Non-reciprocal Circuit Element with Plate Spring Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing non-reciprocal circuit elements with a magnetic rotator and permanent magnet housed in a case-shaped upper yoke require a tentative magnetization process to prevent the non-magnetized permanent magnet from coming off during assembly, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

The design includes an upper yoke with side plate parts that sandwich and bias the permanent magnet, allowing it to be held in place before magnetization, eliminating the need for tentative magnetization and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the upper yoke has a simple lid-like shape, then the structure is simple, but the non-magnetized permanent magnet comes off due to gravity when turned upside down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupper yoke structureVSAvoidpermanent magnet retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The upper yoke is segmented into a top plate part and multiple side plate parts (first, second, third, and fourth side plate parts). This segmentation creates a structured enclosure with plate spring parts that can independently provide retaining force to hold the permanent magnet, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and magnet retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plate spring parts in the side plate parts provide an elastic retaining force that counteracts the gravitational force on the non-magnetized permanent magnet. This counter-force mechanism prevents the magnet from coming off during the assembly process before magnetization, addressing the reliability issue while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Reliability

If tentative magnetization is performed to prevent the permanent magnet from coming off, then the magnet retention is improved, but the number of processes increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent magnet retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate spring parts provide self-service by automatically providing retaining force through their elastic deformation. The structure itself serves the function of holding the permanent magnet without requiring external intervention such as tentative magnetization, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring magnet retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the magnetic field-based retention method (tentative magnetization) with a mechanical retention system using plate spring parts. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electromagnetic processing steps, reducing the number of manufacturing processes and associated costs while maintaining reliable magnet retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the permanent magnet is held inside the upper yoke without tentative magnetization, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but a retention mechanism is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidupper yoke structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper yoke structure serves multiple functions: it provides the magnetic circuit path, encloses the permanent magnet and magnetic rotator, and through its plate spring parts, provides retention force. This multi-functionality allows the structure to hold the permanent magnet without additional retention components, achieving cost reduction while managing structural complexity efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The plate spring parts function as flexible thin-walled structures that provide elastic retention force. These flexible elements can deform to accommodate the permanent magnet while maintaining holding force, providing an effective retention mechanism that integrates into the upper yoke structure without significant complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 configuration reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the tentative magnetization step and ensures the permanent magnet remains in place during assembly, enhancing the structural integrity and manufacturing efficiency of the non-reciprocal circuit element.

Implementation Method 1

a permanent magnet for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic rotator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

first and second plate spring parts that sandwich the permanent magnet and bias it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11276908B2Non-reciprocal circuit element

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 TDK CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a non-reciprocal circuit element that includes a magnetic rotator, a permanent magnet for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic rotator, a lower yoke, and an upper yoke fixed to the lower yoke and housing therein the magnetic rotator and the permanent magnet. The upper yoke includes a top plate part that covers the magnetic rotator and the permanent magnet from an upper side, and first and second side plate parts that face each other and cover the magnetic rotator and the permanent magnet from a side. The first and second side plate parts have first and second plate spring parts that sandwich the permanent magnet and bias it.