Electromagnetic timepiece

Abstract

A magnetic levitation timepiece for levitating or suspending a marker a distance from the timepiece, the magnetic levitation timepiece having a housing with an outer portion and a lower portion. An electromagnetic force drive arrangement enables the marker to move or rotate at a constant or variable speed on, around or near the outer portion of the housing.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 424,932, filed December 1, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 457,667, filed February 10, 2017, the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to a timing device with a magnetic levitation mechanism, and more specifically to a clock and visual aid for time management, goal management, and scheduling. Background Technology

[0004] Magnetic levitation devices selectively oscillate or modulate levitation forces to make displayed objects float or levitate, or to animate objects, and have been used for many years. Manipulating magnetic fields and controlling magnetic forces to levitate objects are disclosed in numerous references. These references contain mechanisms for magnetically levitizing objects and controlling the spatial position of such magnetically levitized objects. Magnetic levitation devices typically use a horizontal support to provide a top-mounted electromagnet, and an object with a permanent magnet or at least divalent iron object embedded in its interior or on its outer surface is then positioned below the electromagnet. References to magnetic levitation systems are shown in U.S. Patents 6,595,041, 6,035,703, 5,980,193, 5,319,670, 5,168,183, 4,585,282, and 4,191,951, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Magnetic levitation objects can be suspended above a base using a magnetic field. Electromagnetic force counteracts the effects of gravity. Any combination of gravity, electrostatics, and static magnetic fields acting on an object will make its position unstable. A permanent magnet suspended above another magnet is unstable because the levitation magnet is prone to flipping and the force becomes an attraction.

[0006] Magnetic levitation technology has been used in railways, machinery, levitated globes, and more. It has also been incorporated into the design of smart home appliances, such as table lamps. U.S. Patents 5,638,340 and 5,159,583 disclose clocks using magnetic levitation mechanisms.

[0007] Therefore, there is a constant need for improved timing devices and other novel devices. There is also a need for an interactive timing device that can provide time management, scheduled event reminders, goal management and scheduling assistance, and other functions. This application addresses these and other needs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This application provides an interactive magnetic levitation timing device for time management, goal management, planning at least one event, remembering planned events, and other functions. The timing device visually displays the planned time or time period for a predetermined event.

[0009] One embodiment includes a magnetically levitated timing device for suspending or dislodging a marker at a distance from the device. The magnetically levitated timing device comprises: a housing; an electromagnetic force actuation configuration, wherein an electromagnetic force generated in the electromagnetic force actuation configuration can cause the marker to move or rotate at a constant or variable speed on, around, or near an external portion of the housing; a rotating disk configured with the electromagnetic configuration; and a gear assembly configured to move or rotate the electromagnetic configuration. The magnetically levitated timing device may have a timing mechanism, an electromagnetic force actuation configuration, a marker (which may be on the housing of the device), and a mark on or above the housing. The external portion of the housing may contain the marker and may display information, for example, around the timing element. The housing may be configured to anchor the device to a horizontal or non-horizontal surface (e.g., at an angle greater than 10 degrees).

[0010] In another embodiment, electromagnetic forces from a magnet levitate or suspend the marker, allowing it to rotate at a constant or variable speed around or near the surface of the device. The marker can be made of magnetic material or a permanent magnet. The marker can have various shapes, including, for example, floating beads, cubes, or other shapes.

[0011] In another embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device includes an interactive display. The device further includes markers, including (but not limited to) target markers or event markers. The markers can be removed or attached to the upper surface, or rearranged as needed by the user. The markers can be positioned relative to the target such that the target signals during a planned time when a specific event is about to occur.

[0012] In another embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device includes a housing with an electromagnetic force-driven configuration and a marker. An outer portion of the housing may have a groove or marker indicating the mark. A lower portion of the housing may be configured to secure the device to a mounting surface. A rotating disk may be housed within the housing, configured with a rotating assembly and the electromagnetic force-driven configuration. The electromagnetic force-driven configuration may include a magnet and an array of coils disposed in a mounting plate on which the rotating disk is mounted. The marker is placed above the outer portion of the housing or on the rotating disk. The rotating assembly rotates the rotating disk, and the electromagnetic force from the magnet levitates or suspends the marker, which can move or rotate at a constant or variable speed around or beside the outer portion of the housing. In one embodiment, the rotating assembly includes a motor with gears mounted on gears arranged on the rotating disk.

