Integrated Linear-Rotary Electromagnetic Actuator for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems that require both linear and rotary movement, such as aircraft flight surface control systems, face challenges with weight, volume, and complexity due to the combination of linear actuators and rotary motors, which are often heavy and occupy significant space.
Innovation Solution
An aligned, linear-rotary electromagnetic actuator system that integrates both linear and rotary stator windings within a single unit, allowing for both linear translation and rotational motion using a combined rotor and shaft, controlled by a power source and actuator controller unit to produce magnetic fields for force induction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linear actuator and rotary motor combination is used to provide dual functionality of component locking/unlocking and rotation, then the system can achieve both linear and rotary movement, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a linear actuator and rotary motor into a single integrated unit sharing common components (stator, rotor, shaft, windings). The linear actuator portion provides engagement/disengagement movement while the rotary motor portion provides rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as both a linear actuator for engagement/disengagement and a rotary motor for rotation. The common stator and rotor structure enables the same components to produce both linear and rotary motion depending on which windings are energized, providing multi-functionality with a single device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a linear actuator and rotary motor combination is used to provide dual functionality, then the system can achieve both linear and rotary movement, but the system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the linear actuator and rotary motor into one compact integrated structure. The common stator, rotor, and shaft are arranged to share space, with the linear motion mechanism and rotary motion mechanism occupying overlapping or adjacent volumes, significantly reducing the total space required compared to separate actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator employs a nested arrangement where the rotary motor components are positioned within or adjacent to the linear actuator components. The rotor and stator structures are configured to nest together, allowing both linear and rotary functionality to coexist in a compact volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a linear actuator and rotary motor combination is used, then dual functionality is achieved, but the part count and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device with shared components. The common stator, rotor, shaft, and control circuitry eliminate the need for separate linear actuator and rotary motor assemblies, reducing part count and simplifying system architecture while maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator uses universal components that serve both linear and rotary functions. The same stator and rotor structure, along with shared windings and control electronics, enable both engagement/disengagement and rotation operations, reducing the number of specialized parts needed.
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 reduces weight, volume, and part count while maintaining dual functionality, enabling efficient engagement and rotation of system components with reduced complexity and cost compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of stator windings adapted to produce a first stator magnetic field that translates along a stator axis and to produce a second stator magnetic field that rotates around the stator axis
Implementation Method 2
The interacting magnetic fields between the stator and rotor may produce a linear force and/or a rotational force on the rotor and shaft
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an actuator includes a plurality of stator windings adapted to produce a first stator magnetic field that translates along a stator axis, and to produce a second stator magnetic field that rotates around the stator axis. In addition, the actuator includes a rotor, coupled to a shaft, and positioned within a central stator channel. The rotor is adapted to produce a first rotor magnetic field that translates along a shaft axis and to produce a second rotor magnetic field that rotates around the shaft axis. An actuator system includes an actuator and an actuator controller unit, which is adapted to produce actuator inputs. An embodiment of a method for controlling the actuator includes providing actuator inputs to produce a translating magnetic field in the stator, a translating magnetic field in the rotor, a rotating magnetic field in the stator, and a rotating magnetic field in the rotor.