Electromechanical Coil Air Gap Control via Electrical Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electro-mechanical devices, establishing a desired air gap between the electromagnetic coil and armature can be challenging, especially in compact designs where physical measurements are impractical, affecting the required electrical current and device operation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of sensing signals to monitor electrical characteristics of the electromagnetic coil, such as current, to determine and set the air gap within a desired range by moving the armature towards the coil and stopping when the appropriate electrical threshold is reached, ensuring efficient operation with reduced current usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a smaller air gap is used, then electrical current requirement is reduced, but device complexity increases due to difficulty in establishing precise air gap without physical measuring devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical measuring devices with an electrical sensing system. The sensing signal applied to the electromagnetic coil generates electrical characteristics (current, voltage, impedance) that indicate air gap size, eliminating the need for mechanical measurement tools and enabling precise air gap establishment in compact devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electrical characteristics of the electromagnetic coil are monitored in response to a sensing signal, and this information is used to determine and adjust the air gap size. The system continuously monitors electrical parameters and uses this feedback to establish the desired air gap within a specified range.
2Measurement precision
If physical measuring devices are used to establish air gap, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to position measuring devices in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical measuring devices with an electrical sensing system. The sensing signal applied to the electromagnetic coil generates electrical characteristics (current, voltage, impedance) that indicate air gap size, eliminating the need for mechanical measurement tools and enabling precise air gap establishment in compact devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coil itself serves as the sensing element. By applying a sensing signal to the coil and monitoring its electrical characteristics, the system uses the coil's own properties to measure the air gap, eliminating the need for external measuring devices that would be difficult to position in tight spaces.
3Ease of operation
If an air gap larger than minimum is used, then ease of armature movement is improved, but electrical current requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electrical characteristics of the electromagnetic coil are monitored in response to a sensing signal, and this information is used to determine and adjust the air gap size. The system continuously monitors electrical parameters and uses this feedback to establish the desired air gap within a specified range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the air gap parameter to a specific range that balances magnetic force efficiency with armature movement capability. By precisely controlling the air gap dimension through electrical sensing, the system achieves optimal performance with reduced current requirements while maintaining sufficient armature movement.
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 method allows for precise setting of the air gap, optimizing electrical current usage and ensuring proper device operation without the need for physical measurements, even in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coil which can be energized to exert a force on a component formed of magnetic material
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic coil and an armature selectively movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A method of setting an air gap between an electromagnetic coil and an armature of an electro-mechanical device to be within a desired range includes applying a sensing signal to the electromagnetic coil and monitoring at least one electrical characteristic of the electromagnetic coil. The at least one electrical characteristic is related to a size of the air gap and the sensing signal. The method further includes moving the armature towards the electromagnetic coil to reduce the size of the air gap and stopping movement of the armature towards the electromagnetic coil when the at least one electrical characteristic indicates the size of the air gap is within the desired range.