Handling Unit Polarity Reversible Magnet Fixing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling units in automation and robot technology face challenges in securely fixing moving components, particularly in ensuring reliable fixation and release mechanisms, especially in the event of power failures.
Innovation Solution
A handling unit employing a polarity reversible magnet and a polarization coil, combined with a control unit for energy storage and management, allows for reversible magnetic fields to actuate or release a holding element, ensuring secure fixation and automatic release mechanisms, including a restoring element for safe release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining element with force fit is used to lock the moving component, then secure fixation is achieved, but immediate release mechanism is lacking especially during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is made dynamic by switching between two pole configurations using a polarization coil. The reversible magnet can be actively switched between locked and released states, transforming a static retaining mechanism into a dynamically controllable one that responds to electrical signals for immediate release.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical force fit retaining element is supplemented and controlled by an electromagnetic field system. The polarization coil generates magnetic fields that replace manual or mechanical release mechanisms, enabling electronic control of the retaining element's engagement and disengagement states.
2Force
If preloaded spring brakes or electromagnetic brakes are used, then holding force is provided, but complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reversible magnet with dual pole configurations serves multiple functions: it provides the holding force through magnetic attraction in the first configuration and enables release through the second configuration. This single magnetic system replaces what would traditionally require separate braking mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field parameters (pole configuration) are changed to control the holding and release functions. By switching between two distinct magnetic field states, the system achieves both force application and release without requiring physically different components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If a polarization coil is added to reverse magnet polarity, then immediate release capability is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization coil operates in periodic pulses rather than continuously. Energy is consumed only during the brief moments when polarity reversal is needed to switch between locked and released states, rather than requiring continuous energy input to maintain the magnetic field configuration.
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
The solution provides secure fixation and immediate release of moving components, even during power outages, by reversing the magnetic field using stored energy, ensuring operational safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization coil is provided for reversing the polarity of the reversible magnet from a first pole configuration to a second pole configuration
Implementation Method 2
in the first pole configuration a magnetic field is formed such that the holding element experiences a force which urges the holding element against the component to fix the component
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A handling unit (10), in particular a linear, gripping or swiveling unit, with a moving component (18) and with a locking mechanism (23) for locking the component (18), wherein the locking mechanism (23) has a holding element (38) which acts against the component (18) to lock the component (18), characterized in that a reversible magnet (24) and a polarizing coil (26) are provided for reversing the polarity of the reversible magnet (24) from a first pole configuration to a second pole configuration, wherein the reversible magnet (24) is arranged such that in the first pole configuration a magnetic field is formed such that the holding element (38) experiences a force which pushes the holding element (38) against the component (18) to lock the component (18) and that in the second pole configuration the magnetic field is formed such that the holding element (38) releases the component (18).