Electromagnetic Unlocking Device Stroke Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetically unlockable devices for air suspension systems in vehicles face a conflict between achieving a high tightening force and a large actuating stroke in a compact design, as the actuation stroke and force are interdependent, limiting their optimization for space and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
Decoupling the electromagnet stroke from the overall stroke of the locking element allows for separate optimization of the electromagnet for high attraction force and the locking element for required stroke, with additional force components generated through spring forces and contact points to enhance movement, enabling a greater stroke while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the electromagnet arrangement is dimensioned large to achieve both high actuation force and large stroke, then the actuation force and stroke requirements are met, but the device size becomes excessively large and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the electromagnet arrangement (with armature and core element) handles force generation with a controlled stroke, while the locking element (with cam profile) handles the amplification of movement to achieve the required locking stroke. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function rather than requiring one oversized component to handle all requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile on the locking element introduces a geometric transformation that converts the linear electromagnet stroke into a amplified linear displacement of the locking element. By utilizing the cam's curved surface geometry, a small linear input movement from the electromagnet is transformed into a larger linear output movement of the locking element, effectively adding a dimensional transformation capability to the system.
2Length of moving object
If the electromagnet stroke is increased to achieve larger overall locking element stroke, then the actuation stroke requirement is met, but the initial attraction force decreases due to larger distance between armature and core element
Solution Approach 1:
The movement function is segmented between the electromagnet stroke and the locking element stroke. The electromagnet performs only its optimal short-stroke high-force movement, while the locking element's cam profile performs the stroke amplification function. This separates the force-generation task from the displacement-amplification task.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile geometry is designed to change the displacement parameter throughout the actuation cycle. The cam's curved surface creates a variable mechanical advantage: at the beginning of the stroke where the electromagnet exerts maximum force, the cam geometry provides sufficient mechanical advantage to amplify the limited electromagnet stroke into the required locking element stroke, while maintaining the electromagnet's armature-core distance within optimal limits for force generation.
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 a high tightening force and large actuating stroke in a compact design, effectively addressing the limitations of existing devices by optimizing the electromagnet and locking element independently, thereby improving the functionality and efficiency of the electromagnetically unlockable device.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet arrangement, in particular with an armature (21) and a core element (22), which can be moved relative to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electromagnetically unlockable device having a locking unit (6) and a first component (3) which can be moved with respect to the locking unit (6), having the following features: a) the locking unit (6) has a locking element (5) which is in engagement with the first component (3) in order to fix the first component, b) the locking element (5) can be adjusted by actuation of an electromagnet arrangement from a position which fixes the first component (3) into a position which releases the fixing, c) the electromagnet arrangement has at least one armature and at least one core element, d) a spacing (24) which defines an electromagnet stroke (A) is formed between the core element and the armature when the electromagnet arrangement is not actuated, e) the stroke which is performed by the locking element (5) from the position which locks the first component (3) into the position which releases the fixing is greater than the electromagnet stroke. Furthermore, the invention relates to a valve device for a pneumatic suspension system in a vehicle, in which valve device an electromagnetically unlockable device is used.