Electromagnetic Swing Control for Constant-Amplitude Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetically driven children's swings are limited by their ability to generate only repulsive magnetic forces, which restricts control over swing dynamics and results in reduced power efficiency due to decreased magnetic force with distance.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic drive system that includes at least two magnetic components capable of generating both attractive and repulsive forces, controlled by a swing control circuit to maintain a user-defined amplitude, utilizing an electromagnetic or solenoid drive system with an electromagnet and a magnetic component to efficiently drive the swing seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only repulsive magnetic forces are used in the magnetic drive system, then the system structure is simple, but the control over swing dynamics is limited and power efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic drive system is segmented into multiple magnetic components (first magnetic component on the swing arm, second magnetic component on the support member) that can independently generate attractive and repulsive forces. This segmentation allows precise control over swing dynamics by selectively activating different magnetic components based on the swing's position and motion state, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and control versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic drive system transitions from a static repulsive force configuration to a dynamic system that can generate both attractive and repulsive forces. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the magnetic force type and magnitude based on real-time swing position feedback, enabling adaptive control over swing dynamics while maintaining reasonable system complexity through intelligent control strategies.
2Length of moving object
If significant gaps exist between magnetic drive components, then the swing can operate through a larger arc, but the magnetic force decreases and power efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic drive system employs periodic action by alternating between attractive and repulsive magnetic forces as the swing moves through its arc. The control circuit activates the appropriate magnetic component pair (attractive or repulsive) based on the swing's position, ensuring that magnetic forces are consistently applied throughout the entire swing arc. This periodic activation maintains power efficiency by minimizing gaps between magnetic components during force application while allowing the swing to traverse a large arc through sequential force applications.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic force is applied only when the swing seat is moving away from magnetic components, then the system operates with fewer constraints, but the ability to control swing dynamics and provide continuous driving force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic drive system achieves continuous useful action by coordinating multiple magnetic components that can generate both attractive and repulsive forces. The control circuit ensures continuous driving force by activating the appropriate magnetic component as the swing passes through different positions in its arc. This continuous activation eliminates idle periods where no magnetic force is applied, maintaining productive swing motion throughout the entire cycle while operating under controlled conditions that optimize power efficiency.
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 provides improved swing dynamics and increased power efficiency by allowing continuous and controlled motion of the swing seat, maintaining a specified amplitude and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet configured to repel a single permanent magnet connected to a swing seat, thereby driving the seat along its arcuate path
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic drive system is an electromagnetic drive system that includes an electromagnet operatively connected to the swing seat and configured to generate both attractive and repulsive magnetic forces with another magnetic component
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a powered children's swing. In various embodiments, the swing includes a seat, swing frame, one or more swing arms, a first magnetic component, second magnetic component, swing motion sensor, and swing control circuit. The magnetic components are configured to generate a magnetic force that drives the seat along a swing path. The swing control circuit is configured to control the magnetic components based at least on input from the swing motion sensor and generate control signals causing the seat to swing with a substantially constant amplitude as specified by a user.