ELECTROMAGNETIC OPPOSING FIELD ACTUATORS

摘要

Electromagnetic actuators capable of generating a symmetrical bidirectional force are disclosed. The electromagnetic actuators include a housing made of a ferromagnetic material and a shaft made of a magnetically inert material movable along an axis within the housing. In one type of actuator, captive permanent magnets are arranged on opposite interior end walls of the housing and an electromagnetic coil is mounted on a central portion of the shaft. The electromagnetic coil is capable of generating a force when energized that causes linear displacement of the shaft in either direction along its axis depending on the direction of current through the electromagnetic coil. In another type of actuator, captive electromagnetic coils are arranged on opposing inner end walls of the housing, and a permanent magnet is mounted on a central portion of the shaft. The electromagnetic coils are capable of generating a force when energized that causes linear displacement of the shaft in either direction along its axis depending on a direction of current through the electromagnetic coils.

主权项

1. An electromagnetic actuator capable of generating a symmetrical bidirectional force comprising:
a housing comprising a ferromagnetic material, wherein the housing has a first end wall, a second end wall opposite the first end wall, and a side wall interconnecting the first and second end walls; a first captive permanent magnet arranged on the first end wall and having an inward facing pole; a second captive permanent magnet arranged on the second end wall and having an inward facing pole arranged to repel the inward facing pole of the first permanent magnet causing the first and second permanent magnets to have opposing magnetic fields; a shaft comprising a magnetically inert material, wherein the shaft is movable along a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second end walls, and comprises a central portion interposed between the first and second permanent magnets; and an electromagnetic coil arranged on the central portion of the shaft, wherein the electromagnetic coil is capable of generating a force when energized that causes linear displacement of the shaft in either direction along the longitudinal axis depending on a direction of current through the electromagnetic coil.