[0013] In some embodiments, the marker can move along a linear, non-circular path on the surface of the magnetically levitated timing device. In some embodiments, the marker can be illuminated. For example, a transmission coil can transmit power to the marker, allowing it to illuminate. The marker can be illuminated around or along the upper surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device is required to depict events over non-standard time periods. In other embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device is required to depict standard times, including (but not limited to) minutes, hours, seconds, days, etc.

[0015] In some embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device may include non-magnetic or levitation features. For example, the magnetic levitation timing device may have a digital display or another non-magnetically driven feature.

[0016] This application contains an electromagnetic theory that uses permanent magnets to move a metallic object around or near a surface.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings and related descriptions are provided to illustrate the embodiments:

[0019] Figure 1 An isometric exploded view of a specific embodiment of the magnetic levitation timing device is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An isometric view of the magnetic levitation timing device shown in the image;

[0021] Figure 3A The illustration depicts Figure 1 An isometric view of the interior of the magnetic levitation timing device shown in the image;

[0022] Figure 3B The illustration depicts Figure 1 An isometric side view of the interior of the magnetic levitation timing device is shown in the image.

[0023] Figure 4 This is an internal top view of a magnetic levitation timing device according to another embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a magnetic levitation timing device according to another embodiment;

[0025] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5 A side view of the magnetic levitation timing device of an embodiment shown in the figure;

[0026] Figure 7This is a top view of another embodiment of the magnetic levitation timing device;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a side view of another embodiment of the magnetic levitation timing device;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a side view of another embodiment of the magnetic levitation timing device;

[0029] Figure 10A This is a top view of an exemplary display that can be used in conjunction with one or more embodiments;

[0030] Figure 10B This is a top view of an exemplary display that can be used in conjunction with one or more embodiments;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a magnetic levitation timing device according to another embodiment; and

[0032] Figure 12 An embodiment of a magnetic levitation timing device on a vertical surface is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Specific embodiments include a magnetically levitated or electromagnetic timing device comprising a timing mechanism, a magnetic marker operatively connected to the timing mechanism, and a mark (e.g., a target mark). As used herein, the terms "levitated" or "suspended" include an object being held in a stable position at a height or suspended at a distance from the device (e.g., horizontal) without mechanical support. That is, the magnetically levitated or electromagnetic timing device can be mounted on a surface that may not be horizontal, and the device can be operated accordingly to suspend the mark at a distance from the device.

[0034] Now see Figure 1An exemplary embodiment includes an electromagnetic timing device for suspending or holding / suspending a marker having a housing having an outer portion and a lower portion, a magnetically levitated or electromagnetic configuration, a rotating disk configured with the electromagnetic configuration, and a gear assembly configured to move the magnetically levitated configuration. A specific example includes a magnetically levitated timing device 10 comprising an electromagnetically driven or magnetically levitated configuration 55, a rotating disk 50, a marker 33 (optionally), and a magnetic marker 20. The outer portion of the housing 30 may, for example, have a display 35 at its center, and the lower portion 40 of the housing may be configured to secure the device 10 to a mounting surface (e.g., a wall). The rotating disk 50 is configured with a motor 60, a gear 70, a motor housing 80, and an electromagnetically driven configuration 55 operatively mounted in a mounting groove 12 on the rotating disk 50. The magnetic marker 20 may be a ball or other shape, placed on the outer portion of the housing, or operatively connected to the timing mechanism / electromagnetic configuration. The marker 20 can be suspended, suspended, or held at a distance from the device 10 by the electromagnetic driving force provided by the electromagnet 52. In one embodiment, the marker 20 is generally made of a metallic or magnetic material.

[0035] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic drive configuration 55 may include a magnet 52 and a coil array 53. In this embodiment, a motor 60 with a gear 70 is configured to drive a rotating disk 50, which holds the electromagnetic drive configuration 55, magnetically levitating or holding the marker 20 at a distance from the outer portion of the housing. Components involved in mechanically driving the rotating disk 50 further include a gear 85, which engages with the motor 60 via the gear 70. The magnet 52 may be a permanent magnet or at least a divalent iron object mounted within a mounting plate 51. The magnet 52 is integrated with an electromagnetic coil or coil winding or copper winding forming a coil array 53. One or more stepper motors or servo motors may provide the overall movement cycle, thus providing movement of the marker 20. The feedback loop may include one or more position sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors) that compensate for gravity and rotational forces.

