Actuator with Ring Winding and Spring Element for Linear Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator systems face challenges in being easily producible, cost-effective, and efficiently controllable, particularly in linear drive applications, where they often require complex setups and inefficient energy transmission.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design incorporates a ring winding and a permanent magnet with a spring element, allowing for easy implementation and control, with the ability to generate forces that can exceed or fall below spring force, enabling movement in both axial directions. This design includes a secondary coil for inductive coupling, an electronic circuit for current generation, and high-frequency modulation for data transmission, ensuring efficient energy transfer and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex actuator system is used to achieve reliable linear drive operation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into functionally independent modules: a stator with ring winding, a movable part with permanent magnet, and a spring element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically provides the return force when the electromagnetic force is removed, eliminating the need for additional mechanical return mechanisms or complex control systems. The system uses its own components to achieve bidirectional movement without external assistance.
2Force
If electromagnetic force is used to overcome spring force for movement, then the force capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates in periodic cycles: electromagnetic force accelerates the movable part in one direction, then the spring force naturally returns it to the starting position. This periodic operation allows the high-force electromagnetic actuation to be used only during the power stroke, while the return stroke utilizes passive spring energy storage and release.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element stores energy during the electromagnetic actuation phase and releases it during the return phase. This energy phase transition from electromagnetic to mechanical potential energy and back reduces the total energy consumption by recycling the return energy.
3Reliability
If contactless energy transmission is implemented for the actuator, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based actuation (such as cam-follower or gear mechanisms) with an electromagnetic field-based ring winding system. This substitution eliminates wear and contact issues while using simple, mass-producible components that can be manufactured using standard electromagnetic manufacturing processes.
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
The solution enables easy control and high efficiency in actuator systems, allowing for precise positioning and reduced production costs, with the ability to handle large powers and maintain efficiency even with weak coupling, while eliminating the need for additional cables and ensuring galvanic isolation.
Implementation Method 1
a first part of the actuator (22) comprises at least one ring winding (23, 29) which can be energized and a second part (25) of the actuator comprises at least one permanent magnet (28)
Implementation Method 2
A spring element (27) is arranged between the parts (22, 25)
Implementation Method 3
The electronic circuit is connected to a secondary coil that can be inductively coupled to a primary conductor (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator, in particular a linear drive, and installation or machine. A first part of the actuator comprises at least one toroidal winding that can be energized and a second part of the actuator comprises at least one permanent magnet. The first and second parts are disposed such that they can be displaced in relation to each other.