Movable Magnetic Pole Interfaces for Stable Ferromagnetic Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic coupling devices lack flexibility and stability in coupling with ferromagnetic workpieces, particularly in maintaining consistent engagement surfaces regardless of orientation and contact status.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic coupling device with a switchable magnetic flux source and movable pole portions that can transition between OFF, partial ON, and ON states, allowing for independent positioning and locking of engagement surfaces relative to the housing, facilitated by biasers and lock portions, and equipped with sensors and controllers for precise alignment and contact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the magnetic coupling device uses a fixed engagement surface, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot maintain consistent engagement regardless of orientation or contact status
Solution Approach 1:
The pole portions are designed to be movable relative to the housing when the magnetic flux source is OFF, allowing them to be positioned independently to maintain engagement surfaces regardless of device orientation. When the magnetic flux source is ON, the pole portions are held fixed relative to the housing to maintain stable magnetic coupling. This dynamic positioning capability enables the device to adapt to different orientations and contact statuses while managing structural complexity through controlled mobility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pole portions are always movable, then the device is flexible in positioning, but the magnetic coupling stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between two states: when the magnetic flux source is OFF, the pole portions are movable and can be independently positioned to achieve proper alignment and engagement; when the magnetic flux source is ON, the pole portions are held fixed relative to the housing to ensure stable magnetic coupling. This periodic switching between movable and fixed states allows the device to achieve both positioning flexibility and coupling stability at different operational phases.
3Manufacturing precision
If the engagement surface position varies with housing orientation, then the structure is simpler, but the device cannot maintain consistent engagement surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pole portions are designed to be movable relative to the housing when the magnetic flux source is OFF, allowing them to be positioned independently to maintain engagement surfaces regardless of device orientation. When the magnetic flux source is ON, the pole portions are held fixed relative to the housing to maintain stable magnetic coupling. This dynamic positioning capability enables the device to adapt to different orientations and contact statuses while managing structural complexity through controlled mobility.
4Productivity
If the device uses a single magnetic state, then the control system is simpler, but the device cannot achieve both positioning and coupling phases
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between two states: when the magnetic flux source is OFF, the pole portions are movable and can be independently positioned to achieve proper alignment and engagement; when the magnetic flux source is ON, the pole portions are held fixed to ensure stable magnetic coupling. This periodic switching between movable and fixed states allows the device to achieve both positioning flexibility and coupling stability at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the pole portions relative to the housing while the magnetic flux source is OFF, before activating the magnetic flux source to secure the workpiece. This preliminary action ensures that the engagement surfaces are properly aligned and positioned before the magnetic coupling is engaged, improving overall coupling efficiency and workpiece handling precision.
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
Ensures stable and adaptable magnetic coupling by maintaining engagement surfaces relative to the housing orientation and contact status, enhancing the device's ability to engage and lift ferromagnetic workpieces efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic coupling device for magnetically coupling to a ferromagnetic workpiece
Implementation Method 2
switchable magnetic flux source being switchable between at least an OFF state and at least one of a partial ON state and an ON state
Implementation Method 3
a first biaser coupled the housing and a second biaser coupled the housing. The first biaser maintains the first engagement surface of the first pole portion in the first position relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic coupling devices may include movable pole portions. The movable pole portions may be retractable along a first direction and may be locked into place. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure magnetic coupling device for magnetically coupling to a ferromagnetic workpiece is provided. The magnetic coupling device comprising: a housing; a switchable magnetic flux source supported by the housing; and a plurality of pole portions. The switchable magnetic flux source being switchable between at least an OFF state and at least one of a partial ON state and an ON state. Each including at least one workpiece interface having a workpiece engagement surface. The plurality of-pole portions including a first pole portion including a first workpiece interface having a first workpiece engagement surface and a second pole portion including a second workpiece interface having a second workpiece engagement surface.