Bistable Rotary Magnet Layout for Compact, Robust Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bistable rotary magnets require large assembly space, are complexly constructed, and lack robustness, making them unsuitable for environments with space constraints and harsh conditions, such as aerospace applications.

Innovation Solution

A compact bistable rotary magnet design featuring a rotor with a bar-shaped permanent magnet and pole shoes, a coil between the pole shoes, and a mechanical rotational angle limit stop, allowing for small assembly space and robust operation under harsh conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional bistable rotary magnet design is used, then the magnetic function is achieved, but the assembly space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly spaceVSAvoidrobustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a longitudinal arrangement of pole shoes and permanent magnets to a radial arrangement where pole shoes and permanent magnets are positioned around the rotor circumference. This dimensional change allows the magnetic circuit to be compact in the axial direction while maintaining functional performance, directly resolving the contradiction between compact assembly space and reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components: the rotor shaft combines rotational support with permanent magnet mounting, the pole shoes serve both as magnetic circuit elements and structural supports, and the housing provides both mechanical containment and magnetic shielding. This merging reduces component count and assembly space while improving overall system robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a traditional bistable rotary magnet design is used, then the magnetic function is achieved, but the construction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction complexityVSAvoidsusceptibility to error
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the magnetic circuit into discrete modular segments: individual permanent magnets mounted on the rotor, separate pole shoes on the stator, and distinct coil assemblies. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing, easier assembly with fewer error sources, and improved reliability while maintaining the bistable magnetic function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of mounting pole shoes on the rotor and permanent magnets on the stator (traditional design), the patent inverts this arrangement by placing permanent magnets on the rotor and pole shoes on the stator. This inversion simplifies the rotor construction and reduces complexity while achieving the same magnetic functionality with improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If a traditional bistable rotary magnet design is used, then the magnetic function is achieved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnets on the rotor serve dual purposes: they generate the magnetic field necessary for operation and simultaneously provide mechanical mounting features for attaching other components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical containment for all components, acts as a magnetic shield, serves as a mounting structure for external connections, and provides structural support for the entire assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering production costs and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enables a compact, reliable, and robust rotary magnet suitable for aerospace applications with reduced production costs and energy-efficient pulsed operation, utilizing a contact spring sensor for precise end position detection.

Implementation Method 1

a coil for conducting electric current, wherein the coil is arranged between the pole shoes on a yoke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the bar-shaped permanent magnet is adjustable between the pole shoes alternately between a first end position and a second end position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12580466B2Rotary magnet
Publication Date: 2026.03.17 SVM SCHULTZ VERWALTUNGS GMBH & CO KG
  • US12580466B2 patent drawing
  • US12580466B2 patent drawing
  • US12580466B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bistable rotary magnet is proposed, comprising a rotor, wherein the rotor comprises a permanent magnet having differently polarized magnetic poles opposed with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the stator comprises two pole shoes extending along the axis of rotation, wherein the permanent magnet includes a first pole surface and a second pole surface at each magnetic pole and each of the two pole shoes includes a first pole surface and a second pole surface, wherein in the first end position the first pole surfaces of the permanent magnet are aligned in parallel to the adjacent first pole surfaces of the pole shoes and in the second end position the second pole surfaces of the permanent magnet are aligned in parallel to the adjacent second pole surfaces of the pole shoes.