Electromagnetic coil system and methods
Methods and systems are provided for operating an electromagnetic coil assembly. As one example, a method comprises responsive to energization of an electromagnetic coil of an electromagnetic coil assembly, translating the electromagnetic coil along a central axis of the electromagnetic coil assembly toward a magnetic armature while maintaining the armature fixed along the central axis. The electromagnetic coil assembly may be utilized within various clutching, braking, or lever applications.
1. An electromagnetic coil assembly, comprising:
an electromagnetic coil adapted to translate in an axial direction with respect to a central axis of the electromagnetic coil assembly; and
a magnetic armature that is translationally fixed in the axial direction, where an air gap is positioned between the electromagnetic coil and armature when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized and upon energization of the electromagnetic coil, the electromagnetic coil translates towards the armature to close the air gap.
2. The electromagnetic coil assembly of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic coil is rotationally fixed and wherein the electromagnetic coil includes a contact assembly adapted to be electrically coupled with a controller.
3. The electromagnetic coil assembly of claim 2 , wherein the contact assembly includes first and second legs coupled to the electromagnetic coil, where each of the first and second legs includes a coil return spring that electrically couples the electromagnetic coil to a corresponding terminal of the controller and further comprising third leg coupled to the electromagnetic coil and including a third coil return spring that does not electrically couple the electromagnetic coil to the controller, where the coil return springs of the first, second, and third legs provide a balanced spring force to maintain the air gap when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized.
4. The electromagnetic coil assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a coil return spring positioned proximate to and surrounding a portion of the electromagnetic coil, where the coil return spring maintains the air gap when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized.
5. The electromagnetic coil assembly of claim 1 , wherein the armature is coupled with a cam including a series of bi-directional ramps and further comprising a shifter including a plurality of axially extending guides interfacing with the cam between each of the series of bi-direction ramps and a clutch ring coupled to the shifter.
6. The electromagnetic coil assembly of claim 5 , wherein the electromagnetic coil assembly is part of an electromagnetic pulse disconnect and wherein a clutch ring is coupled to the shifter.