Linear Actuator Magnetic Holding and Low Power Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear actuators face challenges in effectively holding a mover in a stop state, particularly under external forces like vibration or shock, and in reducing power consumption during movement.

Innovation Solution

The linear actuator design incorporates a configuration with main and sub yokes, a magnet, and a coil yoke, where the coil is held by magnetic attractive force and moved using Lorentz force and magnetic repulsive force, allowing for strong holding and low power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic attractive force is used to hold the mover in a stop state, then the holding capability is improved, but the mover may move under external forces like vibration or shock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding capabilityVSAvoidmover position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic magnetic field control by switching between drive coils and hold coils. The drive coils generate magnetic fields for movement, while hold coils generate magnetic fields specifically for maintaining position. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt its magnetic field configuration based on operational requirements, providing both movement capability and stable holding under external disturbances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes magnetic field parameters by activating different coil sets. During movement, drive coils are activated with specific current parameters. During holding, hold coils are activated with optimized current parameters to maintain position stability. This parameter switching enables the system to optimize performance for different operational states, ensuring reliable holding even under vibration or shock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If continuous magnetic force is applied to maintain holding, then the mover remains stable in stop state, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemover position stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic activation of hold coils rather than continuous activation. The hold coils are activated in cycles or pulses to maintain the mover's position, rather than being continuously powered. This periodic action maintains position stability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous magnetic field application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic circuit design allows the hold coils to maintain position with minimal energy input. Once the mover is positioned, the hold coils generate sufficient magnetic field to counteract external disturbances without requiring continuous high power input. The system essentially maintains itself in the held position with low power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration enhances the ability to maintain the mover in a stop state and reduce power consumption by utilizing magnetic attractive and repulsive forces, effectively suppressing movement due to external forces.

Implementation Method 1

the coil is held by magnetic attractive force and moved using Lorentz force and magnetic repulsive force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the coil is held by magnetic attractive force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attractive force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3531542B1Linear actuator
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3531542B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3531542B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3531542B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Linear actuator (100) includes: coil (40) that is movably provided; coil yoke (50) that is provided to move integrally with coil (40); first side yoke portion (11) that extends outside of coil (40); second side yoke portion (12) that is surrounded by coil (40), extends, and is opposed to first side yoke portion (11); and magnet (30) that forms a magnetic field between first side yoke portion (11) and second side yoke portion (12). Coil yoke (50) extends along an axis of coil (40). First side yoke portion (11) and second side yoke portion (12) have first hold portion (14) and second hold portion (15), the support portion supporting coil yoke (50) in a stop position and having magnetic polarities.