Ovoid Unitary Magnet Structure for High-Speed Actuator Demagnetization

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed electromagnetic actuators face challenges in maintaining mechanical strength and preventing demagnetization of permanent magnets due to high temperatures and Foucault currents, which are costly to address with existing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A magnet structure composed of elongated ellipsoidal or poly-faceted unitary magnets that are directly adjacent and adhesively connected, forming a mesh structure without additional retention elements, which approximates an ovoid shape to enhance resistance to demagnetization and reduce Foucault currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If unitary magnets are divided into smaller pieces to reduce Foucault currents, then energy losses are reduced, but manufacturing cost increases and output decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFoucault current lossesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet structure is segmented into multiple unitary magnets arranged in a specific configuration, which interrupts Foucault current paths while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. The segmentation is achieved by positioning unitary magnets with their magnetic axes parallel and spaced to break eddy current loops without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from two-dimensional planar magnet arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration where unitary magnets are stacked with alternating polarities. This dimensional transition creates multiple magnetic zones that effectively interrupt Foucault currents throughout the volume of the rotor, providing superior loss reduction compared to planar segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of energy

If unitary magnets are divided into smaller pieces to reduce Foucault currents, then energy losses are reduced, but output decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFoucault current lossesVSAvoidoutput
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor is segmented into multiple unitary magnets arranged in alternating polarity configurations, which interrupt Foucault current paths. This segmentation reduces eddy current losses while the strategic arrangement maintains magnetic field strength and torque production capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By transitioning to a three-dimensional arrangement of unitary magnets with alternating polarities in stacked configurations, the invention creates multiple magnetic zones that simultaneously reduce Foucault currents and maintain strong magnetic fields for high power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If magnets are exposed to high temperatures during high-speed operation, then the actuator achieves high power output, but demagnetization occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidresistance to demagnetization
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet structure is divided into multiple unitary magnets with alternating polarities, creating multiple smaller magnetic zones. This segmentation reduces the demagnetizing field strength in each individual magnet while maintaining overall magnetic field strength, thereby improving resistance to thermal demagnetization during high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arrangement of alternating polarity unitary magnets creates intermediate magnetic zones between adjacent magnets of opposite polarity. These intermediate zones act as magnetic shields that reduce the demagnetizing field exposure of each individual magnet, protecting against thermal demagnetization while allowing high power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a compact, reliable magnet structure that withstands high speeds and maintains a strong magnetic field while minimizing demagnetization and Foucault current losses, allowing for a large number of unitary magnets to be integrated without increasing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the rotor which is fastened to the output shaft of the motor is subjected to a torque resulting from the magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

permanent magnets are exposed to a high temperature on account of the heat generated by the windings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

When the rotor rotates, Foucault currents circulate in the magnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoucault currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 4

adhesively connected, forming a mesh structure without additional retention elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11323016B2Unitary magnet having an ovoid configuration, and magnet structure comprising multiple unitary magnets
Publication Date: 2022.05.03 WHYLOT SAS CALFATECH
  • US11323016B2 patent drawing
  • US11323016B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a unitary magnet (1) that has an elongate shape and an at least partially ovoid contour as the unitary magnet (1) comprises a first portion (1a) forming a body of the unitary magnet (1) that has a larger cross-section and extends over a greater portion of the length of the unitary magnet (1) than at least one second longitudinal end portion (1b) that points towards an associated longitudinal end of the magnet and has a decreasing cross-section towards the longitudinal end.