[0036] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic force-driven configuration 55 includes a marker 20 and a coil array 50, which is mounted within a mounting plate 40 and operatively attached to a rotating disk 50 via a magnetic mounting slot 12. In another embodiment, the coil array 53 is a copper sleeve wound around a magnet 52 to form an electromagnet. The feedback loop may include, for example, one or more position sensors 54 (e.g., Hall effect sensors) on the marker 20, which compensate for gravity and rotational forces.

[0037] In another embodiment, the rotating disk 50 includes a motor 60 with a gear 70 and a motor housing, the gear 70 and the motor housing being securely attached to form a drive mechanism. The outer portion of the housing 30, the rotating disk 50, and the rear portion 40 can be assembled into a compact design resembling a clock, which can be mounted or positioned at angles greater than, for example, 10, 20, 30, 40 degrees, or between 1 and 90 degrees. The marker 20 can move freely using the principle of magnetic levitation. This movement is achieved through the mechanical transmission of one or more motors, driven by an electromagnetic force generated from an electromagnetic drive configuration 55. The motor 60 is configured to drive the rotating disk 50, and the electromagnetic force causes the marker 20 to levitate on its upper side in, for example, circular motion.

[0038] The magnetic levitation timing device 10 may include an interactive display 35 and other operational mechanisms, such as an on / off function (not shown). Furthermore, in one example, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 provides visual assistance to the user to help understand the concept of time, the concept of time elapsed, remembering planned events, or the concept of a future timeline. The magnetic levitation timing device 10 can visually display the planned time of at least one predetermined event. When mounted, for example, at a 90-degree angle (which can be suspended on a vertical surface (e.g., a wall)), the magnetic levitation timing device can levitate or remain fixed at a distance from the marker 20.

[0039] In one embodiment, marker 20 is positioned relative to mark 31 such that mark 31 signals at a scheduled time corresponding to a specific event. In one example, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 is provided with a plurality of event marks 31, which can be removed or attached to an external portion 30, or rearranged as needed by the user. Marker 20 can be positioned relative to mark 31 such that mark 31 provides signaling during the time when an event is scheduled to occur or is expected to eventually occur. Marker 31 can visually represent (through pictures, text, or otherwise) past, planned, or future events. Depending on the length of the planned event, a set of marks can represent a single event. In particular, the shape of the magnetic levitation timing device 10, the orientation and nature of the marks, the signaling method of the marks, the type and speed of the timing mechanism used are all variable to suit certain specific embodiments. To put it another way, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can tell a “story.”

[0040] Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3BAn example of a magnetic levitation timing device 10 is shown, including the basic structure of an exemplary device. It can be seen that a magnetic marker 20 is suspended, suspended, or floated beside, above, or around the external portion 30 of the device 10. As can be seen in the example, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 may have an electromagnet 52 and a permanent magnet. In one example, the magnetic marker 20 may have a permanent magnet or may be a permanent magnet. In this example, the housing 30 may be mounted above the electromagnetic configuration 55. Because of the presence of a feedback loop, the electromagnetic configuration may include one or more position sensors 54 (e.g., Hall effect sensors).

[0041] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Another example of the magnetic levitation timing device 10 is shown, illustrating a specific embodiment in which the magnet operatively coupled to marker 20 has a counterweight 57 opposite to or at a distance from it. Although the counterweight 57 is shown opposite the electromagnetic configuration 55, it is possible to place the counterweight 57 at different positions on the disk 40. In one example, planetary gears may be provided. Furthermore, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 may have support and reinforcement features 45 on the disk 40 powered by the motor 100. Figure 5 An electromagnetic configuration is shown that can rest on support 45 and be powered by a motor (not shown). In this example, optional wire slots may also be present for holding the wiring, which can power the motor driving the gear assembly. Techniques for maintaining the wiring position and preventing wiring twisting are known in the art.

[0042] Although the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can have the characteristics and features of a traditional levitation system, Figure 5 A specific embodiment is shown, wherein the magnetic configuration 55 operatively linked to marker 20 has a counterweight 57 opposite to or at a distance from it. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a counterweight 57 (opposite to the levitation marker 20 or the levitation object) may be present, which stabilizes the rotation of the levitation system and allows the levitation unit to rotate "more smoothly," for example, by 90 degrees. The counterweight 57 may be adapted to move opposite to the marker 20 to counteract the acceleration force in the vertical position. In other embodiments, more than one counterweight 57 may be present, positioned not opposite to the electromagnetic configuration.

[0043] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The side view of the embodiment shown. There may be two sets of gears 61, 62, powered by one or more motors 100. Using multiple motors can make the movement of the disk 40 smoother.

