An Unconventional Approach to Cogging Force Reduction in Linear Motors

In linear motors, there are three causes of thrust force fluctuations that affect smooth operation. These are (i) the cogging forces (ii) the load dependent force fluctuations and (ii) the end forces resulting from the limited length of the motor. To the various methods that exist to solve this problem, this paper adds an unconventional method that takes advantage of the limited length of the motor. This paper presents a method to minimize cogging force by changing the slot pitch while pole pitch and winding layout remain unchanged. One of the main advantages of this method is that it is easy to apply in motor design and requires hardly any space.