Inductive Coupling Electromagnetic Clutch Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic clutches in aerospace applications face reliability issues due to the use of brushes, which are prone to wear and fail to meet the stringent requirements of such environments.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic actuator utilizing an inductive coupling between a rotatable portion with inductive windings and a stationary exciter winding, eliminating the need for brushes by using alternating current to induce a magnetic field for engaging or disengaging the clutch, thereby enhancing reliability and expanding potential uses in aerospace applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brushes are used to provide DC to the electromagnetic coil, then the clutch can be actuated, but the brushes are subject to wear and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical brush contact system with an inductive coupling system using exciter windings and inductive windings. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear by using electromagnetic fields to transfer energy across the air gap, thereby improving reliability and service life without sacrificing actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field between the exciter windings and inductive windings to transfer energy. This field-mediated energy transfer eliminates the need for direct mechanical contact through brushes, resolving the contradiction between reliability and service life by removing the wear-prone mechanical interface.
2Reliability
If brushes are used to provide DC to the electromagnetic coil, then the clutch can be actuated, but the brushes fail to meet stringent requirements of aerospace environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical brush system with an inductive coupling system that uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy. This eliminates the mechanical contact that produces wear, sparks, and contamination, making the clutch suitable for stringent aerospace environments while maintaining actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an electromagnetic field as an intermediary to transfer energy from the exciter windings to the inductive windings. This field-mediated approach eliminates the need for brushes that are unsuitable for aerospace environments, thereby improving environmental suitability without compromising reliability.
3Reliability
If inductive coupling is used to eliminate brushes, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the exciter windings and inductive windings into the existing clutch structure, where these components serve dual functions: providing electromagnetic actuation and enabling inductive energy transfer. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall device complexity despite the introduction of inductive coupling, while maintaining improved reliability.
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 improves the reliability of electromagnetic clutches by avoiding brush-related failures and expands their application in aerospace by ensuring consistent and reliable operation, particularly in environments where traditional brushes are insufficient.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic actuator utilizes an inductive coupling between a rotatable portion with inductive windings and a stationary exciter winding, eliminating the need for brushes by using alternating current to induce a magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
An example electromagnetic actuator includes a drive shaft (22), a motor (20) operable to rotate the drive shaft, and a load shaft (24) coupled to an armature body. A clutch is operable to control whether the drive shaft engages the load shaft. A rotatable portion of the clutch corotates with the drive shaft and includes a field winding (33) and a clutch body (35). A stationary portion of the clutch includes an exciter winding that is inductively coupled to the rotatable portion and is operable to energize the field winding. The field winding is operable, when energized, to provide a magnetic field that causes engagement or disengagement between the clutch body and an armature body. A method of operating an electromagnetic actuator is also disclosed.