[0044] In one embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 may incorporate a magnetic field (or levitation force), with magnet 52 oscillating at one or more frequencies to provide the magnetic field. These oscillation or drive frequencies are typically selected to correspond to the frequencies of one or more drive or vibrating elements on the supported or magnetically levitated object. The magnetic field or levitation force provided by the electromagnetic force drive configuration 55 and the oscillation assembly can be varied using, for example, an oscillation signal generator or oscillation driver that feeds an oscillation signal to a levitation driver / actuator controlling the electromagnet, or, for example, an unstable feedback loop for the levitation driver / actuator, or via another oscillation device described herein, or as will become apparent from this description. The electromagnetic configuration may have an oscillation assembly including an electromagnet and a levitation driver that drives the electromagnet with a control signal to generate a controlled levitation magnetic field. The electromagnetic configuration may be configured with adjustment functions to compensate for permanent imbalances.

[0045] The electromagnetic configuration or assembly can be powered or driven by a control signal, which is maintained via a stable feedback loop to provide a suspending magnetic field or levitation force, so that the marker 20 floats or suspends relative to the electromagnet at a fixed distance and position. The feedback loop may include one or more position sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors) to sense the distance between the suspending marker 20 and the electromagnet itself or a separate magnet (e.g., a magnet) placed on the bottom or base of the suspending marker 20.

[0046] Figure 7 Another embodiment of a magnetic levitation device 10 with multiple electromagnetic force-driven configurations 55 and corresponding markers 20 (not shown here) is illustrated. In this embodiment, each marker 20 has an independent arrangement of disks and gears. The markers 20 can move independently of each other. This arrangement can be used, for example, to form a clock with hour and minute markers. Additional markers may be provided, which may increase the size and cost of the device 10.

[0047] Figure 8 Another embodiment of a magnetic levitation device 10 with multiple markers 20 arranged on a single disk and gears is shown. In this arrangement, one of the markers 10 is held in place by an electromagnetic configuration and does not move. The methods described and shown herein (e.g., in...) can be used... Figure 1 The (middle) organization contains another or other mark 20 (now shown here).

[0048] Figure 9 Another embodiment of a magnetic levitation device 10 with multiple markers 20 arranged on a single disk and gears is shown. In this arrangement, the markers 20 are held in place using a single electromagnetic configuration.

[0049] like Figure 10A and Figure 10BAs shown, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 can provide event tracking for the user. For example, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 signals the user directly (e.g., on a smart device) when an event is scheduled, and visually displays the elapsed time during the scheduled event. The magnetic levitation timing device 10 can be interactive, as markings on the bottom of the lower portion of the event clock correspond to changes in schedule. In one example, the base of the device can illuminate in one or more sections to convey information and events to the user. Furthermore, these illuminated arrangements can express event information or enhance the viewer's mood. Figure 10A In the middle, the monitor displays the seasons of the year; while... Figure 10B In the middle, display 35 shows the time and date.

[0050] In operation, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 works as follows: The timing mechanism causes the marker 20 to move at a constant or variable speed around or near the surface of the magnetic levitation timing device 10. In the "on" position, a battery or DC power supply provides power to the timing mechanism. Optionally, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 may be equipped with an on / off switch. Furthermore, when the "on" switch is pressed, a screen may appear on the display 35. The display 35 may display the current time to check if a preset time has been reached; upon reaching the preset time, an event is activated, and the marker 20 subsequently begins to float.

[0051] In another embodiment, the marker 31 may move along a linear, non-circular path on the surface of the magnetically levitated timing device 10. In some embodiments, the marker 31 may emit light. For example, the marker 31 may emit light around or along the outer portion 30.

[0052] In some embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 is required to depict events over non-standard time periods. In other embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device is required to depict standard times, including (but not limited to) minutes, hours, seconds, days, etc.

[0053] In some embodiments, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 may include non-magnetic or levitation features. For example, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 may have a digital display or another non-magnetically driven feature.

[0054] In some embodiments, the device 10 may form an angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the center. In this arrangement, the marker 20 is held and moved by magnetic force. Figure 11 An example of device 10 is shown, wherein the device is at an angle of approximately 60 degrees to the horizontal. In this example, device 10 is supported by support 12, and marker 20 moves around housing 30 with marker 31.

[0055] exist Figure 12In the exemplary use and application shown, the magnetic levitation device 10 can be placed on a wall W or other vertical / non-flat surface of this type. In this arrangement, the device 10 can be operatively connected to a power outlet P via, for example, a wire 11. The marker 20 is suspended at a distance from the device 10 and can be moved or rotated.

