Split Magnetic Pole Unit for Single Steel Plate Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting magnets in steel mills face inefficiencies when lifting thin steel materials, leading to magnetic flux saturation and difficulties in controlling the number of plates lifted, which hinders automation and increases operational costs due to the need for precise current control and sensor equipment.

Innovation Solution

A lifting-magnet attachment magnetic pole unit with split magnetic poles, arranged alternately, that disperses magnetic flux to prevent saturation and allows for precise control of the number of steel materials lifted by adjusting the magnetic field circuit, ensuring only the desired number of plates are attracted without increasing the weight or heat generation of the magnet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a lifting magnet with a single large coil is used to lift thin steel materials, then the attracting force is sufficient, but magnetic flux saturation occurs causing unnecessary steel materials to be attracted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattracting forceVSAvoidcontrol precision of number of plates lifted
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single large coil into multiple independent small coils arranged in an array. Each small coil can be independently controlled to generate magnetic flux, allowing precise control over which steel materials are attracted. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining sufficient total attracting force while preventing magnetic flux saturation that causes unnecessary plates to be attracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different magnetic field characteristics to different regions by using independently controllable small coils. Each coil can be activated or deactivated based on the specific lifting requirements, creating localized magnetic flux distribution. This allows precise control over the number of steel materials attracted without requiring uniform magnetic field control across the entire lifting surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If current control is used to adjust the number of plates lifted, then the number of attracted plates can be controlled, but the operation becomes complex and automation is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precision of number of plates liftedVSAvoidcomplexity of current control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into multiple independent small coil units, where each coil can be independently switched on or off. This simplifies the control logic compared to continuous current modulation, as each coil unit operates in a binary state (on/off) rather than requiring precise current regulation. The segmented approach reduces control system complexity while maintaining precise control over the number of plates lifted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the lifting magnet system to automatically control the number of plates lifted by independently activating specific small coils based on predetermined patterns. The system can autonomously determine which coils to activate to lift the desired number of plates without requiring complex real-time current adjustment or operator intervention, thereby facilitating automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If multiple small electromagnetic magnets are used to increase attracting force, then the automation can be improved, but the weight and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidweight of lifting magnet
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple small coil units into a single integrated lifting magnet structure with a common yoke and frame. While the lifting magnet contains multiple independent coils for automated control, these coils are structurally integrated rather than being separate units. This merging approach reduces the overall weight compared to using multiple independent lifting magnets, while maintaining the automation capabilities provided by independent coil control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the small coils to serve multiple functions: they generate magnetic flux for attracting steel materials, can be independently controlled for precise number of plates lifted, and their integrated structure reduces overall system weight. The common yoke and frame structure serves both structural support and magnetic flux conduction purposes, reducing the need for additional components and thereby reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Force

If a lifting magnet with large magnetic flux is used, then the attracting force is sufficient, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattracting forceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the magnetic flux generation into multiple independent small coils that can be activated only when needed. Rather than continuously operating a single large coil that generates excessive magnetic flux and heat, the system activates only the specific number of small coils required to lift the desired number of plates. This reduces overall power consumption and heat generation while maintaining sufficient attracting force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of small coils to achieve the required attracting force for the specific lifting task. Instead of using full capacity of a large coil that generates excessive heat, the system uses just enough magnetic flux from the appropriate number of small coils, thereby reducing energy consumption and heat generation while maintaining sufficient attracting force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 solution prevents magnetic flux saturation in thin steel materials, allows for accurate control of the number of plates lifted, and maintains the same power consumption as traditional lifting magnets, enabling efficient and automated steel material handling.

Implementation Method 1

a lifting magnet having a plurality of small electromagnetic magnets that are excited independently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

By bringing the inner pole 101 and the outer pole 102 into contact with a steel material, with the coil 103 being in an energized state, a magnetic field circuit is formed and the steel material is attracted to the lifting magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11875940B2Lifting-magnet attachment magnetic pole unit, steel-lifting magnetic-pole-equipped lifting magnet, steel material conveying method, and steel plate manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2024.01.16 JFE STEEL CORP
  • US11875940B2 patent drawing
  • US11875940B2 patent drawing
  • US11875940B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An object is to provide a lifting-magnet attachment magnetic pole unit, a lifting magnet, a steel material conveying method, and a steel plate manufacturing method with which only one or a desired pieces of steel materials can be held. The present invention is a lifting-magnet attachment magnetic pole unit for a lifting magnet used to lift and convey a steel material with magnetic force. The lifting-magnet attachment magnetic pole unit includes a first split magnetic pole that is in contact with an iron core of the lifting magnet and has a branched structure, and a second split magnetic pole that is in contact with a yoke of the lifting magnet and has a branched structure. The first and second split magnetic poles are alternately arranged.