Design, optimization and realization of a two-degree-of-freedom permanent magnet actuator

Details

Supervisors

Dehez, Bruno

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil électromécanicien

Abstract

Interest in multi-degrees of freedom actuators has increased over the last few years. Indeed, they reduce the backlash between the junction and simplify the mechanical structure. Different topologies exists to create a two-degrees of freedom actuator. A special attention will be given to linear-rotary actuator, starting from a decoupled one with an assembly in series of 2 one-degree of freedom actuator to a fully integrated one where both motions are directly included in one actuator. This Master's thesis aims at designing, modeling and prototyping a new topology of linear-rotary actuators. First, the actuator design is presented, namely the design of the stator and the mover. Secondly, an analytical model is developed in order to describe the performances of the motor. The model consists in the resolution of the Maxwell equations applied to the topology presented. This gives a description of the magnetic field in the air gap and is compared to a finite element method (FEM). Then the intercepted flux by the windings is analytically computed and also compared to FEM. An optimization is made to firstly get the best performances out of the actuator for a given external size. Then a second optimization is made to minimize the Joule losses for a given test-bench. This gives results that are approximately 13 times better than a similar topology from the literature. Finally, the prototype of a two-degrees of freedom actuator is developed as a proof-of-concept.