Sequential Actuator Asymmetric Torque RF Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency switches with sequential actuators require larger and more expensive motors due to the need for significant rotor movement between positions, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A sequential actuator design featuring a rotor and stator with asymmetric active and detent torque curves, utilizing magnetic elements to achieve efficient rotation in a designated direction with a sculpted active torque curve and sinusoidal detent torque curve, allowing for reduced motor size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sequential actuator rotates the rotor through a large angle between positions, then the switch can achieve reliable positioning, but the motor size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor rotation is divided into multiple small incremental steps rather than one large movement. The sequential actuator rotates the rotor through a first angle to a first position, then through a second angle to a second position, and continues this pattern. This segmentation allows the motor to be smaller and lighter while still achieving reliable positioning across the full range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator uses periodic electromagnetic excitation of stator poles to produce periodic torque pulses that advance the rotor in discrete steps. Each pole pair is energized in sequence, creating a periodic action that reliably positions the rotor at each step without requiring continuous large-angle movement.
2Ease of operation
If a sequential actuator uses a large motor to rotate the rotor between positions, then the actuation can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rotor rotation into multiple small angular steps, the patent enables the use of a smaller, less expensive motor. The sequential energization of pole pairs provides sufficient torque for each small step, eliminating the need for an expensive large-capacity motor while maintaining full actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using incremental angle changes instead of large-angle movements. This parameter change allows the system to achieve the same actuation function with a motor operating at lower power and torque requirements, reducing manufacturing cost.
3Weight of moving object
If the actuator moves the rotor through a short distance between positions, then the motor size can be reduced, but the number of positions may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the full rotational range into multiple discrete angular steps. Each step corresponds to positioning the rotor at a different pole pair alignment. By increasing the number of pole pairs and using sequential energization, the system achieves multiple positions (at least six different positions) while keeping each individual motor step small, thus reducing motor size without limiting versatility.
4Speed
If permanent magnets are arranged in groups with opposite polarities adjacent to each other, then the actuator can move through small angles, but the magnetic element distribution becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the permanent magnets from the rotor and relocates them to the stator pole pairs. This extraction simplifies the rotor structure and allows the magnetic elements to be arranged in a more manageable configuration on the stator, where they can be selectively energized. The complex magnetic arrangement is moved to the stationary component, facilitating easier assembly and maintenance.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective actuation of radio frequency switches by minimizing motor requirements and optimizing torque distribution, enhancing the actuator's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a stator having a plurality of angularly arranged electromagnets and wherein when the stator is energized, the rotor undergoes a first rotation in the designated rotational direction from an angular position of partial angular overlap of a first rotor magnetic element with a first stator electromagnet to a first angular position of angular alignment of the first rotor magnetic element with the first stator electromagnet along a first region of magnetic flux
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of magnetic elements distributed between the rotor and the stator, each of the rotor and the stator having at least one of the magnetic elements, the distributed magnetic elements defining a detent torque curve of the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A sequential actuator for a radio frequency switch includes a rotor designed to be rotated in a designated rotational direction of the actuator and a stator defining with the rotor when the stator is energized an active torque curve of the rotor having asymmetric positive and negative torque curve portions. Magnetic elements are distributed between the rotor and the stator and define a detent torque curve of the rotor. In some examples, when the stator is energized, the rotor undergoes a first rotation from a position of partial angular overlap of a first rotor magnetic element with a first stator electromagnet to a position of angular alignment of the first rotor magnetic element with the first stator electromagnet. Upon reaching this angular position, a second rotor magnetic element has a partial angular overlap with a second stator electromagnet and the rotor further undergoes a second rotation to another position of angular alignment of the second rotor magnetic element with the second stator electromagnet.