Electromagnetic Detent Manipulator with Orthogonal Coupling Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulators with electromagnetic detents face issues with relative movements and wear between the plate and coupling device, particularly in systems with multiple controlled axes, leading to misalignment and increased wear due to rubbing phenomena.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator design where each coupling plate is supported by the servo-control body to rotate around a horizontal axis coaxial with the joint axis, eliminating wear members and allowing orthogonal rotation without relative motion between the plate and electromagnet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the plate is allowed to rotate around an axis orthogonal to the coupling axis to enable crossed movement, then the manipulator can perform orthogonal rotations for multi-axis control, but relative movements occur between the plate and electromagnet causing misalignment and coupling accuracy problems
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into two independently rotatable plates: a first plate that rotates around the coupling axis and a second plate that rotates around an orthogonal axis. This segmentation allows each plate to handle specific rotation requirements without causing misalignment, as each plate's rotation is independently controlled and mechanically decoupled from the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a second rotational dimension by adding the second plate that rotates around an axis orthogonal to the first plate's axis. This dimensional addition enables crossed movements and multi-axis control while maintaining proper alignment in each rotational plane, effectively solving the misalignment problem through spatial separation of rotation axes.
2Reliability
If a tooth and notch arrangement is used to ensure coupling position, then the electromagnetic detent can lock in specific positions, but rubbing action between the tooth and plate increases wear
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical tooth-and-notch locking system is replaced with an electromagnetic detent system using a ferromagnetic plate and electromagnet. The electromagnetic field provides the locking force without mechanical contact, eliminating rubbing wear while maintaining position holding capability. The ferromagnetic plate is attracted to the electromagnet to maintain detent engagement without physical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism that uses elastic force (analogous to pneumatic/hydraulic pressure systems) to maintain constant contact pressure between the ferromagnetic plate and the electromagnet, ensuring reliable electromagnetic engagement without excessive force that would cause wear or deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If guiding means with curvilinear tracks and sliders are provided to enable rotation, then the manipulator can achieve complex motion paths, but wear occurs between the slider and track
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical guiding means with curvilinear tracks and sliders are replaced by a kinematic coupling system using two plates with defined rotation axes. This substitution eliminates sliding contact and associated wear by using rotational joints with proper axis alignment, maintaining motion control capability without the wear problems of track-and-slider mechanisms.
4Productivity
If the electromagnet is secured to the shaft and the plate is fixed, then simultaneous movement of actuators is achieved, but the construction becomes cumbersome and encumbrant
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of securing the electromagnet to the rotating shaft and fixing the plate (as in prior art), the invention inverts the arrangement by securing the ferromagnetic plate to the shaft and the electromagnet to the stationary manipulator body. This inversion simplifies the construction by keeping the electromagnet stationary while allowing the plate to rotate with the shaft, achieving simultaneous actuator movement without cumbersome mechanisms.
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 ensures precise alignment and minimizes wear by maintaining parallelism between the plate and electromagnet surfaces, enabling efficient operation with reduced contact stress and improved kinematic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a ferromagnetic plate (8') integral with the manipulator lever (2) whose centre lies on the rotation axis of said lever
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet or solenoid in a fixed position integral with the driving valve case and a ferromagnetic plate integral with the manipulator lever
Data Source
AI summary
A servo control device for driving hydraulic equipment with electromagnetic coupling, and more precisely it refers to a manipulator with detent to lock the system in particular positions in order to allow its continuous operation, with possible actions on pushers next to the one pressed with active coupling. The detent is composed of an electromagnet (8) integral with the shaft (3) of the manipulator (2) connected through a joint (6) to the servo-control body and of a coupling plate (9) secured to the servo-control body by a peg or joint (10) whose axis (13) is coaxial with the joint axis (11).