported by fixed portions on both sides, allowing for stable movement and efficient thrust transmission to the operated member, with one member made of magnetic material and the other of non-magnetic material, and a waiting mechanism to suspend movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the movable portion is supported at only one point in a cantilever manner, then the structure is simple, but the thrust cannot be transmitted to the operated member sufficiently and the sleeve may be inclined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidthrust transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable portion is divided into two separate members (first movable member and second movable member) that are supported independently by the fixed portion. This segmentation allows each member to be supported at a different location, eliminating the cantilever configuration and improving thrust transmission reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the movable portion is supported at only one point, then the support structure is simple, but the sleeve may be inclined relative to the movable portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidsleeve alignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The movable portion is segmented into two members supported at different locations by the fixed portion. This dual-support configuration prevents the sleeve from inclining relative to the movable portion, thereby improving alignment stability without significantly increasing support structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two movable members are arranged in different radial positions around the rotating element, with their support portions positioned at different angular locations. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions enhances the stability of the sleeve alignment by distributing the support forces more evenly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the movable portion is cantilevered, then the structure is compact, but thrust transmission efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidthrust transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable portion is divided into two members that are each supported by the fixed portion at separate locations. This segmentation transforms the cantilever structure into a supported structure, significantly improving thrust transmission efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second movable members act as intermediaries between the electromagnetic coil and the operated member (sleeve). These intermediate members transmit the electromagnetic force more effectively to the sleeve, improving thrust transmission efficiency while allowing for a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration improves the stability and efficiency of thrust transmission to the operated member, ensuring reliable operation and reduced radial load on the supporting members.

Implementation Method 1

the movable portion and the fixed portion are placed around a coil so as to form a magnetic circuit, and the movable portion is magnetically attracted in the axis direction by an electromagnetic force generated in the magnetic circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9816570B2Electromagnetic actuator
Publication Date: 2017.11.14 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US9816570B2 patent drawing
  • US9816570B2 patent drawing
  • US9816570B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electromagnetic actuator includes an electromagnetic coil, fixed portions placed around the electromagnetic coil, and a movable portion including a magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic coil together with the fixed portions. The movable portion is configured to operate an operated member by moving in a predetermined direction due to an electromagnetic force generated in the magnetic circuit. The movable portion includes a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member are supported respectively by the fixed portions. The first member and the second member are incorporated to each other by sandwiching the operated member from both sides in the predetermined direction.