Electropermanent Magnet Rotary Assembly for Gravity-Balanced Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic movers lack efficient mechanisms to rotate components with minimal force and torque, particularly in devices like clamshell computing systems, where maintaining orientation and stability against gravity is challenging without excessive weight or complexity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a rotor with permanent magnets and a stator with electropermanent magnets, controlled by a controller to rotate the rotor about its axis, providing a magnetic torque that counteracts gravity-related torque, allowing for lightweight and ergonomic design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional electromagnetic movers are used to rotate components, then rotational motion can be achieved, but excessive force and torque are required making operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of rotationVSAvoidforce required for rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical electromagnetic actuators with a magnetic field-based system using electropermanent magnets. The controller electronically switches the polarity of electropermanent magnets in the stator to interact with permanent magnets in the rotor, creating magnetic torque that rotates the rotor without requiring excessive mechanical force from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by controlling the polarity of electropermanent magnets through electrical signals. By switching between north and south poles in a controlled sequence, the magnetic field configuration changes to produce continuous rotational torque, enabling easy rotation with minimal user force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If heavier components are used to maintain stability against gravity, then stability improves, but device weight increases reducing portability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability against gravityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical weight-based stability with an active magnetic field stabilization system. The electropermanent magnets in the stator, controlled by a controller, generate magnetic torque that counteracts gravity-related torque on the rotor, maintaining stability without requiring additional mechanical weight in the device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic stability control where the controller continuously adjusts the polarity of electropermanent magnets in response to rotor position and gravitational forces. This dynamic magnetic field adjustment provides active counter-torque to maintain stability against gravity, enabling lightweight construction while preserving stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If more complex mechanisms are added to achieve precise rotation control, then rotational precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation control precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical precision control mechanisms with an electronic control system. The controller electronically manages the polarity switching of electropermanent magnets in the stator, precisely controlling the magnetic field configuration to achieve accurate rotational positioning of the rotor without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a multi-functional controller that handles multiple control tasks using a single integrated system. The controller manages polarity switching, rotational positioning, and gravity compensation through electronic signals to the electropermanent magnets, achieving precise rotation control without multiple separate mechanical control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the rotation of components with minimal user force, maintaining stability and reducing the risk of damage, while allowing for a lighter, thinner design that effectively counteracts gravity-related torque, enhancing user experience and device durability.

Implementation Method 1

a stator that defines a stator axis, coaxially aligned with the rotor axis, and that includes a number of electropermanent magnets; and a controller that controls polarity of the electropermanent magnets to rotate the rotor about the rotor axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

providing a magnetic torque that counteracts gravity-related torque

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic torque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS11876407B2Assembly for rotary motion using electropermanent magnet assembly

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

An assembly can include a rotor that defines a rotor axis and that includes a number of permanent magnets; a stator that defines a stator axis, coaxially aligned with the rotor axis, and that includes a number of electropermanent magnets; and a controller that controls polarity of the electropermanent magnets to rotate the rotor about the rotor axis.