Single-Body Magnetic Levitation Actuator for Multi-Axis Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Single-degree-of-freedom magnetic levitation actuators have limited application due to low passive stiffness and damping in non-driving degrees of freedom, making them vulnerable to external disturbances, and multi-degree-of-freedom approaches require increased power consumption and footprint, compromising power efficiency and system compactness.
Innovation Solution
A multi-degree-of-freedom magnetic levitation system using an actuator with at least two iron cores and a permanent magnet, along with a winding configuration that allows for active control of a magnetically-levitated object's position in multiple axes, minimizing power consumption and maintaining compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional actuators are used to achieve multi-DOF magnetic levitation, then the levitation system can control multiple degrees of freedom, but power consumption increases and system footprint enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single actuator that can control multiple degrees of freedom (three translational and three rotational DOFs) through its magnetic field generation capabilities. The actuator uses multiple windings arranged in specific patterns around iron cores, where each winding configuration contributes to different DOFs. This allows one actuator to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators, thereby reducing power consumption and system footprint while maintaining multi-DOF control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple actuator functions into a single integrated magnetic levitation actuator. The iron cores and windings are configured such that the same physical structure generates magnetic fields that act on multiple DOFs simultaneously. The permanent magnets and electromagnet windings work together in a unified system to provide both levitation and control functions across multiple degrees of freedom, consolidating what would otherwise be separate actuator systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional actuators are used to achieve multi-DOF magnetic levitation, then the levitation system can control multiple degrees of freedom, but system footprint enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator achieves multi-functionality by using multiple winding configurations around iron cores that can independently control different degrees of freedom. The windings are arranged spatially to generate magnetic field components in different directions, allowing a single actuator body to provide three-dimensional position and orientation control without requiring multiple separate actuator units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where windings are arranged concentrically and in layered patterns around the iron cores. The permanent magnets are positioned within the magnetic circuit structure, and the windings are nested in multiple layers to maximize space utilization. This nested arrangement allows the actuator to maintain a compact footprint while accommodating the complex multi-DOF control mechanisms
3Device complexity
If single-DOF magnetic levitation actuators are used, then the system is simple and compact, but passive stiffness and damping in non-driving DOFs are low, making the system vulnerable to external disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active feedback control to compensate for low passive stiffness and damping in non-driving DOFs. Sensors detect the position and orientation of the levitated object, and the control system adjusts the current in the windings to generate corrective magnetic forces. This feedback mechanism maintains system reliability by actively counteracting external disturbances that would otherwise cause instability in the single-DOF actuator
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator transitions from a static single-DOF design to a dynamic multi-DOF system where the magnetic field can be actively adjusted in real-time. The windings can generate time-varying magnetic fields that adapt to changing load conditions and external disturbances, providing dynamic stiffness and damping control that enhances reliability while maintaining the basic compact structure
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
Enables stable position measurement and control of a magnetically-levitated object across a wide range, securing free space and allowing for versatile applications by achieving multi-axis active control with reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet disposed between the at least two iron cores so as to generate a magnetic field along a shape of a combination of the at least two iron cores
Implementation Method 2
multi-degrees of freedom magnetic levitation system
Implementation Method 3
a winding wound around the pole of each of the at least two iron cores
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an actuator. The actuator includes at least two iron cores, each iron core including a pole extending in a first direction parallel to a direction of gravity; a permanent magnet disposed between the at least two iron cores so as to generate a magnetic field along a shape of a combination of the at least two iron cores arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in a direction not parallel to the first direction; and a winding wound around the pole of each of the at least two iron cores.