Electromagnetic Levitator with Independent Coil Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current levitation technologies face challenges in precisely controlling the position and motion of levitated objects in multiple degrees of freedom, particularly in retail settings where dynamic display and attention-grabbing are essential.
Innovation Solution
A levitation system comprising wire coils with distinct orientations and a control system that dynamically adjusts current flow to produce repulsive and attractive magnetic fields, allowing for independent control of vertical, lateral, and rotational movements of a levitated item, enabling precise positioning and motion in six degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simple levitation is used, then the object can be levitated, but precise control of position and motion in multiple degrees of freedom is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The levitation system divides the control function into three independent wire coils with distinct orientations: a first coil for vertical position control, a second coil for lateral position control, and a third coil for rotational control. Each coil is independently controlled by the controller, allowing precise manipulation of the levitated object's position and orientation in six degrees of freedom without requiring a single complex control mechanism.
2Productivity
If static display is used, then the item is visible, but attention-grabbing movement and display effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static display to dynamic control by enabling the controller to independently adjust the current in each wire coil. This allows the levitated object to be dynamically positioned and rotated to various orientations, creating attention-grabbing movements while maintaining full visibility of all sides of the item, thereby significantly enhancing display effectiveness in retail settings.
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 system effectively maintains and dynamically moves levitated items in desired positions and orientations, enhancing display effectiveness in retail settings by providing attention-grabbing movements and ensuring all sides of the item are visible to consumers.
Implementation Method 1
A levitation system including a levitator with wire coils that produce a magnetic field when energized
Implementation Method 2
Objects with opposing magnetic fields will repel each other. By positioning one below the other, the top object can be made to levitate above the bottom object by this repulsive force.
Implementation Method 3
A controller may dynamically control the vertical and lateral position, and orientation, of the magnet by controlling the current energizing the wire coils
Data Source
AI summary
A levitator is disclosed. The levitator may include a repulsion wire coil having a vertical coil axis, a position control wire coil having a vertical coil axis, a rotation control wire coil having a horizontal coil axis, and a controller coupled to each of the repulsion wire coil, position wire coil, and rotation wire coil, where the controller is configured to independently control currents provided to each of the repulsion wire coil, position wire coil, and rotation wire coil to levitate an item.