Magnetic Domain-Wall Variable Capacitor for Extreme Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable capacitors require mechanical operations, making them difficult to miniaturize, especially for use in space-constrained and extreme environments.
Innovation Solution
A variable capacitor design utilizing ferromagnetic layers with movable domain walls and electrical signal control to adjust capacitance, eliminating the need for mechanical mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical operation mechanism is used to change capacitance, then capacitance can be continuously adjusted, but the device size becomes large and cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical operation mechanism with a magnetic field-based domain wall movement mechanism. Instead of using mechanical components to physically move capacitor plates or change overlapping areas, the invention uses magnetic fields to move domain walls within ferromagnetic layers, thereby changing the effective capacitance area. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining continuous capacitance adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the ferromagnetic layers by controlling magnetization directions and domain wall positions. By applying magnetic fields to alter the magnetic domain configuration in the ferromagnetic layers, the effective overlapping area between capacitor plates changes,从而实现 continuous capacitance adjustment without mechanical movement of the plates themselves.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical operation mechanism is used to change capacitance, then capacitance can be continuously adjusted, but the device becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical operation mechanisms with a simplified magnetic field control system. The mechanical components that would be needed to physically adjust capacitor plate positions are replaced by magnetic field application through electrodes, significantly reducing device complexity and easing manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ferromagnetic layers with specific magnetic properties as conductive layers in the capacitor structure. These composite materials (ferromagnetic layers combined with capacitor plates) enable the unique functionality of magnetic domain wall movement for capacitance control, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining adjustment capability.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical operation mechanism is used to change capacitance, then capacitance can be continuously adjusted, but the device cannot operate in extreme environments such as space and cryogenic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operation mechanisms with a magnetic field-based control system that has no moving parts. This eliminates the reliability issues associated with mechanical components in extreme environments such as vacuum (space) and cryogenic conditions, where mechanical parts would fail due to lack of lubrication, thermal contraction, or other environmental factors. The magnetic field control remains effective in these extreme conditions.
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 capacitor is compact and operates effectively in extreme environments, offering stable capacitance changes without mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer is a ferromagnetic layer containing a ferromagnetic material. The first conductive layer has a first magnetic domain and a second magnetic domain having magnetization oriented in a direction different from the first magnetic domain. In the variable capacitor, a domain wall which is a boundary between the first magnetic domain and the second magnetic domain is configured to be movable
Data Source
AI summary
A variable capacitor includes: a first conductive layer; a second conductive layer; and a capacitance layer sandwiched between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. Each of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer is a ferromagnetic layer containing a ferromagnetic material. The first conductive layer has a first magnetic domain and a second magnetic domain having magnetization oriented in a direction different from the first magnetic domain. In the variable capacitor, a domain wall which is a boundary between the first magnetic domain and the second magnetic domain is configured to be movable within at least an area of the first conductive layer overlapping the capacitance layer in a laminating direction in a first direction within a plane of the first conductive layer.