C-Shaped Ferromagnetic Actuator Shell for Domestic Appliances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically controlled actuators are complex and costly to produce, and lack a simple and reliable design for efficient assembly and magnetic flux induction in domestic appliance applications.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece ferromagnetic shell actuator with a C-shaped configuration, housing a coil and a movably mounted ferromagnetic nucleus with a truncated cone configuration, allowing for improved centering and reduced air gap damping, facilitating assembly and magnetic flux efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a multi-component shell structure is used, then assembly complexity increases, but manufacturing precision and structural strength improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shell structure into a single monolithic component formed from one sheet of ferromagnetic material, eliminating the need to assemble multiple components. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the continuous material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is formed by bending a single sheet into a C-shaped configuration with first and second lateral branches, creating functional segmentation within a monolithic structure. This allows complex geometry to be achieved without multiple assembly steps.
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat annular terminal surface is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but magnetic flux induction and mechanical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flat annular terminal surface with a substantially conical surface that is curved and angled. This curved geometry improves magnetic flux induction by providing better surface contact and flux distribution, while still being manufacturable through standard forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal surface is designed with a specific conical angle and curvature radius that optimize magnetic flux induction. By changing the geometric parameters from flat to conical, the magnetic performance is improved while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a conical engagement formation is used, then mechanical stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical engagement formation is integrated directly into the monolithic shell structure during the forming process, rather than being added as a separate component. This combines the structural stability function with the shell formation process, avoiding additional manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical formation is created during the initial sheet forming process before final assembly. This preliminary creation of the engagement surface simplifies subsequent assembly operations while ensuring precise geometric alignment for mechanical stability.
4Reliability
If the nucleus is centrally positioned, then magnetic flux induction improves, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conical engagement formation provides self-centering through its angled surfaces. As the nucleus is inserted, the conical surfaces guide it into central alignment automatically, reducing the precision required for manual positioning while ensuring optimal magnetic flux induction.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical geometry enables self-centering of the nucleus within the shell during assembly. The angled surfaces of the conical formation automatically position the nucleus centrally without requiring external alignment tools or high-precision positioning procedures.
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 simplifies assembly, enhances magnetic flux induction, and ensures reliable operation in domestic appliances like washing machines, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and improved mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
The nucleus 28 is suitable for passing, in a manner in itself known, from an axial rest position (not shown) to an axial working position (shown in the figures) as an effect of excitation of the coil 22
Implementation Method 2
a shell 12 made in a single piece with a sheet of ferromagnetic material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The electrically controlled actuator (10), in domestic appliances in particular, comprises - a shell (12) realized in a single piece in ferromagnetic material, substantially shaped in C form and including a first and second lateral branch (14, 16) reciprocally opposed and interconnected by an intermediate portion (18); - a coil (22) of conductor wire fixed to the shell (12) in such a way that its axis (A-A) extends in a direction substantially at right angles to the lateral branches (14, 16) of the shell (12); and - a ferromagnetic nucleus (28) mounted movably with respect to the shell (12) in a manner axially translatable inside the coil (22) and suitable for passing from an axial rest position to an axial working position as an effect of excitation of the coil (22).