Magnetic Composite Micro-Actuators for Remote Addressable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-scale magnetic actuation technologies lack the ability to remotely and repeatedly control magnetic micro-devices, particularly in enclosed environments where direct contact is not feasible, such as in micro-fluidic channels or medical devices like capsule endoscopes, making it difficult to address multiple devices sharing the same workspace.
Innovation Solution
The development of micro-actuators composed of two permanent magnet materials, one with high coercivity and the other that switches magnetization direction with applied fields, allowing for remote control by switching the magnetization direction to achieve distinct 'on' and 'off' states, enabling selective enablement and disablement of multiple devices concurrently based on orientation using a magnetic field pulse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single permanent magnet material is used for micro-actuators, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to remotely and repeatedly control the magnetic state is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite magnetic materials consisting of two different permanent magnet materials with distinct coercivity values. This composite structure enables remote and repeated control by allowing selective magnetization switching of one material component without affecting the other, thereby achieving controllable magnetic states while maintaining permanent magnet functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different magnetic properties within the same actuator. By incorporating materials with different coercivities in specific locations or configurations, the system enables selective addressing and control of individual actuators through locally differentiated magnetic responses to applied fields.
2Ease of operation
If multiple magnetic materials with different coercivities are used, then addressable control of multiple devices is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic actuator into distinct functional regions or components made from different magnetic materials. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its specific role (e.g., one material for permanent magnetism, another for switchable magnetization), enabling addressable control while facilitating modular manufacturing approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by selecting magnetic materials with specific coercivity values that differ by defined thresholds. This parameter differentiation enables selective magnetization switching based on applied field strength, achieving addressable control where devices with different coercivity parameters respond to different field levels, allowing individual addressing without complex manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic field pulse is applied to switch magnetization direction, then remote actuation is achieved, but control over multiple devices in the same workspace becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each actuator a unique magnetic signature through different coercivity values. This allows a single remote magnetic field pulse to selectively affect only those actuators whose coercivity matches the pulse strength, enabling individual addressing and control of multiple devices in the same workspace without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in coercivity values to enable selective addressing. By designing actuators with distinct coercivity parameters, the system allows remote magnetic field pulses of varying strengths to selectively switch magnetization in specific actuators based on their parameter values, achieving independent control of multiple devices through simple field strength modulation.
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 allows for remote, addressable control of micro-actuators, enabling independent operation of multiple magnetic devices in enclosed spaces, enhancing control over microrobotic systems and microfluidic applications by utilizing multiple magnetic materials with varying hysteresis characteristics to achieve advanced state control and motion actuation.
Implementation Method 1
uses the magnetic hysteresis characteristics of multiple magnetic materials to achieve advanced state control
Implementation Method 2
switches magnetization direction by applied fields
Implementation Method 3
creation of micron-scale permanent magnets for the application of forces and torques via externally-generated magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes methods to fabricate actuators that can be remotely controlled in an addressable manner, and methods to provide remote control such micro-actuators. The actuators are composites of two permanent magnet materials, one of which is has high coercivity, and the other of which switches magnetization direction by applied fields. By switching the second material's magnetization direction, the two magnets either work together or cancel each other, resulting in distinct “on” and “off” behavior of the devices. The device can be switched “on” or “off” remotely using a field pulse of short duration.