Electromagnetic Shutter Actuator Eliminates Mechanical Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter assemblies for high-speed opening and closing in photographic and laboratory equipment face challenges such as heat generation due to prolonged motor activation, space constraints, and the need for mechanical linkages which can be cumbersome and require precise mechanical damping, especially in applications like space exploration where weight and size are critical.
Innovation Solution
A shutter operating system utilizing electromagnetic energy with a permanent magnet and solenoid system that eliminates the need for direct mechanical linkage between the actuator and shutter blades, using magnetic fields to move the blades between open and closed positions, allowing for self-damping and reduced heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a linear electric motor is used to activate the shutter with mechanical linkage, then high-speed opening and closing can be achieved, but heat generation occurs during prolonged activation and mechanical damping components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear electric motor with a electromagnetic actuator that uses a permanent magnet and solenoid system. The permanent magnet is moved between spaced coils by selectively energizing the coils, creating electromagnetic forces that directly move the shutter blade without mechanical linkage. This eliminates the need for mechanical damping components and reduces heat generation while maintaining high-speed operation.
2Force
If mechanical linkages are used to couple the actuator to the shutter, then force transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases and precise mechanical damping is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical linkages by using an electromagnetic actuation system. The solenoid and permanent magnet configuration directly generates electromagnetic forces that move the shutter blade without requiring mechanical coupling components. This simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining effective force transmission through electromagnetic field interaction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical dampers are used to absorb impact, then shock absorption is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical damper systems with an electromagnetic damping mechanism. The electromagnetic forces generated by the solenoid and permanent magnet interaction naturally provide damping effects during shutter operation, eliminating the need for separate mechanical shock absorber components. This reduces both device complexity and weight while maintaining effective impact absorption.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the motor is activated for extended periods to hold the shutter open, then prolonged exposure time is achieved, but heat generation adversely affects the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electromagnetic actuation system with a permanent magnet and solenoid that can maintain the shutter in the open position without continuous motor activation. The electromagnetic field can be sustained with minimal power consumption, allowing prolonged exposure times without the excessive heat generation associated with continuous motor operation. The system can hold the shutter open by maintaining the electromagnetic field in a low-power state.
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 solution enables efficient, high-speed shutter operation without mechanical linkages, reduces heat generation, and provides a compact, lightweight solution suitable for applications where traditional mechanical dampers are impractical, such as in space exploration, while maintaining precise control over shutter positioning.
Implementation Method 1
A shutter operating system utilizing electromagnetic energy with a permanent magnet and solenoid system
Implementation Method 2
using magnetic fields to move the blades between open and closed positions
Data Source
AI summary
A shutter operating system is provided that depends on electromagnetic energy to operate shutter blades. A permanent magnet and solenoid system operate the shutter blades. Movement of the magnet causes the shutter blades to move between an open and a closed position over a lens. The permanent magnet can be moved between a pair of spaced coils by selectively energizing first one coil then the other. The magnet can be attached directly to a shutter blade or in the case of a rotary shutter, the magnet can be attached to a drive ring that in turn is mechanically coupled to the shutter blades.