Magnetic Ring Coupling for Compact Reciprocating Rotary Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reciprocating rotary motion systems are often large, costly, and inefficient, particularly in applications like high-frequency chest compression devices for patients with cystic fibrosis, where they require a separate base station and limited portability and frequency range.

Innovation Solution

A compact apparatus using two concentric magnetic or ferromagnetic rings with annular sequences of permanent magnetic elements to convert continuous rotary motion into reciprocating rotary motion, allowing for adjustable torque and force levels, and enabling a lightweight, portable, and energy-efficient design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional reciprocating rotary motion systems are used, then reliable motion generation is achieved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable motion generationVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs nested concentric magnetic rings where the inner ring is rotationally coupled to the drive motor and the outer ring is coupled to the output shaft. This nested configuration allows both rings to occupy the same radial space while performing distinct functions, significantly reducing the overall device volume compared to conventional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of motion generation and torque transmission into a single integrated magnetic coupling system. The magnetic interaction between the two rings simultaneously achieves reciprocating rotary motion and torque transfer, eliminating the need for separate mechanical linkages and reducing device complexity and size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If conventional reciprocating rotary motion systems are used, then motion generation is achieved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with a magnetic field-based interaction between two rings. This substitution eliminates the need for traditional mechanical linkages, bearings, and gears, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and system cost while maintaining motion generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling system is self-regulating, where the magnetic attraction and repulsion forces automatically control the reciprocating motion of the output shaft. The load itself participates in the oscillatory mechanical circuit, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional chest compression systems are used, then compression function is provided, but portability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression functionVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the base station functionality from the chest compression system by implementing a self-contained magnetic drive mechanism that can operate independently. This extraction eliminates the need for a separate base station, reducing overall system weight and improving portability while maintaining compression function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic ring system serves multiple functions simultaneously: generating reciprocating rotary motion, providing torque transmission, and enabling portable operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing weight and improving portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Force

If conventional motion systems are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but frequency range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidfrequency range
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic magnetic coupling system where the interaction between the two rings can adapt to different operating conditions. The magnetic field strength and coupling characteristics can be adjusted to achieve both high torque transmission and high-frequency operation, providing a wide frequency range that conventional rigid mechanical systems cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus provides a compact, efficient, and adaptable solution for generating reciprocating rotary motion, suitable for high-frequency chest compression devices, enabling improved portability and frequency range while reducing the need for a separate base station and enhancing the effectiveness of mucus clearance in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the first and second rings comprises an annular sequence of permanent magnetic elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the alignment between two magnet or ferromagnetic rings varies as the input and output shafts adopt different relative angular positions. In this way, a resisting force is dependent on the relative angular orientation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4044984B1Apparatus for generating a reciprocating rotary motion
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4044984B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4044984B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4044984B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An apparatus for generating a rotary reciprocating motion comprises an input shaft which is driven with unidirectional rotation and an output shaft for delivering reciprocating rotary motion. A first magnetic or ferromagnetic ring is disposed about a rotation axis fixed to the input shaft and a second magnetic or ferromagnetic ring is disposed about the rotation axis fixed to the output shaft. At least one is formed as an arrangement of permanent magnets. The first and second rings are disposed one within the other around the rotation axis. The magnetic coupling between the rings in combination with the effect of an output load results in the desired reciprocating motion of the output shaft.