Constant-Force Transducer Using Repulsive Magnetic Weight Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing constant force transmitters based on attractive magnetic forces are limited by the directionality of the force, requiring the rotor to protrude through the stator, which increases installation space requirements and limits the maximum force and stroke, while also being inefficient in counteracting weight forces in linear drive systems.

Innovation Solution

A constant force transmitter utilizing a tubular design with a stator and rotor having permanent magnetic regions magnetized perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, generating a repulsive net force component that counteracts weight forces, allowing for a more compact design and increased force and stroke capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If an attractive magnetic force constant force sensor is used, then the weight force can be compensated, but the rotor must protrude through the stator which increases installation space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight compensation forceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional attractive magnetic force approach by using repulsive magnetic force between like poles. The rotor and stator are both magnetized in the same direction, creating repulsion that pushes the rotor away from the stator, enabling force transmission without the rotor protruding through the stator, thus reducing installation space requirements

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetization direction from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (conventional) to parallel with the longitudinal axis (new dimension). This dimensional change in magnetization orientation enables the repulsive force mechanism that eliminates the need for rotor protrusion, solving the space constraint problem

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

2Force

If an attractive magnetic force constant force sensor is used, then the weight force can be compensated, but the maximum force and stroke are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight compensation forceVSAvoidstroke
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting from attraction to repulsion, the patent enables both rotor and stator to be magnetized in the same direction along the longitudinal axis. This configuration allows the magnetic fields to interact over a longer distance without requiring the rotor to protrude, thereby increasing both the maximum force capability and the stroke length

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

3Force

If a linear motor is continuously energized to counteract weight, then the mass can be kept at rest, but additional electrical power is required causing losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight counteracting forceVSAvoidelectrical power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The constant force sensor uses permanent magnets that generate magnetic fields without requiring external power supply. The repulsive magnetic force between the magnetized rotor and stator automatically compensates for weight forces, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power consumption and associated losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electromechanical linear motor system with a passive magnetic field-based constant force sensor. This substitution eliminates electrical power requirements by using permanent magnetic fields to generate the necessary repulsive force for weight compensation

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

The repulsive constant net force component enables efficient counteraction of weight forces without the need for continuous electrical power, reducing mechanical loads and enhancing the design flexibility and performance of linear drive systems.

Implementation Method 1

The permanent magnetic stator region and at least partially also the permanently magnetic rotor region are each magnetized in a magnetization direction that is perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis... the first sub-region which has a magnetization which has a net magnetization component in a direction opposite to the magnetization direction of the permanent-magnetic stator region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic force acting between the permanent magnetic stator region and the permanently magnetic rotor region has a constant net force component in the direction of the longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4304065A1Constant force transducer
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 NTI
  • EP4304065A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4304065A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4304065A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A constant force encoder comprises: - a stator (2) having a longitudinal axis (22) and a permanent magnet stator section (20); and - a rotor (1) arranged to be movable relative to the stator in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which has a permanent magnet rotor section (7). The permanent magnet stator section (20) and the permanent magnet rotor section (7) are each magnetized in a magnetization direction perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis (22). The permanent magnet stator section (20) and the permanent magnet rotor section (7) are arranged only partially overlapping in the direction of the longitudinal axis, such that a magnetic force acting between the permanent magnet stator section (20) and the permanent magnet rotor section (7) has a net force component in the direction of the longitudinal axis (22).The permanent magnet rotor area (7) has a first sub-area (71) which has a magnetization having a net magnetization component in a direction (30) opposite to the magnetization direction (31) of the permanent magnet stator area (20), so that in the case of a only partially overlapping arrangement of the first sub-area (71) and the permanent magnet stator area (20) the net force component includes a repulsive net force component (50) which repels the rotor away from the stator (2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (22).