Magnetically Coupled Worm Drive With Localized Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic drive systems, particularly worm gear drives, face challenges in controlling the spatial propagation and strength of magnetic fields, which can interfere with nearby components in cryogenic or vacuum environments and lack adaptability, leading to issues like disturbance of sensitive measurements and attraction of ferromagnetic particles.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic drive arrangement with a driving element and output element spaced apart in a contactless manner, utilizing a magnetic unit to generate a magnetic field that is selectively transmitted and limited to a predefined area, using soft-magnetic materials and adjustable magnetic units to prevent unwanted magnetic interference and allow precise control of torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If strong magnetic material is used to generate magnetic field for contactless drive, then torque transmission capability is improved, but magnetic field strength cannot be adapted and unwanted magnetic interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromagnets instead of permanent magnets, allowing the magnetic field strength to be dynamically adjusted through electrical control. This enables adaptation of the magnetic field to different operating conditions while maintaining sufficient torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field strength is made variable by using electromagnets with adjustable current, allowing the parameter of magnetic field strength to be changed according to operational requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between sufficient force transmission and adaptability.
2Reliability
If magnetic field is generated for contactless drive, then wear-free operation is achieved, but magnetic field surrounds entire area and interferes with nearby components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic shielding elements positioned between the electromagnet and surrounding components to confine the magnetic field to the local drive area. This allows wear-free contactless operation while preventing magnetic interference with nearby sensitive components.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic shielding elements act as intermediaries that guide and contain the magnetic field within the drive zone, preventing it from extending to interfere with nearby components while maintaining the contactless drive function.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic field is used for drive transmission, then contactless operation is achieved, but spatial propagation of magnetic field cannot be limited
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic shielding structures are introduced to localize the magnetic field to the specific drive area between the electromagnet and the magnetic gear. This maintains contactless operation while limiting the spatial propagation of the magnetic field to only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic shielding elements, which might seem to add complexity, actually benefit the system by containing the magnetic field to the useful area, converting the potential harm of widespread magnetic propagation into a controlled and beneficial localized field.
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 enables precise, wear-free, and contactless transmission of forces without disturbing nearby components, suitable for high-purity environments, and reduces the risk of overheating and jerky accelerations, allowing for accurate and reliable operation in sensitive applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic unit for generating a magnetic field is coupled to the driving element for magnetization or magnetic interaction with at least one driving portion of the driving element
Implementation Method 2
the least one driving portion is configured to transmit and/or induce the magnetic field at least partially to the output element to drive the output element or to set the output element in rotational movement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drive arrangement (1), preferably a worm gear drive arrangement (1), with an output element (3) for performing an output movement and a driving element (2) for driving the output element (3), wherein the driving element (2) and the output element (3) are arranged spaced apart (7) from each other in a contactless manner, wherein at least one magnetic unit (4) for generating a magnetic field (MF) is coupled to the driving element (2) for magnetization at least one driving portion (2P1, 2P2) of the driving element (2), wherein the least one driving portion (2P1, 2P2) is configured to transmit the magnetic field (MF, tMF) at least partially to the output element (3) to drive the output element (3) upon a rotational movement of the driving element (2).