Linear Actuator Pole Design for Detent Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear electromagnetic actuators face challenges with detent force, which opposes motion and results in uneven force distribution, leading to reduced smoothness and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The actuator's poles are designed with non-uniform configurations, including varying widths and offset centers, to reduce detent force while maintaining consistent force output, achieved by modifying the dimensions and spacing of poles within manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform poles are used in the actuator, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the detent force varies significantly causing uneven force distribution and reduced smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each pole have a different width configuration tailored to its specific position in the series. The first pole has a first width, the second pole has a second width different from the first, and subsequent poles have widths progressively adjusted. This local differentiation of pole dimensions optimizes the magnetic field distribution at each location, reducing detent force variations and improving motion smoothness while maintaining manufacturability through systematic dimensional variations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional smaller poles are added before the first and after the last poles to compensate for detent force, then the detent force compensation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the width parameters of existing poles in the series rather than adding new poles. Each pole's width is adjusted according to its position, creating a progressive sequence of dimensional changes. This approach achieves detent force compensation through parameter optimization of the existing structure, avoiding the increased complexity that would result from adding additional poles before the first and after the last pole.
3Ease of operation
If pole widths are varied to reduce detent force variations, then the motion smoothness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pole series into distinct segments where each pole represents an independent manufacturing unit with its own optimized width. This segmentation allows for systematic control of dimensional variations, where each pole can be manufactured to the same tolerance standards but with different nominal widths. The segmented approach enables progressive width adjustments while maintaining consistent manufacturing precision requirements, avoiding the need for increasingly tight tolerances that would result from more complex continuous variations.
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 significantly reduces detent force variations, enhancing the smoothness of motion and reducing energy required to overcome passive forces, resulting in improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a series of electromagnets to interact with the permanent magnets to induce movement of the permanent magnets along a path
Implementation Method 2
the detent force tends to oppose motion of the moving element of the actuator relative to the stationary element of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a linear electromagnetic actuator which has a series of ferromagnetic poles, coils, and a series of permanent magnets to interact with the poles to induce movement of the actuator along a path. The poles have non-uniform configurations.