Air-Bushing Linear Motor for Long-Stroke Frictionless Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material testing systems with frictionless properties are limited by the need for flexible suspension components that restrict the movement range of the armature due to magnetic forces, limiting the stroke distance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A linear motor system with a multi-phase stator assembly and air bushing suspension system that allows frictionless movement of the armature relative to the stator assembly, using air bushings to prevent bending and torsion caused by magnetic attraction, and a magnetic damping system to control kinetic energy absorption when power is cut.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible suspension structures are used to support the armature, then the armature can be suspended without sliding contact, but the movement range is limited due to the bendable nature and material properties of the suspension structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flexible suspension structure from between the armature and the fixed frame, extracting the limitation it imposed on stroke distance. The armature is instead supported by air bushings that allow frictionless movement without the restrictive bendable nature of flexible suspensions, thereby resolving the contradiction between frictionless operation and extended stroke distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flexible suspension structure with a pneumatic support system using air bushings. This substitution eliminates the material property limitations of flexible suspensions while maintaining frictionless operation, allowing the armature to achieve greater stroke distances without the resistance forces inherent in bendable suspension structures.
2Length of moving object
If the armature moves further from the center position due to electromagnetic forces, then the stroke distance increases, but the resistance force from the flexural suspension structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flexural suspension structures that generate resistance forces proportional to displacement. By removing these structures and replacing them with air bushings, the system eliminates the increasing resistance force that occurs when the armature moves further from center, allowing extended stroke distance without proportional increase in resistive forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs air bushings to provide support and guidance for the armature, replacing mechanical flexural suspensions. The pneumatic support system provides frictionless operation with minimal resistance force across the full range of motion, enabling the armature to achieve greater displacement from center position without the increasing resistive forces characteristic of flexible suspension structures.
3Reliability
If flexible suspension structures are used to support the armature, then the armature can be suspended, but bending and torsion are caused by magnetic attraction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flexible suspension structures with air bushings that provide support without causing bending and torsion. The pneumatic support system maintains armature alignment by providing uniform support forces without the elastic deformation and torsional stresses inherent in flexible suspension structures subjected to magnetic attraction forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air bushings as an intermediary between the armature and the fixed frame, replacing direct mechanical suspension. This intermediary provides frictionless support while preventing the bending and torsion caused by magnetic attraction forces, as the air cushion decouples the armature from mechanical constraints that would otherwise transmit destabilizing forces.
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 system achieves a longer stroke distance without sliding friction, enhanced reliability, and improved sensitivity by eliminating contact between the armature and suspension system, while the magnetic damping system stabilizes the motor during power cutoff.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension system configured to facilitate movement of the armature relative to the stator assembly without physically touching the armature during movement
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic damping system configured to absorb kinetic energy of the armature movement when power is cut to the linear motor
Implementation Method 3
linear motors are known to utilize electricity and magnetism to create back and forth movement in an armature
Data Source
AI summary
A linear motor including a stator assembly, an armature mechanically coupleable to a test specimen configured to be moved relative to the stator assembly by operation of the linear motor, and a suspension system configured facilitate movement of the armature relative to the stator assembly along an axis of movement without physically touching the armature during movement. Further disclosed is a multi-phase linear motor, a linear motor having an armature with an array of flat magnets, and a linear motor having a magnetic damping system.