Permanent Magnet Masks for High Gradient Magnetic Field Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnet apparatuses for generating high gradient magnetic fields, such as those used for particle separation and magnetic bearings, face limitations in controlling the form and strength of the magnetic fields, leading to suboptimal performance and saturation issues with non-retentive masks.
Innovation Solution
The use of permanent magnet masks with their polarity out of alignment with the main permanent magnets, combined with varying thickness and embedding, enhances the magnetic field gradients and strength, avoiding saturation and allowing for improved control over the magnetic field characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-retentive masks are used in prior art magnet apparatus, then the device structure is simpler, but the magnetic field gradient and strength are insufficient and saturation issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the masks from non-retentive material to permanent magnet material, which fundamentally alters the magnetic field generation capability. This parameter change enables the masks to actively contribute to the magnetic field, increasing the gradient and strength while avoiding saturation issues that plague non-retentive material designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite magnetic structure by combining main permanent magnets with additional permanent magnet masks. This composite approach allows different regions of the magnetic circuit to have specialized functions, with the masks specifically designed to enhance the magnetic field in critical regions without being constrained by the limitations of non-retentive materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If permanent magnet masks with out-of-alignment polarity are used, then the magnetic field control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different polarity orientations to different parts of the magnetic apparatus. The masks are specifically configured with polarities out of alignment with the main magnets, creating localized field enhancement regions. This local differentiation allows precise control over the magnetic field distribution without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnet masks act as intermediary elements between the main permanent magnets and the target area. By positioning masks with specific out-of-alignment polarities, they mediate and shape the magnetic field in controlled ways, providing adaptability and versatility in field configuration while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.
3Strength
If masks made of permanent magnet material are used, then the magnetic field strength and gradient increase, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic field generation function into main permanent magnets and separate permanent magnet masks. This segmentation allows the masks to be manufactured and configured independently with specific polarity orientations, then assembled onto the main magnets. While this increases component count, it enables modular manufacturing and simplifies the fabrication of each individual component compared to creating a monolithic complex magnetic structure.
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 increases the magnetic field gradients and strength, enabling more effective particle separation and stable magnetic bearings with reduced saturation, improving the sensitivity and selectivity of magnetic separation processes.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the magnetic anisotropy of the magnets exceeds the magnetic induction of the material of the magnets
Implementation Method 2
for generating a high gradient and/or high strength magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the permanent magnet of each mask is oriented with its polarity out of alignment with the polarity of the main permanent magnet that it is attached to
Implementation Method 4
for separation of particles, and in particular particles of materials that have differing paramagnetic and/or diamagnetic properties
Implementation Method 5
for separation of particles, and in particular particles of materials that have differing paramagnetic and/or diamagnetic properties
Data Source
AI summary
A magnet apparatus for generating a high gradient and/or high strength magnetic field, comprises: two main permanent magnets 2, 4 located side-by-side with oppositely oriented magnetic field polarities and end surfaces of opposite polarities next to one another, wherein the magnetic anisotropy of the magnets 2, 4 exceeds the magnetic induction of the material of the magnets 2, 4; and at least one mask 6 on a first end of each of the adjacent permanent magnets 2, 4, the masks 6 comprising a permanent magnet material covering adjacent end surfaces of the two permanent magnets 2, 4 with a gap 8 in the masks along a joining line between the two permanent magnets 2, 4 to form a zone of high-gradient magnetic field above the joining line; wherein the permanent magnet of each mask 6 is oriented with an opposite polarity to the main permanent magnet 2, 4 that it is attached to.