Magnet Aided Solenoid for Electrical Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switches with solenoids face challenges in achieving sufficient magnetic flux without increasing the size and weight of the coil and ferromagnetic components, leading to bulkiness and higher costs, while also experiencing inefficiencies due to decreased physical coupling between the coil and movable core.
Innovation Solution
The solenoid design incorporates a permanent magnet that generates additional magnetic flux, combining with the coil's flux to enhance the movement force of the movable core, thereby reducing the need for larger components and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the size of the coil, coil shell, and ferromagnetic components is increased to provide higher magnetic flux, then the movement force and contact force are improved, but the solenoid becomes bulkier and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic fields of the coil and permanent magnet to create a synergistic effect where both sources contribute to the total magnetic flux. The permanent magnet is positioned within the coil assembly, and their magnetic fields merge to provide enhanced movement force without requiring proportional increases in coil size or ferromagnetic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic flux generation approach by introducing a permanent magnet with specific remanence properties (Br ≥ 1.0 T). This parameter change allows the system to achieve higher magnetic flux density without increasing the physical dimensions of the coil and ferromagnetic components, thereby maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
2Force
If the size of the coil, coil shell, and ferromagnetic components is increased to provide higher magnetic flux, then the movement force and contact force are improved, but the cost of fabrication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic fields of the coil and permanent magnet to create a synergistic effect where both sources contribute to the total magnetic flux. The permanent magnet is positioned within the coil assembly, and their magnetic fields merge to provide enhanced movement force without requiring proportional increases in coil size or ferromagnetic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic flux generation approach by introducing a permanent magnet with specific remanence properties (Br ≥ 1.0 T). This parameter change allows the system to achieve higher magnetic flux density without increasing the physical dimensions of the coil and ferromagnetic components, thereby maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
3Quantity of substance
If the size of the coil is increased to provide higher magnetic flux, then the flux output is improved, but the physical coupling between the coil and movable core decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a permanent magnet as an additional dimension of magnetic flux generation within the existing coil assembly. Rather than simply enlarging the coil, the permanent magnet adds a new source of magnetic field that operates in conjunction with the coil, maintaining compact dimensions while increasing total flux output and preserving physical coupling.
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 allows for a smaller, lighter, and less expensive solenoid with increased magnetic flux, effectively overcoming the limitations of traditional designs by enhancing the force applied to the movable core without the need for excessive ferromagnetic material.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet that generates additional magnetic flux, combining with the coil's flux to enhance the movement force of the movable core
Implementation Method 2
Energization of the coil with electrical power generates a magnetic flux that moves the movable core within the coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A solenoid (12) is provided for an electrical switch. The solenoid (12) includes a coil (50) having a passageway extending therethrough along a central longitudinal axis (96). The solenoid (12) also includes a movable core (46) having a coil segment (100) and a magnet segment (102). The coil segment (100) is received within the passageway of the coil (50) such that the coil (50) extends around the coil segment (100). The magnet segment (102) includes a radially outer surface (103) relative to the central longitudinal axis (96) of the passageway of the coil (50). The movable core (46) is movable relative to the coil (50) along the central longitudinal axis (96) such that the coil segment (100) is movable within the passageway of the coil (50) along the central longitudinal axis (96). A permanent magnet (54) extends around at least a portion of the radially outer surface (103) of the magnet segment (102) of the movable core (46). The movable core (46) is movable along the central longitudinal axis (96) relative to the permanent magnet (54).