Actuator with Split Magnets for Linear Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuator designs for engine mounts lack improvements in manufacturing and assembly efficiency, and they cannot operate with a stroke-independent linear magnetic force/current characteristic.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic and dynamic actuator featuring a conductive cylinder coil, two ferromagnetic magnetic cores, and a permanently magnetized system with a non-magnetic separating element and split permanent magnets, allowing for a symmetrical arrangement that compensates forces and provides a deflection-independent current-proportional force characteristic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional actuator design with a single continuous permanent magnet and solid magnetic core is used, then the magnetic force is strong, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing and assembly efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnet is divided into multiple segments along the longitudinal axis, creating distinct magnetic regions that can be independently positioned. The magnetic core is segmented with non-magnetic separating elements between segments, allowing for modular assembly and simplified manufacturing while maintaining magnetic functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Non-magnetic separating elements are extracted and placed between magnetic core segments to create controlled magnetic circuit paths. This extraction of non-magnetic material allows for simplified assembly and manufacturing by enabling modular construction of the magnetic assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If the permanent magnet and magnetic core are arranged in a conventional asymmetric configuration, then the magnetic force is generated, but the force characteristic depends on stroke position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce characteristic linearityVSAvoidstroke-independent operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the non-magnetic separating elements relative to the magnetic core segments, creating a specific magnetic circuit configuration that compensates for stroke-dependent force variations and achieves a linear force-current characteristic independent of stroke position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic circuit is pre-configured with specific separating element positions and magnetic core geometries that anticipate and counteract stroke-dependent force variations, ensuring linear force characteristics are maintained across the entire stroke range without requiring active compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If the first magnetic core is solid without interruptions, then the magnetic flux path is continuous, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmagnetic flux continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Non-magnetic separating elements serve as intermediaries between magnetic core segments, providing controlled magnetic circuit paths while enabling modular assembly. These separating elements maintain magnetic flux continuity through the assembly while simplifying manufacturing and assembly procedures.

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

The actuator achieves a simplified assembly, a more compact and robust design, and a stroke-independent current-proportional force characteristic, enabling precise control of bearing stiffness and frequency-selective adjustment of vibration phase.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically conductive cylinder coil (2), a first magnetic core (3) made from ferromagnetic material, a second magnetic core (4) made from ferromagnetic material and at least one permanent magnet (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Together, the permanent magnet and coil form an oscillating spring-mass system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

a first magnetic core (3) made from ferromagnetic material, a second magnetic core (4) made from ferromagnetic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3095119B1Electromagnetic and dynamic actuator for active assembly bearings
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 MANNESMANN BOGE
  • EP3095119B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3095119B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3095119B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuator (1) for motor bearings, comprising - an electrically conductive cylinder coil (2), - a first magnet core (3) made of a ferromagnetic material, - a second magnet core (4) made of a ferromagnetic material, and - at least one permanent magnet (5), the magnetizing direction of which is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (12) of the cylinder coil (2). The first and second magnet core (3, 4) are arranged in a movable manner relative to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12) of the cylinder coil (2). The invention is characterized in that the first magnet core (3) substantially surrounds the cylinder coil (2) and is interrupted by a non-magnetic separating element (10) at a cylinder coil (2) lateral face facing the permanent magnet (5), and the permanent magnet (5) is designed so as to be interrupted at least once in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12) of the cylinder coil (2) and has at least two parts (5a, 5b).