Permanent Magnet Actuation for Dynamic Façades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuation mechanisms for dynamic adaptive building façades, such as motorized and hydraulic systems, are energy-inefficient and require frequent maintenance, leading to increased costs and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A permanent magnet actuation mechanism that utilizes magnetic forces between linearly arranged permanent magnets to transfer rotational motion from a master magnet driven by an electric motor to multiple slave magnets, reducing the number of moving parts and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If motorized actuation mechanisms are used to rotate façade elements, then the façade can dynamically adjust to environmental conditions, but the number of electric motors increases significantly leading to higher energy consumption and maintenance costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic adjustment capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple slave magnets are merged into a single magnetic field interaction zone where they are simultaneously actuated by the master magnet's rotation, allowing one motor to control multiple façade elements through magnetic field coupling rather than requiring separate motors for each element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical transmission systems (gears, belts, direct motor connections) with a magnetic field-based actuation system where permanent magnets transfer rotational motion through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages between the motor and multiple façade elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If multiple electric motors are installed to rotate each façade element independently, then precise control is achieved, but the number of moving parts increases leading to higher maintenance costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the actuation function from multiple independent motors and consolidates it into a single motor that drives a master magnet, which in turn actuates multiple slave magnets through magnetic field interactions, removing the need for multiple motor units and their associated maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The master magnet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is driven by the motor, generates a rotating magnetic field, and actuates multiple slave magnets through magnetic forces, making a single component perform the work that would otherwise require multiple independent actuation systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If hydraulic or pneumatic actuation mechanisms are used, then rotational motion can be produced, but the system complexity and energy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion production capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems with a purely magnetic field-based mechanism where permanent magnets interact through attraction and repulsion forces to produce rotational motion, eliminating the need for fluid systems, cylinders, pistons, and associated control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent magnets inherently generate their own magnetic fields and interact with each other through magnetic forces without requiring external control systems, fluid pressure regulation, or complex mechanical linkages, allowing the system to self-regulate the motion of slave magnets through magnetic field dynamics

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 solution significantly reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs by allowing a single electric motor to rotate multiple façade elements, enhancing the efficiency of dynamic building façade operations.

Implementation Method 1

utilizes magnetic forces between linearly arranged permanent magnets to transfer rotational motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11512528B2Actuation mechanism for a dynamic feçade

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 UNIVERSITY OF TEHRAN

AI summary

A permanent magnet actuation mechanism may include a first permanent magnet magnetized along a first axis and rotatable about a first rotational axis perpendicular to the first axis, a second permanent magnet magnetized along a second axis and rotatable about a second rotational axis perpendicular to the second axis. The first rotational axis is parallel with the second rotational axis. The mechanism further comprises a mounting structure configured to position the first permanent magnet at a first distance from the second permanent magnet along a main axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis.