Symmetric Magnet Array Layout for Low-Power Voice Coil Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voice coil motors require higher current to counteract gravity, inertia, and mechanical forces, leading to increased power consumption, weight, cost, and volume, especially in multi-axis configurations.
Innovation Solution
A magnet arrangement structure with 2n magnet groups symmetrically arranged around a central axis, each group comprising at least one magnet with opposite magnetic poles facing the axis, and corresponding coils to enhance magnetic field intensity and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the magnet and coil are made larger to increase electromagnetic force, then the electromagnetic force increases, but the weight, cost, and volume of the voice coil motor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet array is divided into multiple magnet groups (2n groups) arranged symmetrically around the central axis. Each magnet group contains multiple magnets with alternating polarities, creating segmented magnetic zones that work together to generate force. This segmentation allows for optimized magnetic field distribution without requiring a single large magnet-coil assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-axis magnet-coil arrangement to a multi-dimensional symmetric arrangement with 2n magnet groups distributed around the central axis. This spatial redistribution in multiple dimensions creates a more efficient three-dimensional magnetic field structure, increasing electromagnetic force density without proportionally increasing overall motor size.
2Force
If the magnet and coil are made larger to increase electromagnetic force, then the electromagnetic force increases, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each magnet group is designed with specific local magnetic pole arrangements (alternating N and S poles) that create concentrated magnetic field zones. The coils are positioned to interact with these localized fields, creating efficient electromagnetic coupling in specific regions rather than requiring uniform large-scale magnet-coil interaction, thus reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetric multi-dimensional arrangement of 2n magnet groups creates multiple pathways for magnetic flux and electromagnetic force generation. This allows the system to achieve required force output through distributed smaller current paths rather than a single high-current path, reducing power consumption while maintaining electromagnetic force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-axis voice coil is used to achieve multi-axis motion, then the functional capability increases, but the power consumption, weight, cost, and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The symmetric magnet array structure with 2n magnet groups can serve multiple axes simultaneously. By appropriately controlling the current in the coils and configuring the magnet polarities, the same basic structure can generate forces in different directions, enabling multi-axis motion control without requiring separate independent motor systems for each axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple magnet groups and their corresponding coils into a single integrated structure with shared central axis and symmetric arrangement. This combined structure can produce multi-axis forces through coordinated current control, eliminating the need for multiple separate voice coil motors and reducing overall weight, volume, and cost.
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 magnet arrangement structure effectively improves magnetic field intensity through the coils, reducing power consumption, increasing electromagnetic force, and minimizing the weight, cost, and volume of the motor, while being compatible with existing voice coil motors with minimal modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The force applied to the rotor can be changed by changing the current in the coil, thus pushing the rotor to perform at least one-axis translation or rotational precision motion
Implementation Method 2
surfaces, facing the central axis, of each magnet group comprise two different magnetic poles, and each magnetic pole is opposite to the magnetic pole of the adjacent magnet group
Data Source
AI summary
A magnet arrangement structure suitable for a voice coil motor includes a magnet holder and a coil holder coaxial with the magnet holder. 2n groups of magnets are provided on the magnet holder, each group of magnets is symmetrically provided around a central axis of the magnet holder, each group of magnets includes at least one magnet, and each magnet has two magnetic poles; the surfaces facing the central axis of each group of magnets include two different magnetic poles, and each magnetic pole is opposite to the magnetic pole; and each group of magnets also corresponds to a coil. Compared with the traditional art, the magnetic field intensity passing through the coil can be improved, power consumption is reduced, electromagnetic force is increased, and the benefits of reducing weight, cost and size of the motor are achieved.