Magnet-Driven Shutter Assembly with Planar Solenoid Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter assemblies face challenges in achieving high-speed operation while maintaining a low profile and compact design, particularly due to the need for precise mechanical linkages and large damping assemblies, and electromagnetic systems that require additional thickness to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shutter assembly utilizing a solenoid with a gap between magnetic poles to control a magnet's movement, allowing the shutter blades to open and close without the need for a separate mechanical linkage, thereby reducing thickness and enabling high-speed operation within a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linear electric motor with mechanical linkage is used to operate the shutter, then the shutter can be opened and closed, but the assembly requires large dampening assemblies and precise mechanical linkages that increase thickness and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear electric motor and mechanical linkage system with an electromagnetic actuation system. A permanent magnet is attached to the drive ring, and electromagnetic coils generate magnetic fields to directly attract or repel the magnet, rotating the drive ring without mechanical linkages. This eliminates the need for dampening assemblies and precise mechanical connections, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining shutter operation capability.
2Device complexity
If solenoids are positioned above or below the permanent magnet in separate tiers, then electromagnetic actuation can be achieved, but the overall thickness of the shutter assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromagnetic actuation components into a single planar layer rather than stacking them in separate tiers. The electromagnetic coils are positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet in the same plane, with magnetic poles facing each other across a gap. This in-plane configuration eliminates the need for vertical stacking, significantly reducing the overall thickness of the shutter assembly while maintaining effective electromagnetic actuation.
3Productivity
If high-speed shutter operation is achieved with mechanical linkages, then the shutter can cycle 30 times per second, but the mechanical linkage must be precisely made and requires large dampening assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical linkages entirely by using direct electromagnetic actuation on the drive ring. The electromagnetic coils generate controlled magnetic fields that attract or repel the permanent magnet attached to the drive ring, enabling precise control of the drive ring's rotation. This direct actuation method achieves high-speed cycling (30 times per second) without requiring precisely manufactured mechanical linkages or large dampening assemblies, as the electromagnetic forces provide both actuation and controlled damping.
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 high-speed shutter operation with reduced thickness and complexity, allowing for efficient and precise control of shutter blades without the need for extensive mechanical linkages, thus addressing space constraints and operational speed requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid defining a gap between a first pole and a second pole
Implementation Method 2
The solenoid is configured to controllably draw the magnet into the gap in a first state and to controllably repel the magnet from the gap in a second state
Data Source
AI summary
A shutter assembly includes a drive ring having a permanent magnet disposed thereon. The shutter assembly also includes a solenoid defining a gap between first and second magnetic poles thereof, the drive ring being disposed coplanar with the solenoid and being rotatable in response to a magnetic field created between the first and second magnetic poles. The shutter assembly also includes a plurality of shutter blades configured to transition between an open position and a closed position in response to rotation of the drive ring. The shutter assembly further includes a base plate separating the plurality of shutter blades from at least one of the drive ring and the solenoid.