Rotary Switchable Multi-Core Magnet Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchable permanent magnet arrays are expensive, structurally weak, and difficult to manufacture, limiting their use in commercial and retail markets due to high costs and actuation challenges, particularly in automated fixtures and robotic applications, where they fail to provide consistent target holding performance across various material thicknesses and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A rotary switchable multicore element permanent magnet-based apparatus with a flexible architecture that uses multiple smaller magnets in each core element, allowing for easier actuation, reduced manufacturing tolerances, and integration of magnets into a ferrous or nonferrous carrier platter, enabling efficient magnetic field redirection and adaptation to different target sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional switchable permanent magnet arrays are used, then magnetic holding force is achieved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the magnetic system into multiple independent core elements, each containing a permanent magnet with pole conduits. These modular core elements can be manufactured separately and assembled into arrays, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining magnetic holding force through the collective arrangement of multiple smaller magnets.
2Force
If traditional switchable permanent magnet arrays are used, then magnetic holding force is achieved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple permanent magnets are integrated within each core element housing to act as a unified structural unit. The pole conduits and housing are merged into a single integrated component that provides both magnetic function and structural strength, eliminating the weakness of separate magnet assemblies while maintaining the required magnetic holding force.
3Force
If traditional switchable permanent magnet arrays are used, then magnetic field is generated, but actuation torque becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a dynamic switching mechanism where the carrier platter can rotate to selectively bring different core elements into active positions. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to achieve the required magnetic field generation with reduced actuation torque, as only a subset of core elements needs to be activated at any given time rather than switching the entire array.
4Force
If traditional switchable permanent magnet arrays are used, then magnetic holding is achieved, but adaptability to different target sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with a universal carrier platter structure that can accommodate multiple core elements in various configurations. The rotatable carrier platter allows the same basic structure to adapt to different target sizes and shapes by selectively positioning and activating appropriate core elements, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized devices for each target type.
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 robust, cost-effective, and versatile magnetic holding device with improved performance-to-weight ratio, capable of dynamically adapting to different target sizes and shapes, reducing actuation torque, and enabling efficient use of rare earth magnets, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional switchable magnet designs.
Implementation Method 1
Permanent magnets produce their own magnetic fields. Permanent magnets have both a north ("N") and a south ("S") pole.
Implementation Method 2
All permanent magnets and materials that are strongly attracted to them are ferromagnetic.
Implementation Method 3
Pole conduits contain and perpendicularly redirect a permanent magnet's north and south magnetic field to the upper and lower faces of the pole conduits.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A method for creating and a device for a rotary switchable multi-core element, permanent magnet-based apparatus, for holding or lifting a target, comprised of two or more carrier platters, each containing a plurality of complementary first and second core elements. Each core element comprises permanent magnet(s) with magnetically matched soft steel pole conduits attached to the north and south poles of the magnet(s). Core elements are oriented within adjacent carrier platters such that relative rotation allows for alignment in-phase or out-of-phase of the magnetic north and south fields within the pole conduits. Aligning a first core element "in-phase" with a second core element, that is, north-north/south-south, activates that core element pair, allowing the combined magnetic fields of the pole conduits to be directed into a target. Aligning the core element pair "out-of-phase," that is, north-south/south-north, deactivates that core element pair by containing opposing fields within the pole conduits.