Electromagnetic Actuator Eccentric Tappet Seating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic actuating devices face challenges in achieving compactness and independent operation of multiple tappet units in limited installation spaces with closely adjacent ram assemblies, often resulting in undesirable mechanical or electromagnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

The design features a cylindrical housing with multiple actuator units, where ram units are seated on engagement surfaces via a magnetic effect, allowing for axial parallel guidance and eccentric interaction to minimize axis distances, and includes a flux-conducting actuator casing unit and a widened armature section with a compression spring for optimized performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple actuator units are arranged closely adjacent to minimize installation space, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but mechanical or electromagnetic mutual interference occurs between the actuator units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidmechanical or electromagnetic mutual interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent actuator units, each with its own coil unit, armature unit, and magnetic circuit. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently while maintaining compact overall arrangement, reducing interference through modular isolation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator units are arranged in a nested or closely integrated configuration within a common housing, with flux-conducting elements and magnetic circuits positioned to maximize space utilization while maintaining electromagnetic independence between adjacent units

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the maximum distance between tappet units is reduced to meet operating environment requirements, then the adaptability to operating conditions is improved, but the minimum axis distance between ram units increases due to mechanical interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoidaxis distance between ram units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement surfaces of adjacent actuator units are arranged parallel to each other, allowing the tappet units to be seated eccentrically on these surfaces. This parallel surface arrangement enables compact axial spacing while maintaining sufficient radial clearance between ram units, effectively utilizing dimensional relationships to resolve the spacing conflict

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

3Reliability

If individual actuator units are attached independently to achieve adequate electromagnetic functionality, then the electromagnetic performance is ensured, but the device complexity increases and compact arrangement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple actuator units share common structural elements including a unified housing, common mounting base, and coordinated magnetic circuit design. This merging of common components reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the electromagnetic independence and performance of individual actuator units

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves a compact, reliable, and efficient actuating device with improved switching time and magnetic properties, suitable for applications like internal combustion engine camshaft adjustment, even in environments with limited space and close tappet unit spacing.

Implementation Method 1

the coil unit (58) and the permanent magnet (44) interact electromagnetically to move the armature unit (42, 46, 47)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the coil unit (58) and the permanent magnet (44) interact electromagnetically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the compression spring according to the further development has proven to be advantageous; when the armature unit is retracted, it is prestressed by means of the armature ram section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 4

the repelling force acts between the coil unit and the permanent magnet, whereby the armature is then displaced by the spring force and the repulsion between the permanent magnet and the coil unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic repulsion: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2158596B1Electromagnetic actuating device
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 ETO MAGNETIC GMBH
  • EP2158596B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2158596B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2158596B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuating device comprising a plurality of electromagnetic actuation units (10, 12, 14), which can be selectively controlled for exerting an actuating force on a corresponding plurality of elongated tappet units (22, 24, 26) that are supported axially parallel, wherein the actuation units are provided in a common housing (18, 20; 78, 82) along the actuating direction axially parallel to each other, and form a contact surface that is at least planar in some sections and can be axially moved in the actuating direction at each associated engagement end facing the tappet units. A face (34, 36, 38) on the engagement side of each of the tappet units interacts with the engagement surface (28, 30, 32), wherein at least one of the plurality of tappet units sits eccentrically and/or with only a partial surface, with the face thereof on the engagement side, on the engagement surface of the associated actuation unit, particularly adheres to it magnetically.