Fast-Acting Actuator with Magnetic Hold and Spring-Driven Large Stroke
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic actuators have limitations in switching speed, especially at larger strokes, which affects their performance in applications requiring fast and efficient actuation.
Innovation Solution
A fast-switching actuator device with a mechanical clamping element, armature element, magnetic unit, and reset unit, allowing for a rapid positioning movement with a large stroke, achieved through a combination of mechanical and magnetic forces, and a motor-driven reset mechanism for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electromagnetic actuators are used for fast switching, then switching speed is improved, but achievable stroke is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator device is divided into two functional segments: a magnetic unit for fast positioning (first end position) and a mechanical clamping element for stroke extension (second end position). This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines electromagnetic actuation (magnetic unit) with mechanical spring storage (clamping element) into a hybrid system. The magnetic unit provides rapid initial movement while the pre-tensioned clamping element delivers extended stroke, achieving both fast switching and large displacement.
2Length of moving object
If large stroke is achieved through mechanical means, then switching speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical clamping element is pre-tensioned during the fast magnetic positioning phase to store elastic energy. This preliminary action enables the clamping element to rapidly extend the stroke afterward without slowing down the overall switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning from magnetic actuation to mechanical spring-driven movement. The magnetic unit completes its fast positioning while the clamping element simultaneously extends the stroke, ensuring uninterrupted motion throughout the switching cycle.
3Speed
If fast positioning movement with large stroke is achieved, then installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic unit and mechanical clamping element are arranged in a nested configuration where the clamping element surrounds or integrates with the magnetic unit. This nesting allows both components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall installation footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement where the clamping element operates in a direction perpendicular to or overlapping with the magnetic unit's actuation direction. This dimensional optimization allows compact packaging while maintaining full stroke capability.
4Speed
If mechanical clamping element is used for fast movement, then component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact for the initial fast positioning with a magnetic field-based actuation system. This substitution eliminates wear during the high-speed phase, while the mechanical clamping element only engages for the slower stroke extension where wear is less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the mechanical clamping element by pre-tensioning it during the fast magnetic phase. This allows the clamping element to operate in a controlled elastic deformation range that minimizes fatigue and wear while maintaining fast response capability.
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
Enables a fast positioning movement with a large stroke in a compact design, ensuring high switching speed and extended service life by optimizing the actuator's operation and protecting components from excessive wear.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic unit (18) which is provided to hold the armature element (12) in the first end position (14), preferably directly, by means of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic unit (18)
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical clamping element (10) is arranged to be pre-tensioned during a first positioning movement by the armature element (12) from a first end position (14) to a second end position (16) and thereby store elastic energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fast-acting actuator device (68), in particular a circuit breaker device, is proposed, having a mechanical clamping element (10), having an armature element (12) which can be preloaded by the mechanical clamping element (10) and which, driven by relaxation of the mechanical clamping element (10), is movable from at least one first end position (14) into at least one second end position (16), having a magnet unit (18) which is provided to hold the armature element (12) in the first end position (14) by means of a magnetic field generated by the magnet unit (18), and having a resetting unit (20) which is provided to move back the armature element (12) at least from the second end position (16) into the first end position (14) by means of a motor-driveable resetting element (22) and, in the process, to preload the mechanical clamping element (10).