Electromagnetic actuator with simple magnetic path increases efficiency and reduces cost

Lawrence M. Germann; Donald R. Lutter

doi:10.1117/12.259031

20 November 1996 Electromagnetic actuator with simple magnetic path increases efficiency and reduces cost

Lawrence M. Germann, Donald R. Lutter

Proceedings Volume 2865, Actuator Technology and Applications; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.259031
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

As with all motors, linear actuator designers strive for increased force from smaller packages with less weight and power consumption. This paper describes a unique linear electromagnetic actuator configuration based on the Lorenz force that provides significant improvement in force/mass and force/power ratios. The magnets and core pieces have simple rectangular shapes reducing fabrication costs. Coils are located in the gap between two magnets. The magnetic return path is back through the second leg of the coil rather than around the outside of the actuator . This reduces the iron required and increases the portion of the magnetic path used for generation of force. The result is a low-cost actuator for linear or limited angular motion with increased efficiency in terms of force/mass ratio, force/power ratio, or the product of these two figures of merit. Designs of varying sizes are presented along with performance analyses and verification test data. An analytical model for dynamic properties as well as various figures of merit are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Lawrence M. Germann and Donald R. Lutter "Electromagnetic actuator with simple magnetic path increases efficiency and reduces cost", Proc. SPIE 2865, Actuator Technology and Applications, (20 November 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.259031

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