Electromagnetic Compliant Mechanisms for Compact Force Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in generating mechanical force or motion efficiently and compactly using servo motors, which are larger and consume more energy than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing compliant mechanism units actuated by electromagnetic actuators to generate forces or motions in accordance with sensor data, allowing for smaller, more energy-efficient hardware compared to servo motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If servo motors are used to generate mechanical force or motion, then the device can produce the required torque and velocity, but the device size becomes larger and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional servo motors with a combination of electromagnetic actuators and compliant mechanisms. The electromagnetic actuators generate electromagnetic force that directly actuates the compliant mechanism, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical motor components while achieving the same force generation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from mechanical (servo motor) to electromagnetic. By using electromagnetic actuators with controllable current, the system achieves precise force control through electrical parameter adjustment rather than mechanical parameter adjustment, reducing device size while maintaining force output capability.
2Force
If servo motors are used to generate mechanical force or motion, then the device can produce the required torque and velocity, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive servo motors with electromagnetic actuators that convert electrical energy directly to mechanical motion through electromagnetic fields. This substitution reduces energy losses associated with mechanical friction, heat generation, and inefficiencies in traditional motor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses controllable electromagnetic actuation where energy consumption can be precisely adjusted by modifying electrical parameters (current, voltage, pulse width). This allows the system to consume only the necessary amount of energy required for the specific force generation task, rather than continuously consuming energy as traditional servo motors do.
3Force
If servo motors are used to generate mechanical force or motion, then the device can produce the required torque and velocity, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex servo motor systems (including motors, gearboxes, encoders, and control electronics) with simpler electromagnetic actuators coupled with compliant mechanisms. The compliant mechanism passively provides motion guidance and force transmission, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and control systems.
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 solution enables the generation of precise mechanical forces or motions using smaller and more energy-efficient components, suitable for various applications including haptic feedback, microswitch activation, and microfluidic control.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator configured to actuate each compliant mechanism unit
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating forces or motions in accordance with sensor data. The device includes one or more compliant mechanism units and an electromagnetic actuator configured to actuate each compliant mechanism unit. By actuating a compliant mechanism unit using an electromagnetic actuator, the device can generate a force or motion in accordance with received sensor data using hardware components that are much smaller than the servo motors used in existing systems. In various embodiments, the device may actuate one or more compliant mechanism units to control the shape of a haptic meta-surface, activate and deactivate microswitches, open and close microfluidic channels, etc. In various embodiments, the device may actuate one or more compliant mechanism units in accordance with pixel values extracted from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, two-dimensional image data, or other sensor data.