Residual magnetic devices and methods
AssigneeStrattec Security Corporation
InventorsSteven J. Dimig, Gregory J. Organek, Michael G. Feucht
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.
Claims26
A method of coupling and uncoupling a first element with respect to a second element, the method comprising:
- applying a magnetization current to form a substantially closed magnetic path between an armature and a core housing defining a magnetic air gap in order to create an irreversible residual magnetic force with a magnetic air gap energy of at least 6652 (line-amp-turn)/cm3;
- coupling the first element to the second element due to the irreversible residual magnetic force;
- applying a demagnetization current to null at least a portion of the irreversible residual magnetic force, wherein the demagnetization current is sufficient to uncouple the first element from the second element;
- and
- uncoupling the first element from the second element in response to the nulling of at least a portion of the irreversible residual magnetic force through application of the demagnetization current.
A method of coupling and uncoupling a first element with respect to a second element, the method comprising:
- providing a first level of power to a coil in order to create a first irreversible residual magnetic force between a core housing and an armature defining a magnetic air gap, the irreversible residual magnetic force having a magnetic air gap energy of at least 6652 (line-amp-turn)/cm3, the first level of power not saturating the core housing and the armature;
- coupling the first element to the second element due to the first irreversible residual magnetic force;
- applying a demagnetization current to the coil sufficient to null the irreversible residual magnetic force and to uncouple the first element and the second element;
- and
- uncoupling the first element and the second element in response to applying the demagnetization current.
A method of coupling and uncoupling a first element with respect to a second element, the method comprising:
- applying a magnetization current to form a substantially closed magnetic path between an armature and a core housing defining a magnetic air gap in order to create an irreversible residual magnetic force with a magnetic air gap energy of at least 6652 (line-amp-turn)/cm3;
- coupling the first element to the second element due to the irreversible residual magnetic force;
- applying a demagnetization current to null at least a portion of the irreversible residual magnetic force, and
- uncoupling the first element from the second element in response to applying the demagnetization current to null at least a portion of the irreversible residual magnetic force and without an external force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.