Electronically-operated, linear, variable-reluctance, integrating, reversible actuator (ELVIRA)-a novel, low-cost, normal-force, tilting friction drive

Author

York, M. ; Stephenson, J.M. ; Hughes, A.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electron. & Electr. Eng., Leeds Univ., UK

Volume

145

Issue

1

fYear

1998

fDate

1/1/1998 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

11

Lastpage

16

Abstract

The paper describes a novel, low-cost design for a powerful linear actuator. The actuator harnesses the highly unstable, normal force of magnetic attraction to produce linear motion by means of a simple mechanical integration. A simple ratchet mechanism allows bidirectional operation of the drive shaft when activated but prevents motion completely, in either direction, when not activated. A high specific force/volume ratio is obtained by use of the normal force of attraction. The operational principles are described in detail and practical static and dynamic results are presented. Simulated results include static modelling using a three-dimensional (3-D), finite-element (FE) software package

Keywords

electric actuators; electric machine analysis computing; finite element analysis; friction; linear synchronous motors; machine testing; machine theory; magnetic fields; reluctance motor drives; 3D finite-element software package; ELVIRA linear variable-reluctance actuator; FEM; bidirectional operation; computer simulation; dynamic results; magnetic attraction force; mechanical integration; operational principles; performance testing; ratchet mechanism; specific force/volume ratio; static modelling; static results; tilting friction drive;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Electric Power Applications, IEE Proceedings -

Publisher

iet

ISSN

1350-2352

Type

jour

DOI

10.1049/ip-epa:19981562

Filename

655167