Rotating Permanent Magnet Micropump for Low-Current MSM Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MSM actuation devices face energy inefficiency and size constraints due to reliance on external motors and high electrical currents required for magnetic field generation, which can lead to insufficient deformation of MSM elements.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a rotatable permanent magnet and solenoids with phase-shifted AC signals to generate a rotating magnetic field, allowing the MSM element to deform without the need for large external motor components and high electrical currents, by positioning solenoids at angles to intersect and produce a rotating magnetic flux.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a rotating permanent magnet is attached to an external motor via a shaft, then the magnetic field can be generated for MSM actuation, but energy is lost from multiple electrical-mechanical conversions and the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the external motor and shaft components from the system. Instead of using a motor to rotate the permanent magnet, the invention uses electromagnetic coils to directly generate a rotating magnetic field that acts on the MSM element, removing the mechanical transmission components that cause energy loss and increase device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system (motor + shaft) with an electromagnetic field system. The rotating magnetic field is generated through controlled current in electromagnetic coils, substituting mechanical energy conversion with direct electromagnetic actuation, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If electromagnetic coils are used to generate a variable magnetic field, then the device size can be reduced, but high electrical currents are required which may not be sufficient for adequate MSM deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidelectrical current requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a permanent magnet with electromagnetic coils to create a hybrid magnetic field generation system. The permanent magnet provides a strong base magnetic field, while the coils add variable components to create the rotating field. This combination allows adequate MSM deformation with lower currents than coils alone would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a composite magnetic field approach, combining the properties of permanent magnets (strong, stable field) with electromagnetic coils (variable, controllable field). This composite approach enables efficient MSM actuation with reduced power requirements compared to using electromagnetic coils alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of energy

If the rotating magnetic field is generated without external motors, then energy efficiency improves and device size reduces, but the system requires a different actuation mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy lossVSAvoidactuation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical actuation mechanism (motor-driven rotation) with an electromagnetic actuation mechanism. Electromagnetic coils generate a rotating magnetic field that directly interacts with the permanent magnet and MSM element, eliminating mechanical energy conversions and associated losses while providing a new, more efficient actuation approach.

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 enables efficient actuation of MSM elements with reduced energy consumption and smaller device size, as the rotating magnetic field effectively moves fluid through a micropump without the need for external motors or excessive electrical current.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic fields produced by the first solenoid and the second solenoid cause the rotatable permanent magnet to rotate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

MSM alloys (MSMAs) may deform strongly when subjected to a variable magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic shape memory effect: Magnetic Shape Memory

Data Source

PatentUS11739757B2Circular magnetic field generator and pump with rotating permanent magnet

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A system may include a magnetic shape memory (MSM) element having a longitudinal axis that extends from a first end of the MSM element to a second end of the MSM element. The system may further include a rotatable permanent magnet configured to rotate around an axis of rotation and positioned proximate to the MSM element. The system may also include a first solenoid having a first solenoid axis directed at the rotatable permanent magnet. The system may include a second solenoid having a second solenoid axis directed at the rotatable permanent magnet. A method may include applying a first alternating current (AC) signal to the first solenoid and a second AC signal to the second solenoid to cause the rotatable permanent magnet to rotate.