Electromagnetic Actuation Assembly With Offset Magnet Ring Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a lightweight and compact electromagnetic actuation assembly that can efficiently utilize electric current to create magnetic flux for linear movement in powertrain applications, requiring a simplified design that can operate in both directions effectively.
Innovation Solution
The assembly includes an electromagnetic coil with a stator cover made of ferromagnetic material, a set of magnets secured to the coil, and a ferromagnetic central ring, allowing a translator to move between two positions based on the direction of the electric current, utilizing magnetic flux to achieve latching and directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a traditional electromagnetic actuation assembly is used, then it can provide linear movement, but it results in increased weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stator and rotor magnetic fields into a single integrated electromagnetic structure where permanent magnets are mounted on the stator and the translator acts as the rotor. This merging eliminates separate field generation systems and reduces overall component count, directly addressing the weight and complexity reduction goal while maintaining bidirectional linear movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages and gear systems with a direct electromagnetic field interaction system. The translator moves linearly through magnetic field interaction without mechanical transmission elements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and reducing both weight and structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional movement capability is implemented, then operational versatility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using permanent magnets on the stator and inducing magnetic fields in the translator, rather than using electromagnets on both sides. This inversion simplifies the control system because current can be applied to a single coil to generate bidirectional force through polarity reversal, eliminating the need for complex multi-coil control systems while maintaining full bidirectional movement capability
3Power
If magnetic flux efficiency is increased, then actuation performance is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsing of electromagnetic current to the coil rather than continuous current flow. The system activates the coil only when directional changes or position adjustments are needed, allowing the translator to coast between pulses. This periodic action maintains high magnetic flux efficiency during active periods while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the residual magnetic field and momentum of the translator to maintain movement between active electromagnetic pulses. The system effectively 'recovers' kinetic energy and magnetic field persistence to extend the intervals between active energy input, reducing overall energy loss while maintaining actuation performance
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 design enables efficient and reversible linear actuation, allowing the translator to move in one or two directions, providing stable equilibrium points for latching and overcoming mechanical resistance, thus enhancing the operational efficiency in powertrain applications.
Implementation Method 1
An electric current is sent through a conductive coil of wire to create a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The stator cover is fabricated from a ferromagnetic material
Implementation Method 3
A set of magnets is disposed end-to-end adjacent the first coil side of the electromagnetic coil
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator includes an electromagnetic coil and a stator cover extending over the electromagnetic coil. A set of magnets are disposed end-to-end to form a ring. The magnets are adjacent the electromagnetic coil but offset from the center of the coil. A ferromagnetic central ring disposed within the coil at the inner diameter thereof and next to the magnets. A non-ferromagnetic ring disposed within the coil at the inner diameter thereof extending between the central ring and the other side of the stator cover. A translator is disposed between the magnets and the central axis. The translator is latchable between two positions within the linear actuator depending on the magnetic flux and the direction in which the electric current is flowing.