Magnet-Free Linear Motor Using Reluctance-Based Spring Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motors rely on expensive permanent magnets, which are costly and have limited availability due to their composition, necessitating the development of magnet-free designs.
Innovation Solution
A reluctance-based resonant linear motor utilizing a spring with coils and a stator with teeth, where electrical energy applied to windings generates a magnetic field that compresses the spring, reducing air gaps and reluctance, thereby actuating the motor without the need for permanent magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If permanent magnets are used in linear motors, then magnetic field generation is achieved, but production cost increases and material availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes permanent magnets from the linear motor system entirely, extracting the problematic component that causes high cost and material availability issues. Instead, the invention uses electromagnets (windings on stator teeth) to generate the necessary magnetic fields, eliminating dependence on rare earth materials while maintaining motor functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the permanent magnet-based magnetic field generation system with an electromagnet-based system. By using windings that can be energized and controlled electrically, the system substitutes the static magnetic field of permanent magnets with a dynamic electromagnetic field, achieving the same functional goal through a different physical mechanism
2Power
If permanent magnets are used in linear motors, then magnetic field generation is achieved, but reliance on rare earth materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely extracts and eliminates the use of rare earth materials from the linear motor system by removing permanent magnets. The magnetic field generation is achieved through standard copper windings and ferromagnetic materials, which do not rely on scarce rare earth elements, thereby reducing material quantity requirements and supply chain dependencies
3Power
If spring compresses to reduce air gaps, then magnetic field flow efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring mechanism that automatically adjusts the air gaps between stator teeth and the movable component during operation. The spring compresses under electromagnetic force to optimize magnetic coupling, providing self-adjusting clearance compensation that reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining efficient magnetic field flow
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
The solution enables a cost-effective and magnet-free linear motor operation, reducing production costs and reliance on rare earth materials while maintaining efficient magnetic field flow and motor performance.
Implementation Method 1
Application of electrical energy to the plurality of windings generates a magnetic field that flows through one or more of the plurality of coils
Implementation Method 2
The flow of the magnetic field through the one or more of the plurality of coils actuates the spring towards a compressed position
Implementation Method 3
actuates the spring towards a compressed position in which the plurality of air gaps are reduced, thereby reducing the reluctance experienced by the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Reluctance-based resonant linear motors and methods of operation are provided. An example linear motor includes a spring having a plurality of coils. The linear motor includes a stator coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the spring. The stator includes a plurality of teeth. The linear motor includes a plurality of windings respectively positioned within a plurality of winding cavities respectively formed by the plurality of teeth. The application of electrical energy to the plurality of windings generates a magnetic field that flows through one or more of the coils of the spring. The flow of the magnetic field through the one or more coils of the spring causes the spring to actuate towards a compressed position. An example method includes periodically applying electrical energy to the plurality of windings such that the spring oscillates at a resonance frequency associated with the linear motor.