Fractal Electromagnet Geometry for Compact High-Field Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnets have a limited design focus on core materials rather than shape, which restricts their form factor and magnetic field strength, leading to larger devices for the same magnetic field requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of fractal shapes for both the core and windings of electromagnets, allowing for a more compact design with enhanced magnetic field strength by increasing the perimeter and winding length, utilizing fractal iterations to create self-similar structures that concentrate magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional circular windings and cylindrical cores are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the form factor is large and magnetic field strength is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fractal geometry to transform the traditional two-dimensional circular winding pattern into a multi-scale fractal structure that effectively occupies three-dimensional space. The fractal windings wrap around the core in a self-similar pattern across different scales, increasing the winding length and surface area without proportionally increasing the device volume, thus reducing form factor while managing structural complexity through mathematical regularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fractal structure divides the winding into self-similar segments at different scales. Each fractal iteration creates smaller copies of the overall pattern, allowing the magnetic field to be distributed and concentrated at multiple levels. This segmentation increases the effective perimeter and winding length within a compact volume, improving magnetic field strength without requiring a proportionally larger device.
2Strength
If fractal shapes are used for core and windings, then magnetic field strength is enhanced and form factor is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the core and windings from conventional circular shapes to fractal shapes with specific mathematical properties. The fractal dimension and iteration level are optimized to achieve enhanced magnetic field strength while controlling manufacturing complexity. The self-similar nature of fractals allows for systematic fabrication approaches, where once the basic fractal pattern is established, it can be replicated at different scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The fractal structure implements a nested pattern where smaller fractal elements are contained within larger ones, similar to nested dolls. The windings are arranged in self-similar layers at different scales, with each layer contributing to the overall magnetic field. This nesting allows efficient use of space and material, enhancing magnetic field strength while providing a systematic approach to manufacturing through hierarchical assembly.
3Strength
If fractal windings with increased perimeter are used, then magnetic field strength improves, but the winding length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fractal winding transitions from a simple two-dimensional circular path to a multi-scale three-dimensional structure. By utilizing self-similar patterns at different scales, the winding achieves significantly increased effective perimeter and surface area within a compact volume. This dimensional transformation allows the magnetic field to be generated along a much longer path without requiring a proportionally larger device, thus improving magnetic field strength while controlling the physical footprint.
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 results in smaller form factor electromagnetic devices with equivalent or improved magnetic field strength, enabling the development of novel switching devices and applications such as solenoid switches and actuators, while also allowing for more compact and efficient cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The power source, when driven through the windings, produces a compact magnetic field which then turns the core into a magnet as long as the current flows.
Implementation Method 2
Advantages of such fractal structures and/or 'shapings' can include electromagnetic devices and structures producing or having a smaller form factor for the same desired magnetic field strength, when compared to conventional electromagnet structures and devices.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention entails the use of fractal shapes as cores for electromagnets, and a concurrent shape of a fractal for the windings which surround it. The novelty of this invention lies not only with the shaping, but the advantage of such shaping, which includes producing a smaller form factor electromagnet for the same desired magnetic field strength, when compared to a conventional electromagnet. It will be appreciated that a range of devices including electromagnets, based on such fractal shaping, are additionally novel and include but are not limited to solenoid switches, relays, and other devices in which the fractal electromagnets are used to make a change in state of some device.