Toy Vehicle Steering Mechanism Using Electromagnetic Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy vehicles lack a reliable and efficient steering mechanism that enhances entertainment value and responsiveness to user control.
Innovation Solution
A toy vehicle with a single permanent magnet and single coil system, where the magnet is pivoted relative to the coil, allowing electromagnetic force to steer the vehicle by deflecting a lever and slide plate, which translates linear motion into wheel turning, powered by a battery and controlled by a remote signal through a microcontroller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional multi-component steering mechanism is used, then steering reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the permanent magnet and coil into a single integrated electromagnetic actuator assembly that pivots together, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining steering reliability. The magnet and coil are mounted on a common pivot axis, allowing them to move as a unified assembly rather than independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator assembly serves multiple functions: it generates the electromagnetic force for steering, provides the pivot mechanism for motion transmission, and integrates the magnet and coil into a single operational unit. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining steering effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If a single permanent magnet and single coil system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but steering force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows the electromagnetic actuator assembly to rotate freely about a pivot axis during steering operations. This dynamic configuration enables the single magnet-coil system to generate sufficient steering force by optimizing the electromagnetic interaction and motion transmission during the pivoting action.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis acts as an intermediary element that transmits the electromagnetic force generated by the single coil-magnet assembly to the steering shaft. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the effect of the single actuator by converting electromagnetic force into effective steering motion through the pivot point.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple electromagnetic actuator is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but steering precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnet is pre-positioned and permanently magnetized during manufacturing, establishing a fixed magnetic field configuration before the vehicle is assembled. This preliminary magnetic field setup ensures consistent and precise steering performance without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving steering precision.
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 effective and responsive steering for toy vehicles, enhancing user control and entertainment value by using a simple and efficient electromagnetic actuator system that allows precise steering with minimal components.
Implementation Method 1
Applying a current to the coil moves the magnet, and through the magnet, movement is transmitted to a steering shaft thereby steering of the vehicle is affected
Data Source
AI summary
A movable toy vehicle comprises a vehicle body, chassis, and power source with at least one battery. A magnetic coil activator and a magnet for wheel steering control affects steering. A circuit applies a current to the coil thereby to move the magnet. Movement of the magnet is transmitted to a steering shaft thereby permitting steering the vehicle. The magnet is a permanent magnet, and includes a mounting to pivot the permanent magnet in relation to a coil, and wherein the coil is powered by the battery. The toy car can be remote controlled.