Electropermanent Magnet Suspension Control With Pulsed Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional motion control systems for vehicles require a large, constant current draw to maintain stability, which results in high energy consumption and can compromise ride feel and comfort, especially on varying terrain.
Innovation Solution
The use of electropermanent magnets in active suspension systems, which can transition between states with momentary current pulses, allowing for adjustable spring constants and damping characteristics without continuous power consumption, thereby reducing energy usage and enhancing ride stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electromagnets are used to maintain suspension stability, then the vehicle can maintain height and stability, but a large constant current draw is required resulting in high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using momentary current pulses to the electropermanent magnet coil rather than continuous current. The coil is energized only during state transitions (from low-field to high-field state or vice versa), and remains de-energized during stable operation. This pulsed operation mode maintains suspension stability while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to traditional electromagnets that require constant current draw.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing an electropermanent magnet that can switch between two distinct magnetic field states (low-field and high-field states) through controlled current pulses. The magnetic field strength parameter is changed from a continuously variable electromagnet to a bistable electropermanent magnet, allowing the system to maintain stability in either state without continuous power input, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If traditional electromagnets are used for continuous control, then suspension characteristics can be maintained, but continuous power consumption compromises ride feel and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The electropermanent magnet system uses periodic action by applying current pulses only when state transitions are needed, rather than continuous current. This reduces electromagnetic interference and heat generation during normal operation, leading to improved ride feel and comfort while maintaining suspension characteristics through the bistable magnetic field states.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electropermanent magnets are used with momentary current pulses, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system must transition between magnetic states to adapt to terrain changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electropermanent magnet's magnetic field state changeable through controlled current pulses. The system can dynamically transition between low-field and high-field states to adapt to varying terrain conditions. This dynamic state switching capability, combined with the energy-efficient pulsed operation, resolves the contradiction between reduced energy consumption and maintained terrain adaptation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by switching the magnetic field strength parameter of the electropermanent magnet between two states (low-field and high-field) in response to terrain conditions. This discrete parameter change approach allows terrain adaptation while maintaining energy efficiency, as the magnet only consumes power during state transitions rather than continuous operation.
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 approach enables efficient energy usage by allowing the electropermanent magnets to retain their active state after current cessation, modifying suspension characteristics to adapt to changing terrain conditions, thereby improving ride feel and comfort while reducing energy expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
applying, by the actuator system, a first magnetic field having a predetermined strength to an electropermanent magnet for a predetermined duration based on receiving the stabilizing command. The first magnetic field transitions the electropermanent magnet from a first state to a second state, the electropermanent magnet generates a second magnetic field in the second state
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic interaction of the alternating polarity permanent magnet with the first magnetic section and the second magnetic section affects relative motion of the first component and the second component
Implementation Method 3
a second magnetic section that includes an electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
A motion control system that can detect a change in a an operating characteristic and send a stabilizing command to an actuator system based on the change is described. A motion control component in the system includes a first component with an electropermanent magnet having a coil, differing first and second permanent magnet materials, and differing first and second states. The motion control component includes a second component configured to magnetically interact with the first component to define a damping characteristic that affects motion between the first component and the second component and a controller configured to supply a current pulse to the electropermanent magnet to switch the electropermanent magnet between the first and second states. The electropermanent magnet retains the respective first or second state after cessation of the current pulse.