Linear Actuator With Perpendicular Magnet Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear actuators cannot move their elements in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement of the coils, limiting their application and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design featuring a first member with three magnets having N and S poles arranged in a specific perpendicular configuration, coupled with a stator having salient poles and coils wound around them, allowing the moving element to move in a direction perpendicular to the coil arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional linear actuator design with coils arranged in a row is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the moving element can only move in the same direction as the coil arrangement direction, limiting the range of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging three magnets (first, second, and third magnets) in a perpendicular direction rather than a single row. The N poles and S poles of adjacent magnets are shifted from each other in the perpendicular direction, creating a three-dimensional magnetic field configuration. This allows the moving element to move not only in the direction of coil arrangement but also in a direction perpendicular to the coil arrangement, thereby expanding the range of use without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If magnets are arranged in a single row parallel to coils, then the structure is simple, but the moving element cannot move perpendicular to the coil arrangement direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional row arrangement of magnets to a two-dimensional arrangement where three magnets are positioned perpendicular to each other. The N and S poles are shifted in the perpendicular direction, creating a magnetic field that enables movement in multiple directions including perpendicular to the coil arrangement, thus improving movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of the three magnets where the N poles and S poles of the second and third magnets are shifted from the N poles and S poles of the first magnet in the perpendicular direction. This asymmetric configuration creates an unbalanced magnetic field that enables the moving element to move perpendicular to the coil arrangement direction, achieving greater operational flexibility.
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 the moving element to move in a direction perpendicular to the coil arrangement, expanding the actuator's range of use, achieving downsizing, enhanced driving force, and reduced cogging force, suitable for oscillating applications with a strong thrust.
Implementation Method 1
the interaction between magnetic fluxes generated at the magnets and magnetic fluxes generated at the salient poles causes the moving element to move relative to the stator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a linear actuator wherein a moving element can be moved in a direction normal to the direction of arrangement of coils. The moving element 1 has first to third magnets 6a-6c arranged in the X-direction. Each of the first to third magnets 6a-6c has N poles and S poles arranged in the θ-direction. The N poles and S poles of the second magnet 6b are shifted in the θ-direction relative to the N poles and S poles of the first magnet 6a. The N poles and S poles of the third magnet 6c are shifted in the θ-direction relative to the N poles and S poles of the second magnet 6b. A stator 2 has at least two salient poles 8a arranged in the θ-direction, and at least two coils 4a, 4b wound around the salient poles 8a.