Switchable Core Element Permanent Magnet Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing permanent magnet-based holding devices and lifting equipment have low performance-to-weight ratios, leading to costly or bulky designs, and require complex manufacturing processes with tight tolerances, which increases production costs and risks of magnet damage.
Innovation Solution
A switchable core element-based permanent magnet apparatus with two or more carrier platters, each containing a core element with pole conduits that redirect the magnetic field, allowing for compact, flexible, and cost-effective designs with reduced manufacturing complexity and improved magnetic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional permanent magnet designs are used, then magnetic field strength can be achieved, but the performance-to-weight ratio is low and the devices become costly or heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnet is divided into multiple magnet segments arranged in an alternating polarity pattern (north-south-north-south) around the circumference. This segmentation allows the magnetic fields to work together more efficiently, providing strong magnetic force while reducing the total volume and weight of magnet material required compared to traditional designs.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex machining processes with tight tolerances are used, then manufacturing precision can be improved, but production costs increase and magnet damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is segmented into multiple independent segments that can be manufactured separately using less precise machining processes. Each segment is then assembled into the final configuration, eliminating the need for complex tight-tolerance machining of a single monolithic magnet. This reduces manufacturing complexity and the risk of magnet damage during processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separately manufactured magnet segments are combined into a single functional assembly that achieves the desired magnetic performance. This merging approach allows each segment to be manufactured with relaxed tolerances while the final assembly provides the required precision through proper positioning and configuration of the segments.
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 provides a high performance-to-weight ratio, reduced production costs, simplified actuation, and enhanced structural strength, while minimizing the risk of magnet damage and improving magnetic field efficiency by eliminating the need for complex machining and air gaps.
Implementation Method 1
Pole conduits contain and redirect a permanent magnet's magnetic field to the upper and lower faces of the pole conduits
Implementation Method 2
Permanent magnets are made of ferromagnetic materials such as iron and nickel that have been magnetized
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a switchable core element-based permanent magnet apparatus, used for holding and lifting a target, comprised of two or more carrier platters containing core elements. The core elements are magnetically matched soft steel pole conduits attached to the north and south magnetic poles of one or more permanent magnets, inset into carrier platters. The pole conduits contain and redirect the permanent magnets' magnetic field to the upper and lower faces of the carrier platters. By containing and redirecting the magnetic field within the pole conduits, like poles have a simultaneous level of attraction and repulsion. Aligning upper core elements “in-phase,” with the lower core elements, activates the apparatus by redirecting the magnetic fields of both pole conduits into the target. Anti-aligning upper core elements “out-of-phase,” with the lower core elements, deactivates the apparatus resulting in pole conduits containing opposing fields.