Coil Actuator Thermal Management via Pulsed Drive Current
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coil actuators for low or medium voltage applications experience thermal stresses due to multiple subsequent launch pulses of drive current, leading to damage and increased maintenance and operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A coil actuator with a power & control unit that provides adjustable drive current to the electromagnet, featuring launch pulses separated by a predetermined time interval, reducing thermal stress through controlled energization and de-energization based on input voltage thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple subsequent launch pulses of drive current are provided to the electromagnet, then the movable plunger can be reliably actuated, but the electromagnet experiences thermal stresses leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The power & control unit implements periodic action by providing launch pulses separated by a predetermined time interval, allowing thermal dissipation between pulses. This periodic energization pattern maintains reliable actuation while preventing excessive thermal accumulation in the electromagnet coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by providing a launch pulse that separates subsequent pulses by a predetermined time interval before thermal damage can occur. This preventive timing mechanism ensures the electromagnet is ready for the next pulse without having accumulated harmful thermal stress.
2Temperature
If launch pulses are separated by a predetermined time interval, then thermal stress is reduced, but the response time for subsequent actuations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power & control unit dynamically adjusts the timing parameters of launch pulses, separating them by a predetermined time interval optimized to balance thermal management with response time requirements. This parameter optimization ensures minimal wait time while preventing thermal damage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the drive current is reduced to a hold level after the first launch pulse, then energy consumption is reduced, but the magnetic field strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power & control unit employs periodic action by reducing drive current to a hold level after the initial launch pulse, maintaining sufficient magnetic field strength for plunger actuation while significantly reducing energy consumption during the holding phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by providing full drive current only during the critical launch phase and reducing to hold level thereafter, delivering sufficient magnetic force for actuation while minimizing excessive energy consumption during the maintenance phase.
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 significantly prolongs the operating life of the coil actuator by mitigating overheating and enhancing reliability, while allowing for flexible operation and cost-effective manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet, which includes one or more actuating coils operatively associated with a movable plunger in such a way that this latter can be magnetically actuated by a magnetic field generated by drive currents flowing along said actuating coils
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field generated by said electromagnet
Implementation Method 3
the movable plunger can be magnetically actuated by a magnetic field generated by drive currents flowing along said actuating coils
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a coil actuator for low and medium voltage applications, which comprise a electromagnet operatively associated with a movable plunger, a power & control unit electrically connected with the electromagnet and first and second input terminals (T1, T2) operatively connected with the power & control unit, wherein an input voltage (VIN) is applied between the first and second input terminals during the operation of the coil actuator. The power & control unit is adapted to provide subsequent launch pulses of drive current (IC) to the electromagnet, which are separated in time by at least a predetermined time interval (TI), in response to subsequent transitions of the input voltage (VIN) from values lower than the first threshold voltage (VTH1) to values higher than the first threshold voltage.