Magnetic spring and actuators with multiple equilibrium positions
US7265470B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02K49/106
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Arrays of magnets configured to create linear or rotary magnetic springs with multiple equilibrium points. Some of the equilibrium points are stable, while others are unstable. No mechanical contact is required between moving and stationary elements of the magnetic springs, resulting in a virtually unlimited lifetime. The magnetic springs can be utilized in conjunction with low force electromagnetic actuators to implement multi-step linear or rotary actuators with high force, very short movement time between unstable equilibrium points, and with near-zero holding power required to maintain actuator position at any unstable equilibrium point. Specific applications that embody the present invention may include, but are not limited to, optical filters, linear valves, or any mechanism that would benefit from an efficient magnetic spring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.