Development of a Bendable Permanent-Magnet Tubular Linear Motor

Author

Urban, Christian ; Günther, Richard ; Nagel, Thomas ; Richter, René ; Witt, Robert

Author_Institution

Fac. of Electr. Eng. & Inf. Technol., Dresden Univ. of Technol., Dresden, Germany

Volume

48

Issue

8

fYear

2012

Firstpage

2367

Lastpage

2373

Abstract

This paper presents a new flexible linear actuator. It is a two-phase permanent-magnet tubular linear motor. An elastomer offers the desired actuator flexibility both between the coils of the stator and between the magnets in the mover. We determined the motor dimensions in a numerical parameter optimization and used various finite element models. The novel artificial muscle actuator is designed for tensile loads. It is electrically powered and obtains variable forces. Weights up to 750 g were lifted with a minimal bending radius of 200 mm. The outer diameter of the flexible linear direct drive measures about 30 mm.

Keywords

coils; elastomers; electric drives; electroactive polymer actuators; finite element analysis; flexible electronics; linear motors; optimisation; permanent magnet motors; stators; actuator flexibility; artificial muscle actuator; bendable permanent-magnet tubular linear motor; elastomer; finite element models; flexible linear actuator; flexible linear direct drive; minimal bending radius; mover magnets; numerical parameter optimization; stator coils; tensile loads; two-phase permanent-magnet tubular linear motor; Actuators; Assembly; Coils; Force; Iron; Permanent magnet motors; Stators; Bendable linear actuator; electric propulsion; flexible linear actuator; tubular linear permanent-magnet motors;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9464

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TMAG.2012.2190613

Filename

6168267