Stepped Magnetic Core for Robotic Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic devices face challenges in efficiently controlling magnetic-responsive robotic devices in harsh and viscous environments, such as in vivo and in vitro settings, due to the complexity of manipulating these devices within such conditions.
Innovation Solution
The design of an electromagnetic device featuring a magnetic core with specific geometric configurations and electromagnetic coils, optimized through mathematical modeling and parametric optimization, to generate a strong magnetic field and gradient for effective manipulation of magnetic-responsive robotic devices, including a cylindrical core with stepped and tapered portions, and multiple coils arranged coaxially to enhance magnetic field intensity and gradient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional electromagnetic devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the magnetic field strength and gradient are insufficient for effective manipulation in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic core is divided into multiple portions (first portion with larger cross-section, second portion with smaller cross-section, and optionally third portion) along the central axis. Each portion is wrapped with dedicated electromagnetic coils (first coil around first portion, second coil around second portion). This segmentation allows independent control of magnetic field generation in different regions, enabling strong magnetic fields and gradients necessary for manipulating magnetic-responsive robotic devices in harsh and viscous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the magnetic core have different cross-sectional areas, creating local variations in magnetic field distribution. The first portion has a larger cross-section for generating stronger overall magnetic field, while the second portion has a smaller cross-section to create magnetic field gradients. This local quality differentiation optimizes the magnetic field characteristics at different locations along the central axis, achieving both strong field strength and adequate gradient for effective robotic device manipulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the magnetic core has a stepped configuration with different cross sections, then the magnetic field gradient is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic core employs an asymmetric stepped configuration where the first portion has a larger cross-section than the second portion. This asymmetric design is intentionally created to generate the required magnetic field gradient along the central axis. The asymmetry is achieved through precision machining or molding processes that create the stepped geometry, allowing control over magnetic field distribution while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication techniques.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electromagnetic coils are used around different portions of the core, then the control precision over magnetic-responsive devices is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic device provides dynamic control capability through multiple independently controllable coils. The first coil around the first portion and the second coil around the second portion can be activated independently or simultaneously with different current parameters. This dynamic control allows precise manipulation of magnetic-responsive robotic devices by adjusting coil activation patterns and current magnitudes, achieving superior position and orientation control in complex environments.
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 reliable and efficient control of magnetic-responsive robotic devices in harsh environments, achieving higher magnetic field strengths and gradients, facilitating precise manipulation and actuation of microrobots in viscous liquids and complex biological environments.
Implementation Method 1
A first electromagnetic coil is arranged around the first portion. A second electromagnetic coil is arranged around the second portion.
Implementation Method 2
The first portion has a first cross section and defines a first central axis. The second portion has a second cross section smaller than the first cross section, and defines a second central axis parallel to the first central axis.
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic device for manipulating a magnetic-responsive robotic device, and an electromagnetic apparatus incorporate one or more such electromagnetic device. The electromagnetic device includes a magnetic core 200 having a first portion and a second portion extends from one side of the first portion. The first portion has a first cross section and defining a first central axis. The second portion has a second cross section smaller than the first cross section, and defines a second central axis parallel to the first central axis. A first electromagnetic coil is arranged around the first cylindrical portion. A second electromagnetic coil is arranged around the second cylindrical portion.