[0056] In another embodiment, the control unit includes a microcontroller, a power module, a touchscreen module, a time module, and... Modules / Wi-Fi modules. Power modules, touchscreen modules, time modules, and... The module / Wi-Fi module is electrically connected to the microcontroller, and the touchscreen module uses a resistive touchscreen that supports multiple configuration controls.

[0057] In another embodiment, the base can be illuminated from the back or side of the housing. In this arrangement, the device 10 can have the appearance of a lunar eclipse.

[0058] In some embodiments, the marker can be illuminated by electricity transmitted from an electromagnetic configuration. For example, a transmission coil can transmit power to the marker, allowing it to illuminate. The marker can be illuminated around or along its upper surface.

[0059] See Figures 1 to 12 In one embodiment, device 10 is wirelessly connected to a remote device via a network for analysis and feedback. The remote device may include (but is not limited to) a computer, tablet, or smartphone. A user can download applications (e.g., programs / software) to the remote device. Examples of applications may include timing or event applications (iOS, Windows, or Android). The network may include any suitable network or link, including (but not limited to) a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, an intranet, or any wireless communication link. In one embodiment, the wireless data link is confirmed to be between device 10 and a device with… between remote devices with functions Communication link. In some embodiments, device 10 uses Smart devices or other devices with transceiver Low-energy (BLE) devices. A wireless communication link allows for real-time data communication between device 10 and a remote device. In one embodiment, the magnetic levitation timing device 10 is operatively connected to a remote device (e.g., In this arrangement, data can be projected and transmitted to remote device 10, and device 10 can synchronize with applications on the remote device.

[0060] The magnetic levitation timing device may have other embodiments and may be practiced or implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. In another embodiment, the rear of the housing or a containment may be provided with a lamp or be backlit.

[0061] Certain features of embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been described herein; however, many modifications, substitutions, variations, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, while several functional blocks and their relationships have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will anticipate that some of these operations can be performed without the use of other operations, or that additional functionality or relationships between functions can be identified while still conforming to the claimed subject matter. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations within the true spirit of the embodiments of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A magnetic levitation timing device for suspending or hovering a marker at a distance from the magnetic levitation timing device by electromagnetic force without mechanical support, the magnetic levitation timing device comprising: A housing having an outer portion and a lower portion, wherein the housing has an angle greater than 10 degrees from the horizontal line; An electromagnetic force drive configuration, wherein the electromagnetic force generated in the electromagnetic force drive configuration enables the mark to move or rotate around the outer portion of the housing at a constant or variable speed; A counterweight is positioned at a distance from the electromagnetic force drive device; A rotating disk, wherein the electromagnetic force drive configuration and the counterweight are disposed on the rotating disk; as well as A rotating assembly, which is equipped with a motor and gears, the motor and gears being configured to drive a rotating disk to move or rotate the electromagnetic force-driven configuration; The device is positioned at an angle between 30 and 90 degrees from the horizontal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mark is provided with a permanent magnet.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the weight of the counterweight is the same as that of the electromagnetic force drive configuration.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic force drive is provided with an oscillation assembly, the oscillation assembly comprising an electromagnet and a levitation actuator that drives the electromagnet with a control signal to generate a controlled levitation magnetic field.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the electromagnet is provided with a coil array.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the electromagnetic force drive configuration has automatic compensation for permanent disequilibrium in order to suppress the average consumption of the coil.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the external portion is provided with an interactive display.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mark on the outer portion of the housing.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus visually displays the time of a predetermined event.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower surface is configured to secure the apparatus to a vertical surface such that the mark is held or suspended.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gear is mounted on another gear in a motor housing arranged on the rotating disk.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising an interactive display.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a Bluetooth link.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a control unit, the control unit having a microcontroller, a power module, a touch screen module, a time module, and a Bluetooth / Wi-Fi module.

15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the marker is positioned relative to the sign such that the sign, together with the marker, signals a planned time when a specific event is about to occur.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the power module is connected to a switch with an on / off system via wiring.

17. A method for monitoring events using the magnetic levitation timing device of claim 1, comprising: Engage the magnetic levitation timing device to move the marker around the outer portion of the housing, thereby making the movement of the marker associated with or identifying an event.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the movement of the tag is operatively connected to a smart device.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying the time or date on the device.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising using a Bluetooth link to operatively connect the device to a smart device.

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