Parallel Coil Windings for Actuator Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic actuators with low-impedance coils face challenges in detecting armature movement or positioning due to smaller signal detection in the non-energized state, particularly in high-speed applications, where shorter switching times are required, and conventional solutions complicate wiring infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

Implementing two separate coil windings in a parallel configuration, where one winding is low-impedance for driving and the other high-impedance for detection, with electronic switching means to prevent short-circuiting and allow for reliable signal generation and evaluation without additional connections or lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the coil elements are made low-resistance with fewer turns to achieve shorter switching times and higher dynamic properties, then the switching time is reduced and dynamic performance is improved, but the detection signal in the non-energized state becomes significantly smaller and more difficult to detect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching timeVSAvoiddetection signal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coil elements are divided into two separate coil windings: a first coil winding optimized for driving with low resistance and fewer turns to achieve short switching times, and a second coil winding optimized for detection with high resistance and more turns to generate strong detection signals. This segmentation allows each winding to be independently optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two coil windings are connected in parallel to form a two-terminal system that can perform both driving and detection functions through the same electrical connections. The system universally handles both high-current driving mode and low-current detection mode through the parallel configuration, eliminating the need for separate wiring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If two separate coil windings are implemented for driving and detection functions, then reliable detection is achieved, but the wiring and circuitry complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection signal qualityVSAvoidwiring infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two coil windings are merged into a single two-terminal parallel circuit configuration where both windings share the same electrical connections. This combining approach allows the driving and detection functions to be achieved through the same wiring infrastructure, avoiding the need for additional connections or cables while maintaining functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The parallel-connected coil elements serve dual purposes: they can be energized together for driving the armature unit, and they can operate with one winding active for detection. The same two-terminal connection infrastructure supports both driving and detection operations, providing universal functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If electronic switching means are added to prevent short-circuiting of the detection signal, then reliable signal detection is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection reliabilityVSAvoidelectronic switching components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Electronic switching means are introduced as intermediary components that selectively connect or disconnect the first coil winding from the parallel circuit. During detection phases, the switching means prevents the low-impedance first winding from short-circuiting the detection signal generated by the second winding, while allowing both windings to function during driving phases. This intermediary control enables reliable signal detection without requiring fundamentally complex circuitry.

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

This configuration enhances dynamic properties and enables reliable detection of armature movement or positioning with improved signal quality, maintaining two-pole wiring simplicity and avoiding additional infrastructure requirements.

Implementation Method 1

coil elements (34, 36) adjacent to one another... A first coil winding (34) can be supplied with current... to drive the armature unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the second coil winding (36)... serves as a sensor or detector winding and is evaluated to generate the detection signal outside of the current supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2936511B1Electromagnetic actuating apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 ETO MAGNETIC GMBH
  • EP2936511B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2(b)
  • EP2936511B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuating apparatus having armature means (10, 12, 14, 16, 22) which can be driven relative to stationary coil means (34, 36; 34, 40) in response to current being applied to said coil means, it being possible to detect the movement (USwitch) and/or actuating position of said armature means relative to stationary core means (29), which interact with the coil means, using detection means which are associated with the coil means, wherein the coil means have a first coil winding (34), which is designed to magnetically interact with the armature means by means of current being applied, and also have a second coil winding (36; 40), which is designed to generate a detection signal outside the time at which current is applied for the detection means, the first and the second coil winding forming a parallel circuit in order to form a two-terminal circuit, and the two-terminal circuit having associated electronic switching and/or blocking means (D1, D2) such that said switching and/or blocking means prevent shorting of the detection signal (USensor) by means of the first coil winding when current is not applied.