Electropermanent Magnetic Fluid Interface for Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems, particularly in spacecraft applications, face challenges with efficient and low-skill connection and decoupling of fluid transfer interfaces, often requiring complex mechanisms or high force, which can be inefficient and prone to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer interface utilizing electropermanent magnets (EPMs) for secure coupling and decoupling, where ferromagnetic surfaces on one interface portion interact with EPMs on another, allowing for magnetically controlled attachment and detachment, facilitated by a robotic manipulator for precise alignment and fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional quick connect fittings are used for fluid transfer, then connection speed is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates and misalignment issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment and connection mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. Electromagnets generate magnetic fields that automatically align ferromagnetic components during connection, eliminating the need for precise manual or mechanical alignment while maintaining rapid connection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, activation state) to control the connection process. By activating electromagnets at specific moments during the connection sequence, the system dynamically adjusts magnetic attraction forces to guide alignment and secure the connection without requiring pre-alignment precision.
2Reliability
If high force is applied to ensure secure coupling, then connection reliability is improved, but operation complexity and skill requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical force application with electromagnetic attraction. Instead of requiring operators to apply high mechanical forces to ensure secure coupling, the system uses controlled magnetic fields to generate the necessary holding forces automatically, simplifying the operation while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system performs the securing function automatically through electromagnetic attraction. Once components are brought into proximity, the electromagnets self-activate to create the secure coupling without requiring additional manual force or complex operational steps from the user.
3Strength
If complex mechanisms are used for secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking, threading, or clamping mechanisms with a simpler electromagnetic attraction system. The electromagnets and ferromagnetic components provide secure connection through magnetic fields alone, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical elements while maintaining or improving connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves variable connection strength through changes in electromagnetic parameters rather than mechanical complexity. By adjusting current magnitude, pulse duration, or magnetic field configuration, the system provides appropriate connection strength for different applications without requiring different mechanical mechanisms.
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, low-force, and precise fluid transfer between spacecraft or terrestrial systems, reducing misalignment issues and simplifying the connection process while maintaining a leak-proof seal.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more electropermanent magnets are further configured to provide attraction force to the one or more ferromagnetic surfaces when magnetized and couple the first interface portion to the second interface portion
Implementation Method 2
The one or more electropermanent magnets, laterally disposed around the second portion of the fluid connector, configured to be magnetized or demagnetized in unison
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer interface is provided. The fluid transfer interface includes one or more of first and second interface portions. The first interface portion includes a first portion of a fluid connector and one or more ferromagnetic surfaces. The second interface portion includes an extendable second portion of the fluid connector and one or more electropermanent magnets, laterally disposed around the second portion of the fluid connector, configured to be magnetized or demagnetized in unison. The one or more electropermanent magnets are further configured to provide attraction force to the one or more ferromagnetic surfaces when magnetized and couple the first interface portion to the second interface portion and provide no attraction force to the one or more ferromagnetic surfaces when demagnetized and allow the first interface portion to be decoupled from the second interface portion.