Electromagnetic drive device having a plurality of sinusoidal coils

摘要

An electromagnetic drive means for providing motion. An application is as an indicator device for registering the magnitude of an input supplied to a computer by an external sensor is described. The electromagnetic drive means includes a first stationary member that comprises electrically conductive material having a serpentine configuration that defines a plurality of alternating peaks and troughs which are selectively magnetized to provide alternating north and south magnetic fields. A second member is movable along the path of the stationary member by discrete and controlled magnetic attraction and repulsion forces set up between the members. The stationary members can be provided with a graduated scale while the movable member carries a pointer that is movable with respect to the scale to thereby indicate a magnitude of the input. A specific application of this indicator device is as a gauge in a dashboard.