Achieving High Thrust in a Small Moving Magnet Linear Actuator by Adjusting the Slot Size

Abstract

In recent years, small moving-magnet-type linear actuators have gained widespread popularity in the field of office and factory automation. However, the thrust generation decreases when the linear actuator is small. This paper explains how to achieve high thrust in small slot type linear actuators. The finite element method was used to examine the thrust characteristics of a slot-type moving magnet linear actuator (SMLA). As the result, the thrust was able to be increased to 28 %. This paper : (1) compares the proposed actuator with previous types of linear actuator, (2) describes the thrust generation principle of the SMLA, (3) inves trgates how to achieve high thrust by the finite element method, (4) explains the influence of slot size on the thrust.