Modular Rotating Magnet Assembly for Optical Effect Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for producing optical effect layers with spinning magnets lack efficiency and modularity, requiring high operating currents and lacking the ability to generate customized rotating magnetic fields effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus comprising a stator with magnet-wire coils in annular slots and a rotor with alternating permanent magnet poles, driven by a polyphase electric current, which minimizes the magnetic gap for strong coupling and allows for easy replacement of components, enabling the generation of time-dependent, direction-varying magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing apparatuses use spinning magnets for producing optical effect layers, then magnetic pigment particles can be oriented in the coating, but the apparatus lacks efficiency and requires high operating currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the magnetic field source rotatable. The permanent magnet assembly rotates to generate time-dependent, direction-varying magnetic fields that effectively orient magnetic pigment particles in the coating. This rotational dynamic approach improves orientation effectiveness while reducing the need for high operating currents compared to static electromagnetic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the Parameter changes principle by varying the magnetic field parameters through rotation. By rotating the permanent magnet assembly, the magnetic field direction and strength at any given point change over time, creating effective particle orientation. This parameter variation through mechanical rotation reduces energy consumption compared to maintaining a strong static field with high current.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing apparatuses use fixed magnet assemblies, then structure is simple, but they lack the ability to generate customized rotating magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a rotatable permanent magnet assembly that can generate time-dependent, direction-varying magnetic fields. This rotational capability provides adaptability and versatility for creating customized magnetic field patterns, while the mechanical rotation mechanism maintains relative structural simplicity compared to complex electromagnetic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex electromagnetic field control systems with a simpler mechanical rotation system. Instead of using complex electronics to generate varying magnetic fields, the patent uses a mechanically rotating permanent magnet assembly, which achieves the same effect with simpler structure and lower operating current requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If apparatus components are fixed and non-modular, then manufacturing is simpler, but maintenance and component replacement are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the apparatus into modular components: a stator housing, a rotatable permanent magnet assembly, and a coating chamber. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual components and simplifies maintenance, as the permanent magnet assembly can be removed and replaced independently without disassembling the entire apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through the modular permanent magnet assembly that can be removed and replaced. This universal design allows the same basic apparatus structure to accommodate different magnet configurations for various optical effect requirements, while maintaining ease of manufacturing and maintenance through standardized interfaces.
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 efficient and customizable time-dependent magnetic fields for orienting pigment particles, enhancing the production of optical effect layers with improved efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor is set into movement by addressing the stator winding with a polyphase electric current
Implementation Method 2
A magnetizable pigment particle is oriented by the external magnetic field such that the direction of its longest dimension is aligned with a magnetic field line at the location of the pigment particle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of apparatuses and methods of producing optical effect layers (OEL) comprising magnetically oriented magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatuses comprising a first block (A) comprising a holder (1a) having mounted thereto a stator comprising n magnet-wire coils (1b) disposed in n annular slots of a magnetic-field-guiding stator core (1c), and a second block (B) comprising a casing (4), a rotor protection plate (2), a rotor comprising m permanent magnet poles (3a) of alternating polarity arranged around a circle in or on one side of a rotor disc (3b), and a permanent magnet assembly (PMA) (5), wherein the holder (A) is configured to be removeably fixed to a base of a rotating magnetic orienting cylinder (RMC) or a flatbed (FB) magnetic orienting printing unit and the second block (B) is removeably fixed to the first block (A).