Electromagnetic Drive Unit Layout for Fast Switch-Off Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices face challenges in achieving rapid switching, particularly in the case of short circuits, and require additional permanent magnets for effective operation.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic drive unit with a magnetic core and coils arranged transversely to form a magnetic frame structure, allowing adjustable magnetic flux to move an armature between states, enabling rapid switching without additional permanent magnets by controlling magnetic flux through coordinated magnetic paths and coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional permanent magnets are used to improve switching performance, then switching reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes permanent magnets from the electromagnetic drive unit, extracting the problematic component that caused complexity and cost issues while maintaining switching reliability through the alternative magnetic circuit design with three magnetic paths and two magnetic coils
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic core is divided into three separate magnetic paths (first, second, and third magnetic paths) that are arranged transversely and coupled to longitudinal magnetic struts, creating a segmented magnetic frame structure that enables independent control of magnetic flux through each path
2Speed
If additional permanent magnets are used to improve switching performance, then switching speed is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates permanent magnets from the design, removing the need for expensive rare-earth materials and complex assembly processes while achieving rapid switching through the three-path magnetic circuit configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic flux parameters by using two independently controllable magnetic coils that can adjust the strength and direction of magnetic flux through different combinations of the three magnetic paths, enabling rapid switching without permanent magnets
3Device complexity
If conventional electromagnetic actuators are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but switching speed is insufficient for rapid switch-off
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic circuit is segmented into three transverse magnetic paths coupled to longitudinal magnetic struts, creating a magnetic frame structure that enables faster magnetic flux changes and quicker armature response compared to conventional single-path designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of magnetic flux through two independently excitable magnetic coils that can rapidly adjust the magnetic field configuration, enabling the armature to switch between states quickly in response to control signals
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
Enables rapid and reliable switching between on and off states with low cost, achieving fast switching dynamics and safe operation by actively controlling the armature movement, reducing switching time to less than 2 ms and avoiding damage from short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic flux that flows through the magnetic paths to move the armature between the first and the second state is adjustable
Implementation Method 2
a first and a second magnetic coil configured to move the armature due to excitation of the first and/or the second magnetic coil
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electromagnetic drive unit (10) for a switching device (1) comprises a magnetic core (11) with a first, a second and a third magnetic path (111, 112, 113) each arranged transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the electromagnetic drive unit (10), and an armature (12) configured to be movable along the longitudinal axis (L) between a first and a second state. The electromagnetic drive unit (10) further comprises a first and a second magnetic coil (14, 15) configured to move the armature (12) due to excitation of the first and/or the second magnetic coil (14, 5), wherein the first magnetic coil (14) is arranged between the first and the second magnetic path (111, 112) and the second magnetic coil (15) is arranged between the second and the third magnetic path (112, 113) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) and wherein the magnetic core (11) and 20 the magnetic coils (14, 15) are configured in coordination with each other such that a magnetic flux that flows through the magnetic paths (111, 112, 113) to move the armature (12) between the first and the second state is adjustable.