Bi-stable Magnet with Movable Slide for Zero-Power State Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bi-stable magnets require continuous electrical energy or complex structures to maintain their magnetic state, leading to high power consumption or structural complications.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable magnet design featuring a movable slide with two stable positions, where the magnetic flux is short-circuited at one position and directed through sections at the other, using a permanent magnet and pole pieces, eliminating the need for electrical energy to maintain state and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric current is constantly supplied to the coil to maintain the movable part in the second position, then the magnetic state can be maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable part is designed to be self-sustaining in both positions through magnetic forces. In the first position, magnetic attraction holds it against the body; in the second position, magnetic repulsion and mechanical constraints maintain separation without continuous power supply. The system serves itself by using its own magnetic field to maintain stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous current supply, the invention uses periodic or pulsed current only when switching between states. The coil receives current momentarily to transition the movable part between positions, then current is stopped while the magnetic state is maintained by the permanent magnet and mechanical structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If springs or other means are used to push the movable part towards the second position, then the magnetic state can be maintained without power consumption, but the structure becomes complicated and more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic system itself provides the restoring force through the interaction between the permanent magnet in the movable part and the magnetic body. The permanent magnet creates magnetic repulsion that naturally pushes the movable part toward the second position without requiring external springs or mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical spring systems with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using physical springs to provide restoring force, the magnetic interaction between permanent magnets and magnetic body provides the same function, eliminating mechanical complexity and improving reliability.
3Force
If the magnet is designed to achieve large holding force, then the magnetic state is strong, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the magnetic body, the movable part, and the positioning mechanism into a unified magnetic system. The permanent magnet in the movable part combines with the magnetic body to create both the holding force and the positioning functionality, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes magnetic parameters such as the strength and distribution of the permanent magnet, the permeability of the magnetic body, and the geometry of magnetic paths to maximize holding force. By carefully controlling these parameters, large holding forces are achieved without increasing structural complexity.
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 magnet achieves stable magnetic states without electrical energy consumption, with a robust and reliable design that prevents demagnetization and allows for easy state changes, while minimizing holding force when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet is directed through the first and the second section
Implementation Method 2
a permanent magnet, and a first and a second pole piece attached to opposite magnetic pole surfaces of the permanent magnet
Implementation Method 3
magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet is short-circuited by the first section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention provides a magnet (100), which comprises a body (101) having a first and a second section (103, 104), and a slide (108) arranged to be movable relative to the body (101) between a first and a second position. The slide (108) comprises a permanent magnet (109), and a first and a second pole piece (110, 111) that are attached to opposite magnetic pole surfaces of the permanent magnet (109). The first section (103) comprises a hole (106) that opens into a first cavity (107) of the body (101), the bottom of the first cavity (107) being delimited at least partly by the second section (104). The slide (108) is movably arranged in the hole (106) so that the second pole piece (111) is directed towards the bottom of the first cavity (107), wherein at the first position of the slide (108), magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet (109) is short-circuited by the first section (103), and at the second position of the slide (108), magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet (109) is directed through the first and the second section (103, 104).