Magnetic Frame Electromechanical Actuator for Compact High-Speed Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small electromechanical actuators fail to achieve a favorable combination of miniaturization, high packing density, and high-speed operation, limiting their application in compact valve systems.
Innovation Solution
The design includes conductive coils positioned in a movable supporting frame with permanent magnets providing opposite polarity magnetic fields, a drive circuit, and a controller to independently control the drive current, allowing for precise movement of the frame and force application to the load based on current amplitude and polarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional actuator designs are used, then the actuator can operate, but the size cannot be sufficiently miniaturized while maintaining high packing density and high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic frame structure with the actuator coil assembly, where the magnetic frame serves dual purposes as both the structural support and the magnetic field generator. This integration eliminates separate components and reduces overall actuator volume while maintaining high packing density and operational performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the coil is positioned within the magnetic frame structure, and multiple actuators can be arranged in compact arrays. This nested arrangement allows for efficient space utilization and miniaturization of the overall system
2Volume of moving object
If the actuator is miniaturized, then the size is reduced, but the operation speed and packing density deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the magnetic frame parameters including magnet arrangement, pole configuration, and magnetic flux density distribution to maintain high operation speed in miniaturized actuators. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the actuator achieves fast response times despite reduced size
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic frame is segmented into multiple poles with alternating polarity arrangements, which creates concentrated magnetic flux paths that improve the speed and efficiency of the miniaturized actuator. This segmentation allows for optimized magnetic field distribution in compact geometries
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 configuration enables a small actuator assembly with high packing density and high-speed operation, suitable for compact valve systems and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of permanent magnets are located on each side of each of the one or more conductive coils, wherein the pair of permanent magnets located on each side of each of the one or more conductive coils are oriented to provide opposite polarity magnetic fields to each of the one or more conductive coils
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly includes one or more conductive coils each positioned in a movable supporting frame configured to be coupled to a load. A pair of permanent magnets are located on each side of each of the coils to provide opposite polarity magnetic fields to each of the coils. A drive circuit is coupled to the each of coils and configured to supply a drive current to each of the conductive coils. A controller is coupled to each of the coils through the drive circuit and is configured to independently control the drive current supplied to each of the coils to provide movement of the supporting frame to provide a force to the load, based on the opposite polarity fields and the drive current, wherein the movement of the supporting frame is in proportion to an amplitude and polarity of the drive current.