Parallel Magnetic Field Actuator for Stroke and Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator devices in the automotive industry, particularly for injection systems, require high magnetic switching fields and are limited in stroke motion due to the orientation of magnetic fields relative to the actuator element's movement direction.
Innovation Solution
An actuator device with an actuator element made from a magnetically shape-shiftable material, where the magnetic field lines causing contraction are aligned substantially parallel to the direction of movement, allowing for efficient contraction and increased stroke length with reduced magnetic switching fields, and incorporating a contraction unit such as a coil or magnet element to generate a magnetic field for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the direction of movement of the actuator element, then the actuator element contracts, but relatively high magnetic switching fields are required and the maximum stroke motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the magnetic field from perpendicular to parallel relative to the actuator element's movement direction. This parameter change enables the actuator to achieve contraction with weaker magnetic switching fields, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving sufficient contraction force and reducing magnetic field strength requirements.
2Force
If a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the direction of movement of the actuator element, then the actuator element contracts, but the maximum stroke motion that can be achieved is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the magnetic field orientation parameter from perpendicular to parallel, which fundamentally changes the deformation mechanism of the magnetically shape-shiftable material. This enables the actuator element to achieve larger stroke lengths while maintaining effective contraction force, resolving the contradiction between force generation and stroke length.
3Volume of stationary object
If the actuator device is made compact, then installation space efficiency is improved, but the magnetic field generation components may require more space
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the magnetic field orientation to parallel with the movement direction, the patent reduces the required magnetic switching field strength. This allows for more compact magnetic field generation components (such as smaller coils or magnet elements), enabling the overall actuator device to be made more compact while maintaining effective actuation capability.
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 energy, power, installation space, and cost efficiency while increasing switching speed and achieving a larger stroke length with a compact actuator design, suitable for applications in valves and fluid pumps.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator element (10a), which consists at least partially, preferably in large part and particularly preferably completely, of a magnetically shape-shiftable material
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic contraction unit (18a), which is configured for the purpose of supplying a magnetic field acting, in particular directly, upon the actuator element (10a) in order to generate a contraction
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator device includes at least one actuator element, which consists at least partially of a magnetically shape-shiftable material and which is configured at least for the purpose of causing a movement of at least one actuation element in at least one direction of movement by means of a contraction, and having a magnetic contraction unit, which is configured for the purpose of supplying a magnetic field acting upon the actuator element in order to generate a contraction of the actuator element. In the region of the actuator element, field lines of the magnetic field are aligned at least substantially parallel to the direction of movement.