Magnetic Actuator for High-Pressure Liquid Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current actuators for wear testing in high-pressure and high-temperature nuclear reactor simulations face challenges in precision, repeatability, and dynamic performance due to the distance between the force generation and application zones, leading to mechanical noise, magnetic field losses, and sealing issues, which compromise the accuracy and reliability of the tests.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic actuator design where the permanent magnet and coil are immersed in the liquid medium, allowing isostatic pressure application and minimizing magnetic field losses, with flexible blades enabling translation in multiple directions to achieve precise and dynamic movement of the sample, and a multi-actuator configuration for orthogonal movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the actuator is placed outside the pressure enclosure, then sealing is simplified, but the distance between force generation and application increases, reducing precision and increasing mechanical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with an electromagnetic actuator system. The electromagnetic actuator generates force directly within the pressure enclosure, eliminating the need for mechanical shafts and seals that connect external force generators to the specimen. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining precision while simplifying sealing, as electromagnetic fields can be contained without mechanical penetrations.
2Measurement precision
If the actuator is placed close to the sample, then movement precision improves, but magnetic field losses increase and dynamics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a concentrated magnetic field in the immediate vicinity of the coil, where the air gap is minimized locally at the force application point. The magnetic circuit is designed with high-permeability materials that guide and concentrate the magnetic flux where needed, reducing losses while maintaining strong local field intensity for precise sample actuation.
3Measurement precision
If the actuator is immersed in the liquid medium, then distance to sample is minimized improving precision, but pressure transmission to actuator components becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by immersing the actuator components (magnet and coil) in the liquid medium at the same pressure environment as the specimen. This eliminates pressure differentials across actuator boundaries, simplifying the pressure management. The actuator operates in pressure equilibrium with the surrounding medium, avoiding complex pressure containment or transmission mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If a shaft is used to transmit movement, then force generation is simplified, but mechanical noise and vibration increase, reducing test repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shaft-based force transmission system with an electromagnetic force generation system. The electromagnetic actuator generates force directly through electromagnetic interaction between the coil and magnet, eliminating mechanical shafts, bearings, and associated vibrations. This substitution maintains force generation capability while dramatically improving test repeatability by eliminating mechanical noise sources.
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 allows for precise and repeatable testing under high pressure and temperature conditions by bringing the actuator close to the sample, reducing mechanical noise and magnetic losses, and enhancing dynamic performance while maintaining the isostatic pressure, thus improving the reproducibility and accuracy of the tests.
Implementation Method 1
a coil, which can be supplied with electric current, so that said coil can move in translation in the air gap according to a main direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a magnetic actuator (10) for controlled movement of a sample (20) for analysis in a liquid medium (L) comprising: a housing (30), a permanent magnet (40) generating a magnetic field (B), the magnet (40) being fixed on the housing (30) and comprising an air gap, a coil (50), which can be supplied with electric current (i), so that said coil (50) can move in translation in the air gap along a principal direction (X-X'), support means (60), integral with the coil (50), to which the sample (20) is attached, in which the magnet (40) and the coil (50) are immersed in the liquid medium (L), so that the pressure of the medium is exerted isostatically on all the components of the actuator (10).