Dual-directional field coil actuator

Abstract

A novel duel directional electromagnetic actuator includes a case, a core, an electrical current conductive coil and a field coil. The case includes a first case end, a second case end, and an interior wall extending between the first and second case ends. A chamber is defined by the interior wall. An electrical current conductive coil is disposed in the chamber coextensively adjacent the interior wall. The conductive coil has a first coil end disposed proximate the first case end, a second coil end disposed proximate the second case end, and a midpoint. The core has a first core end, a second core end, and an exterior wall extending between the first and second core ends. The exterior wall has a first region adjacent the first core end and a second region spaced from the first region and adjacent the second core end. The core is moveably received in the chamber with motion of the core occurring between the first and second case ends such that said first region traverses the conductive coil between the first coil end and the midpoint and the second region traverses the conductive coil between the second coil end and the midpoint. The conductive coil and the exterior wall are in a facing relationship with respect to each other. The field coil is in a spaced relationship to the conductive coil so that magnetic flux across the conductive coil between the first region and the interior wall is in a first direction and magnetic flux across the conductive coil between the second region and the interior wall is in an opposite direction. The field coil is arranged so that an electrical current in the conductive coil between the first coil end and the midpoint flows in an opposite direction than the current between the second coil end and the midpoint, whereby the flux current cross products of the flux in the first direction with the current and the flux current cross products of the flux in the second direction and said current are additive.