Magnetic Actuator Suspension Layout to Limit Off-Axis Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuators with viscoelastic connection bodies suffer from drive force loss and potential damage due to unintended movement of the movable body in directions other than the intended vibration direction, especially under impacts like dropping.

Innovation Solution

The actuator design includes a support body, a movable body, a connection body with elasticity or viscoelasticity, and a magnetic drive mechanism. The connection body is disposed at three positions: two ends and a center in the axial line direction, enhancing its resistance to deformation in directions intersecting the axial line direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a viscoelastic body is used as the connection body to connect the support body and movable body, then the connection body can provide flexibility and vibration damping, but the movable body may move in directions different from the vibration direction causing drive force loss and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection body stabilityVSAvoiddrive force loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The connection body is divided into multiple segments: a first connection body at one end of the support shaft, a second connection body at the other end, and a third connection body between the tube-shaped part and case. This segmentation allows each connection body to independently restrict movement in specific directions, collectively preventing unintended movement while maintaining flexibility and vibration damping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the connection body is disposed at two positions on both ends of the support shaft, then the structure is simplified, but the movable body can still move in unintended directions under impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection body structureVSAvoidimpact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection body is segmented into three distinct parts positioned at different locations: first connection body at one end, second connection body at the other end, and third connection body between the tube-shaped part and case. This segmentation provides comprehensive restraint against impact forces from multiple directions while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The viscoelastic material in each connection body provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and dissipating impact energy through viscous deformation. The third connection body specifically cushions against impacts that would otherwise cause the movable body to collide with the support body, preventing damage before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the viscoelastic body is deformed in expansion and contraction direction, then the movable body can move in directions different from vibration direction, but this causes drive force dispersion and reduces vibration magnitude

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoidvibration magnitude

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection body is segmented into three parts that collectively constrain movement. The first and second connection bodies at the ends restrict axial movement, while the third connection body restricts radial movement between the tube-shaped part and case. This segmentation maintains movement flexibility needed for vibration while preventing expansion and contraction deformations that would disperse drive force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design effectively suppresses unintended movement of the movable body, reduces drive force loss, and prevents collisions with the support body, thereby minimizing damage to both components.

Implementation Method 1

a connection body which is connected with the support body and the movable body and is provided with at least one of elasticity and viscoelasticity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic drive mechanism which includes a magnet and a coil and is structured to relatively move the movable body with respect to the support body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12316185B2Actuator

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SANKYO SEIKI MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An actuator includes a connection body which is connected with a support body and a movable body and is provided with elasticity and/or viscoelasticity, and a magnetic drive mechanism structured to move the movable body with respect to the support body. The movable body may include a support shaft, a tube-shaped part surrounding a magnet, a first inner frame part on one side of the tube-shaped part, and a second inner frame part on the other side of the tube-shaped part. The support body may include a first outer frame part, a second outer frame part, and a case surrounding the first and the second outer frame parts and the tube-shaped part. The connection body includes first and second connection bodies between the first and second inner frame parts and the first and second outer frame parts, and a third connection body between the tube-shaped part and the case.