Arc Magnet Assembly for Uniform Air-Gap Field Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic field generators with complex geometric structures are costly and difficult to produce, making them unsuitable for applications requiring a strong, uniform, and variable magnetic field in a small volume, such as magnetocaloric heat generators.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field generator comprising anisotropic permanent magnets arranged in a configuration with a central air gap, where each element has a circular arc profile and is surrounded by ferromagnetic closure members with oblique faces, allowing for efficient concentration of magnetic flux and easy manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If complex geometric structures of permanent magnets are used to generate strong magnetic field, then magnetic field intensity is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generator is divided into multiple assemblies, each containing a limited number of permanent magnets (e.g., five magnets per assembly). This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual assemblies while achieving the required magnetic field intensity through the collective effect of multiple assemblies arranged in a specific configuration around the air gap.
2Force
If complex geometric structures of permanent magnets are used to concentrate magnetic flux, then magnetic flux concentration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnets are arranged in a circular pattern around the air gap, with their curved surfaces facing the gap. This circular arrangement naturally concentrates magnetic flux in the air gap region without requiring complex geometric modifications to the magnets themselves, simplifying manufacturing while achieving effective flux concentration.
3Force
If laboratory-scale magnet assemblies are used to generate strong magnetic field, then magnetic field intensity is improved, but scalability for industrial production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The overall magnetic field generator is composed of multiple identical or similar assemblies that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together. This modular approach enables industrial production through standardized manufacturing processes and facilitates scaling by simply increasing the number of assemblies without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each assembly is designed to be functionally equivalent and interchangeable with others, allowing for universal manufacturing techniques and assembly procedures. This universality simplifies industrial production by enabling batch manufacturing and easy replacement or addition of assemblies to meet different production volume requirements.
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 generates an intense and uniform magnetic field with reduced material usage and lower production costs, suitable for magnetocaloric applications, while maintaining ease of assembly and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
anisotropic permanent magnets arranged to create a magnetic flux and defining an air gap inside which said magnetic flux is concentrated
Implementation Method 2
members for closing the magnetic field made of a ferromagnetic material
Implementation Method 3
each of which has oblique faces directed towards the air gap and making it possible to concentrate the magnetic flux lines towards this air gap
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a magnetic field generator (10) comprising an assembly (20) of anisotropic permanent magnets (30) defining an air gap (40) inside which the magnetic flux concentrates. Said assembly comprises a first element (21) and a second element (22) mounted opposite one another and including at least three permanent magnets (30). The two elements (21) and (22) are arranged substantially in the same plane and respectively surrounded by closing mechanisms (51, 52) of the magnetic field. The permanent magnets (30) of the first (21) and second (22) elements are made up of parallelepipedal blocks, arranged substantially in an arc of circle according to three areas: a central area (60) opposite the air gap (40), a first side area (70) on one side of the central area (60), and a second side area (80) on the other side of the central area (60). The permanent magnets (30) of the first (70) and second (80) side areas have opposite directions of magnetisation. Two parts (91) and (92) of a ferromagnetic material forming a magnetic flux concentrator (90) are arranged on either side of the air gap (40).