Switchable Magnet Clamping for Uniform Multi-Workpiece Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic clamping systems often fail to uniformly clamp workpieces of varying lengths, especially when multiple workpieces are stacked, leading to reduced adhesive forces and uneven processing results due to protruding magnetic fields that do not contribute to clamping.
Innovation Solution
A device with a linear arrangement of switchable magnets, where the pole pitch can be adjusted to vary the magnetic field height, allowing for secure clamping of multiple workpieces by ensuring the magnetic fields extend completely over the workpieces without protrusion, achieved through pole switching controlled by a switching unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the magnetic field height is increased to clamp multiple workpieces, then the clamping capability for multiple workpieces is improved, but the magnetic fields protrude beyond the workpieces causing local reduction in holding forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pole switching to dynamically adjust the magnetic field configuration. By switching the polarity of specific magnets, the system can change the magnetic field height and distribution to match different workpiece configurations, preventing field protrusion while maintaining adequate clamping height for multiple workpieces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters (pole pitch, field height, field distribution) by switching the polarity of magnets. This allows optimization of the magnetic field configuration to ensure fields extend completely through workpieces without protruding, thereby maintaining uniform holding forces
2Stability of the object's composition
If the magnetic fields extend completely through multiple workpieces, then the clamping uniformity is improved, but the system complexity increases due to pole switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic clamping system into independent, switchable magnet segments. Each magnet or group of magnets can be controlled individually, allowing precise adjustment of magnetic field distribution across different regions to achieve uniform clamping without requiring complex overall system changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pole switching capability that allows the magnetic field configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on the number and arrangement of workpieces. This dynamic adaptation enables uniform clamping for single or multiple workpieces using the same physical infrastructure
3Ease of manufacture
If the pole pitch is fixed for a linear arrangement, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different workpiece configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed pole pitch arrangement into a dynamically adjustable system through pole switching. The physical magnet arrangement remains simple and fixed, but the effective pole pitch and field distribution can be changed by switching polarities, providing adaptability without compromising manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change of magnetic field parameters (effective pole pitch, field height, field distribution) by switching magnet polarities while keeping the physical magnet positions fixed. This allows adaptation to different workpiece configurations without redesigning the magnet arrangement
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 ensures uniform and reproducible clamping of workpieces over their entire length, preventing local movement and waviness during processing, by maintaining homogeneous and constant flux densities across the workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
A workpiece is clamped by being magnetized by the magnetic field of the magnets
Implementation Method 2
Device and method for fixing objects by magnetic forces
Implementation Method 3
The poles of the magnets in this linear array are switchable, thereby obtaining a pole pitch for these magnets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fixing objects by means of magnetic forces generated by an arrangement of magnets (2), wherein at least one linear arrangement of magnets (2) is provided. The poles of the magnets (2) of this linear arrangement are switchable, thereby obtaining a pole pitch for these magnets (2). The pole pitch is predetermined depending on the number of objects stacked on top of each other.