Microrobot Propulsion Apparatus Using Multipurpose Inverter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microrobot systems require separate devices for wireless power and propulsive force, increasing manufacturing costs and volume, making them less suitable for miniaturization and efficient power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A microrobot propulsion apparatus that integrates a coil part for generating both time-varying and static magnetic fields using a multipurpose inverter with H-bridge circuits and switches, allowing for efficient wireless power transmission and propulsive force generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for wireless power transmission and propulsive force generation, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing cost and volume of the microrobot increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireless power transmission coil and the propulsive force generation coil into a single integrated coil structure. This single coil can operate in two modes: generating time-varying magnetic fields for wireless power transmission and generating static magnetic fields for propulsive force, thereby reducing the overall volume and component count while maintaining functional optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated coil is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate time-varying magnetic fields for wireless power reception and transmission, and it can generate static magnetic fields for propulsive force generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices and reduces microrobot volume
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for wireless power transmission and propulsive force generation, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless power transmission coil and the propulsive force generation coil into a single integrated coil structure, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration directly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to optimize each function through control of the single coil
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated coil is designed to perform both wireless power transmission and propulsive force generation functions, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate devices. This multi-functionality approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost
3Volume of moving object
If a single coil is used for both wireless power transmission and propulsive force generation, then manufacturing cost and volume are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes for the single coil: generating time-varying magnetic fields for wireless power transmission and generating static magnetic fields for propulsive force. The inverter and control circuit dynamically adjust the coil's operation based on the required function, managing complexity through dynamic control rather than static multi-component design
4Ease of manufacture
If a single coil is used for both wireless power transmission and propulsive force generation, then manufacturing cost and volume are reduced, but the power transmission efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic mode switching with an inverter to ensure the single coil operates optimally for each function. When wireless power transmission is required, the coil is configured for time-varying magnetic field generation with appropriate frequency and amplitude. When propulsive force is required, it switches to static magnetic field generation, maintaining power transmission efficiency despite the integration
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 effectively supplies wireless power and propulsive force to microrobots while minimizing size and manufacturing costs, optimizing power transmission efficiency and force generation.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting coil 113 may receive energy from the power source 111 by electric current IS and transmit wireless power signals to the microrobot. The wireless power transmitter may supply energy to the microrobot by generating a time-varying magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnet may be used to supply the microrobot with propulsive force generated by the action of attractive and repulsive forces. The coil 210 may be supplied with direct current energy from a power source, and the electric current 211 may flow therein. The electric current 211 of the coil 210 may form a magnetic field 212.
Implementation Method 3
The microrobot may receive wireless power signals from the wireless power transmitter through the receiving coil 121. In the microrobot, the resonance frequency thereof may be matched with that of the wireless power transmitter by the capacitor 122, so that the transmission efficiency of wireless power may be maximized. The capacitor 112 may determine the resonance frequency of the wireless power signal transmitted by the transmitting coil 113.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a microrobot propulsion apparatus based on wireless power transmission and a method of manufacturing the same. The microrobot propulsion apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a coil part for outputting a time-varying magnetic field or a static magnetic field applied to a microrobot including a coil for receiving power and a coil for an electromagnet, and a multipurpose inverter including a static magnetic field path portion allowing the coil part to output the static magnetic field and a time-varying magnetic field path portion allowing the coil part to output the time-varying magnetic field.