Bistable Mass Shifting Mechanism Using Electromagnetic Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic and pneumatic systems face limitations due to mechanical contrast means, which occupy space, generate interference, and increase production and maintenance costs, affecting dynamic performance and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A bistable mechanism that shifts a mass between two equilibrium positions using electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for mechanical return means by maintaining positions through the presence or absence of electromagnetic fields, allowing high-speed actuation and reduced wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical contrast means (springs, mechanical elements) are used to return the mass to its starting position, then the mass can be reliably returned to its initial state, but the device occupies more space, generates friction and wear, and increases maintenance costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of mass returnVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contrast means (springs, mechanical return elements) with an electromagnetic field-based system. The electromagnetic actuator generates a magnetic field that interacts with a magnetically sensitive mass to both actuate it to a new position and return it to the starting position, eliminating the need for mechanical return springs and reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic actuator serves dual functions: it both actuates the mass to the new position and returns it to the starting position. The same electromagnetic field generation mechanism that moves the mass forward also retrieves it, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate mechanical return means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If mechanical contrast means are used to enable reversible movements, then bidirectional control is achieved, but friction, elastic hysteresis, and wear reduce dynamic performance and product lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional control capabilityVSAvoidproduct lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contrast means with an electromagnetic field-based retrieval mechanism. The electromagnetic actuator uses magnetic field variations to both actuate the mass to a new position and retrieve it back to the starting position, eliminating friction, elastic hysteresis, and wear associated with mechanical elements, thereby extending product lifespan while maintaining bidirectional control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If mechanical contrast means are used for mass retrieval, then the system can maintain positional control, but the dynamic response is limited due to friction and mechanical interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional control accuracyVSAvoiddynamic response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical retrieval means with an electromagnetic field-based system that can rapidly adjust the magnetic field to retrieve the mass. This electromagnetic retrieval mechanism responds faster than mechanical springs or elements, improving dynamic response speed while maintaining positional control accuracy through precise electromagnetic field modulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enables high precision, reliability, and reduced production costs with increased operational life, overcoming the limitations of mechanical contrast systems and enhancing the performance of hydraulic and pneumatic circuits.

Implementation Method 1

electric power is used to induce variations in an electromagnetic field, and such variations are used to move inductively a magnetically sensitive mass in this same variable electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic force causes movements toward a direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11473570B2Mass shifting mechanism between twin equilibrium points, and electro-pump or electro-valve having such shifting mechanism

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 CEME SPA

AI summary

A mass shifting mechanism between twin equilibrium points comprises a movable slider between two equilibrium positions and actuating means active on the slider to bring it and keep it in a first and a second stationary spatial configuration through an action of electromagnetic field, the second stationary spatial configuration being different from the first stationary spatial configuration.