Multi-pole Magnetization via Shielded Eddy Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of manufacturing permanent multi-pole magnets from rare earth materials is due to expensive fabrication processes and material wastage during the production of individual magnetic pieces, which are then assembled into magnetic arrays.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a magnetization coil with conductive shield bodies to induce eddy currents, allowing for the magnetization of a monolithic or assembled magnet, reducing material loss and cost by selectively applying a magnetic field to specific regions while shielding others, thereby controlling the magnetization pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual magnetic pieces are cut and shaped from rare earth materials, then multi-pole magnets can be assembled into magnetic arrays, but manufacturing cost increases and material wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using shield bodies to divide the monolithic magnetic material into distinct regions that will form different magnetic poles. Instead of cutting and assembling separate pieces, the shield bodies create localized zones where magnetic fields will be applied to establish North and South poles within the single body, eliminating material wastage from cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by positioning shield bodies at specific locations on the monolithic magnetic material to create regions with different magnetic properties. The shield bodies selectively block magnetic field lines in certain areas while allowing them to pass through other areas, thereby creating localized North and South poles with precise spatial distribution without requiring physical separation of the material.
2Manufacturing precision
If precision fabrication processes are used to cut and shape individual magnetic pieces, then desired magnetic array forms are achieved, but fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex cutting and shaping operations from the manufacturing process. Instead of using precision fabrication to cut individual magnetic pieces into final shapes, the method takes out the form creation step by applying magnetic fields through shield bodies to a monolithic body, which is then processed into the final shape in a single operation rather than through multiple precision cutting steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting and shaping system with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using mechanical tools to cut and shape individual magnetic pieces, the invention uses magnetization coils and shield bodies to create the desired magnetic pole patterns through non-contact magnetic field application, eliminating expensive precision fabrication equipment and operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual magnetic pieces are assembled, then multi-pole configuration is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual magnetic pieces into a single monolithic magnetic body. Instead of assembling separate North and South pole pieces, the invention creates a unified magnetic structure where different regions of the same body are magnetized to form the multi-pole configuration, significantly reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the desired multi-pole functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by using a single monolithic magnetic body to perform the function of multiple individual magnetic pieces. The same magnetic material body serves multiple purposes: it provides the structural foundation, contains all magnetic poles, and eliminates the need for separate assembly operations, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while achieving multi-pole configuration.
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 material wastage and fabrication costs by enabling efficient magnetization of multi-pole magnets with precise control over magnetic domains, allowing for uniform and customized magnetic patterns in a single, monolithic body, rather than assembling individual pieces.
Implementation Method 1
energizing the magnetization coil to generate an applied magnetic field within the magnetization zone that is sufficient to induce eddy currents in the shield bodies
Implementation Method 2
induce eddy currents in the shield bodies that are configured to shield one or more regions of the magnet
Implementation Method 3
magnetize the exposed second region of the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A method of magnetizing a multi-pole magnet includes the steps of obtaining a magnetization coil having a magnetization zone and a central axis, and positioning a magnet within the magnetization zone. The method also includes positioning at least one pair of shield bodies including a conductive material proximate the first and second surfaces of the magnet, with the shield bodies being aligned together to cover both sides of at least a first region of magnet and expose both sides of at least a second region of the magnet. The method further includes energizing the magnetization coil to generate an applied magnetic field within the magnetization zone that is sufficient to induce eddy currents in the at least one pair of shield bodies and to magnetize the exposed second region of the magnet.