Uniaxial Magnetic Coupling for Actuator-Free Attachment Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uniaxial coupling devices require actuators for coupling and uncoupling, leading to high manufacturing costs and increased space requirements due to the presence of actuators and complex programming.
Innovation Solution
A uniaxial coupling arrangement that utilizes magnetic elements for coupling and uncoupling without actuators, featuring a head and holder that move relative to each other in a single direction, with magnetic coupling surfaces and abutments to facilitate attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If actuators are used to realize form-fit connection for coupling and uncoupling, then coupling function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and device space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators with a magnetic field-based coupling mechanism. Magnetic elements (permanent magnets or electromagnets) on the head interact with magnetizable elements on the attachment to achieve form-fit connection without mechanical actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for complex actuator components, reducing manufacturing cost and device space while maintaining coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device utilizes the magnetic field to automatically attract and secure the attachment to the head. The magnetic force itself performs the coupling action without requiring external actuators, making the system self-servicing for the coupling function. This self-service mechanism reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Device complexity
If actuators are used to realize form-fit connection for coupling and uncoupling, then coupling function is achieved, but device space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical actuators with compact magnetic elements. The magnetic field generation requires minimal space compared to mechanical actuator assemblies, significantly reducing the volume occupied by the coupling device while maintaining the ability to achieve and release form-fit connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating principle from mechanical actuation to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change allows the coupling device to achieve the same functional outcome with a more compact structure, as magnetic fields can be generated with much smaller components than mechanical actuators.
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
Enables a compact design by eliminating the need for actuators, reducing manufacturing costs and space requirements while maintaining efficient coupling and uncoupling operations.
Implementation Method 1
One of the at least one first coupling surface and the at least one second coupling surface belongs to a magnetic element and the other belongs to a magnetizable element
Data Source
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AI summary
A uniaxial coupling device comprising a head (1) and a holder (2) that are movable relative to each other, and a first abutment (24) and a second abutment (25) that that are stationary with respect to the holder (2), wherein the head (1) comprises at least one connecter (12) that is displaceable between a first position (P12.1) and a second position (P12.2), wherein the holder (2) comprises at least one réception (23) for an attachment (3) to be coupled to the head (1) that is displaceable between a first position (P23.1) and a second position (P23.2), wherein when an attachment (3) is arranged on the réception (23), a magnetizable first coupling surface (120) of the connecter (12) abuts a magnetic second coupling surface (330) of the attachment (3), while the connecter (12) abuts the first abutment (24), when the connecter (12) and the réception (23) are in their first positions.