Permanent Magnet Radial Alignment for MRO Elastomer Molding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing radially aligned magnetorheological elastomer molded bodies using electromagnetic coils are costly due to the need for wires and cannot perform press molding in a vacuum.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a permanent magnet to align magnetic fillers within an elastomer material during molding, eliminating the need for wires and enabling vacuum press molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If electromagnetic coils are used to align magnetic particles, then radial alignment of magnetic particles is achieved, but production cost increases and apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial alignment of magnetic particlesVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic coil system with a permanent magnet system. The permanent magnet generates a radial magnetic field that aligns magnetic particles during molding without requiring electrical connections or complex wiring. This substitution eliminates wires and reduces both apparatus size and production cost while maintaining the radial alignment effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the wires and electrical connection components from the system by using permanent magnets instead of electromagnetic coils. This extraction eliminates the harmful factors associated with wires while preserving the essential function of magnetic particle alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Use of energy by moving object

If electromagnetic coils with wires are used, then magnetic field generation is achieved, but vacuum press molding cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field generationVSAvoidvacuum press molding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnet system replaces the electromagnetic coil system, eliminating wires that would interfere with vacuum sealing. The permanent magnet generates the necessary magnetic field without requiring electrical connections, enabling the molding process to be performed in a vacuum environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wires and electrical connection components are extracted and removed from the system. This removal eliminates the barrier to vacuum press molding, allowing the process to be performed in a vacuum while maintaining magnetic field generation through permanent magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If wires are used to carry electric current, then electromagnetic coils can generate magnetic field, but apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric current transmissionVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The wires and electrical connection components are extracted and removed from the apparatus. This extraction significantly reduces the apparatus size by eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining the magnetic field generation function through permanent magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic coil system requiring wire connections is replaced with a permanent magnet system. This substitution eliminates the need for wire routing and electrical connections, resulting in a more compact apparatus design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach reduces production costs and allows for the creation of radially aligned magnetorheological elastomer molded bodies with improved magnetic properties, enabling efficient vacuum press molding.

Implementation Method 1

providing a closed magnetic circuit that allows a magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet to pass through the metal mold from a side thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

placing a permanent magnet in at least one position selected from positions that are spaced from a metal mold having a cavity and located above and below the center of the metal mold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10903001B2Method and apparatus for producing radially aligned magnetorheological elastomer molded body

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 FUJI POLYMER INDUSTRIES CO LTD

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for producing a radially aligned magnetorheological elastomer molded body containing a matrix resin and a magnetic filler are provided. The method includes the following: placing a permanent magnet 11 in at least one position selected from positions that are spaced from a metal mold 14a having a cavity 14b and located above and below the center of the metal mold 14a; providing a closed magnetic circuit that allows a magnetic flux 19a generated by the permanent magnet 11 to pass through the metal mold 14a from a side thereof, filling the cavity 14b with a composition containing the matrix resin and the magnetic filler; and molding the composition while the magnetic filler is radially aligned. With this configuration, the elastomer material is molded while the magnetic filler is radially aligned by using the permanent magnet.