Levitated Micro Manipulator Using Circuit Substrate Traces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetically levitated robotic manipulators rely on arrays of electromagnets to generate magnetic fields for control, which limits precision and requires external forces, making them less efficient for complex tasks and microfactory applications.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic levitated manipulator system using a circuit substrate with conductive traces to generate magnetic fields, where current patterns on the substrate control the movement of magnets with zero net magnetic dipole moment, allowing for precise control and movement with six degrees of freedom, and the use of diamagnetic layers for levitation and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If arrays of electromagnets are used to generate magnetic fields for controlling levitated manipulators, then the manipulators can be controlled to move, but the precision is limited and external forces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic field generation function from complex electromagnet arrays and implements it through simplified conductive traces on a circuit substrate. The traces carry current to generate magnetic fields that interact with the levitated manipulator, eliminating the need for multiple electromagnets while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic system of multiple electromagnets with an electrical system using conductive traces. The traces are patterned on the substrate and carry current to generate magnetic fields, substituting a complex mechanical electromagnet array with a simpler electrical circuit implementation.
2Force
If electromagnets are used to provide external forces for robot control, then the robots can be moved, but the system requires external force sources reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the substrate that provides structural support with the magnetic field generation function. The circuit substrate both supports the levitated manipulator and generates magnetic fields through its conductive traces, eliminating the need for separate external force-generating components and improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit substrate serves itself by generating the magnetic fields needed for manipulator control through its own conductive traces. The substrate that provides structural support also provides the magnetic actuation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating external force sources.
3Ease of operation
If diamagnetic layers are used for levitation, then friction is reduced, but the levitation region is constrained by the substrate area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a diamagnetic layer that extends in the vertical dimension to provide levitation, allowing the manipulator to move freely in the horizontal plane without friction. The diamagnetic layer's thickness and magnetic properties enable levitation while the circuit traces provide spatially selective magnetic field generation to overcome the area constraint.
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
Enables precise control and movement of manipulators with reduced friction, allowing for complex tasks such as material transport, assembly, and quality control, and the creation of microfactories with coordinated manipulator systems, enhancing industrial process automation at a micro scale.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic levitated manipulator system uses a circuit substrate with conductive traces to generate magnetic fields, where current patterns on the substrate control the movement of magnets with zero net magnetic dipole moment, allowing for precise control and movement with six degrees of freedom, and the use of diamagnetic layers for levitation and reduced friction.
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic levitated manipulator system uses a circuit substrate with conductive traces to generate magnetic fields, where current patterns on the substrate control the movement of magnets with zero net magnetic dipole moment
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a first circuit substrate having conductive traces in layers of the first substrate, the first substrate having a first diamagnetic layer, a second circuit substrate having conductive traces in layers of the second substrate, the second substrate having a second diamagnetic layer, at least one manipulator residing adjacent one of the first and second diamagnetic layers, the manipulator being moveable across the first and second diamagnetic layers through magnetic fields generated by selected application of current to the conductive traces, and a controller coupled to the traces arranged to produce signals which result in the current being applied to the conductive traces.