Curved Magnetic Core Layout for Compact Robot Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnetic actuation systems face challenges in installation due to spatial interference with medical imaging devices, requiring a large arrangement space and limited increase in magnetic field strength due to radial electromagnet arrangement, especially in compact environments like C-arm X-ray systems.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic actuation system with a curved magnetic core and electromagnet array arranged in a planar configuration, where electromagnets are aligned in two rows with a separation space and a magnetic yoke connecting the rear ends, allowing for a compact arrangement that reduces occupied area and enhances magnetic field strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If electromagnets are radially arranged to increase the number of electromagnets for stronger magnetic field, then the output magnetic field and magnetic force increase, but the arrangement space required increases, making installation difficult in limited spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic forceVSAvoidarrangement space
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a radial arrangement (2D circular pattern) to a planar arrangement where electromagnets are positioned at corners and sides of a rectangular region. This dimensional reorganization allows for more efficient space utilization, enabling more electromagnets to be packed into a compact footprint while maintaining or enhancing the magnetic field output.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces curved magnetic cores with specific curvature radii (e.g., 50mm, 100mm, 150mm) that allow the magnetic field to be directed toward the target position while the electromagnets themselves are arranged in a compact planar configuration. The curvature enables the magnetic field lines to converge on the target area without requiring the electromagnets to be radially spaced apart.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Force

If electromagnets are radially arranged to increase magnetic field strength, then the output magnetic field increases, but the complexity of arranging electromagnets to prevent interference with imaging device operating unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By adopting a planar arrangement with electromagnets positioned at corners and sides rather than a radial pattern, the patent creates a more regular and predictable geometric configuration. This simplifies the process of determining safe zones for the imaging device operating unit, as the arrangement follows straightforward rectangular boundaries rather than complex radial patterns.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the electromagnet array into distinct functional zones: corner electromagnets and side electromagnets. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each group's positioning and curvature, making the overall arrangement more manageable and easier to design around the imaging device's operating unit movement paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Force

If the number of electromagnets is increased to strengthen magnetic field, then the output magnetic field increases, but the spatial limitation imposed by medical imaging device prevents adding more electromagnets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoidspatial adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The planar arrangement allows electromagnets to be positioned at the corners and along the sides of a rectangular region, maximizing the use of available space in a compact footprint. This configuration enables a higher density of electromagnets within the same spatial envelope compared to radial arrangements, effectively increasing magnetic field strength without requiring additional installation space.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The curved magnetic cores are nested within the planar electromagnet structure, with each electromagnet containing a curved core that directs its magnetic field toward the target position. This nested configuration allows the magnetic field-generating components to be tightly integrated within the compact planar arrangement, maximizing field output within limited space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration enables efficient control of therapeutic magnetic robots within limited spaces, reduces interference with medical imaging devices, and increases the output magnetic field and force, facilitating precise movement and treatment while allowing for the movement of imaging device components.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic actuation system which controls a magnetic robot for treatment by using a magnetic field generated by an electromagnet array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Each of the plurality of electromagnets includes a magnetic core, and magnetic core front end portions of the plurality of electromagnets are oriented to be bent toward a target position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field concentration: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4393439A1Magnetic actuation system having curved magnetic core
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 DAEGU GYEONGBUK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • EP4393439A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4393439A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4393439A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a magnetic actuation system including a curved magnetic core forming a magnetic field or magnetic force through current supplied thereto to control a therapeutic magnetic actuation robot, the magnetic actuation system including an electromagnet array including a plurality of electromagnets aligned in an arrangement space, wherein each of the plurality of electromagnets includes an electromagnet body linearly extending while including a magnetic core and a coil wound around the magnetic core, and a magnetic core front end portion extending from the magnetic core to protrude from the electromagnet body, and the magnetic core front end portions of the plurality of electromagnets are oriented to be bent toward a target position.