A Four-Discrete-Position Electromagnetic Actuator: Modeling and Experimentation

In this paper, an electromagnetic actuator having four discrete positions is discussed. The principle, the modeling, and an experimental device of this actuator are presented in this study. This actuator is composed of a mobile permanent magnet, four fixed permanent magnets, which ensure the holding of the discrete positions, and two perpendicular wires to switch independently in two perpendicular directions. The mobile part has four discrete positions, two in each direction. An electromagnetic actuator modeling has been realized to compute the magnetic and electromagnetic forces exerted on the mobile magnet and its displacement. The experimental device was designed using this model and then manufactured. The stroke of the mobile part is 1 mm times 1 mm. The driving current ranges from 3 to 7 A. A comparison between experimental and modeled results is carried out. Good agreement on the displacement curves and on the rise times is observed for all the range of controlling currents.