Torque increasing device

Abstract

The torque-increasing device has two main embodiments. The first is a two-rotor design that includes a ring of permanent magnets. The two rotors are angled relative to each other. The magnetic field is interrupted in the lower half by a ferrous flux-deflecting plate. This causes a force imbalance between the upper and lower halves of the rotor, leading to rotation and thus increasing the torque generated by any associated rotating device. The second embodiment uses a straight shaft with a single central rotor, covered on both sides with magnets. Instead of adjacent rotors, the second half of the magnets are placed on stationary plates, one on each side of the central rotor. The stationary plates are set at an angle relative to the central rotor, creating an unbalanced force that induces rotation.

Description

[0001] Related Application

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16 / 847,739, filed April 14, 2020, entitled “Torque Increasing Device.” Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical devices for generating rotational energy, and in particular to devices for generating additional torque in a rotating system. Background Art

[0004] Rotational mechanical energy is a primary force in our world. From pumping liquids to moving trains, rotary motion is vital.

[0005] While horsepower is the measurement most often cited when discussing a machine's capabilities, it is the torque that allows the machine to do its work. Without torque to spin it, no work can be done.

[0006] What is needed is a system for increasing the torque of a rotating system, thereby increasing its working capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0007] There are two main embodiments of the torque increasing device.

[0008] The first embodiment is two rotors, each comprising a ring of permanent magnets. The two rotors are angled relative to each other. The angle is less than ninety degrees, or perpendicular, and greater than zero degrees, or parallel.

[0009] The magnets are oriented to attract the two rotors towards each other, as this is a more efficient use of the magnetic force than a repelling orientation.

[0010] When the magnets attract each other, the attractive force is split into two vectors: a vector perpendicular to the imaginary plane dividing the two tilted rotors, and a vector parallel to the rotor face. When the magnets on top of the rotors move closer together, this parallel vector causes rotation. This parallel vector is a sinusoidal function of the tilted rotor angle. The torque generated by this vector is affected by the rotor radius.

[0011] The torque created by the rotation of the top half of the rotor will be counteracted by the opposing effect of the magnets on the bottom half - which also want to rotate with less clearance towards the end, thus creating an opposing torque.

[0012] Therefore, the rotor will be stationary, with opposing torques causing no motion. The solution is to interrupt the attraction of the magnets on the top or bottom half of the rotor, or a portion of the top or bottom half, thereby unbalancing the rotor and causing rotation.

[0013] In the first embodiment, the magnetic field is interrupted on the lower half by a ferrous flux deflecting plate (e.g., steel), thereby deflecting the attractive magnetic force between the lower halves of the rotor. Non-ferrous materials, such as aluminum, do not deflect the magnetic field. Therefore, non-ferrous materials cannot be used as deflecting plates.

[0014] Due to the force imbalance between the upper and lower halves of the rotor, rotation is caused, thereby increasing the torque production of any associated rotating device.

[0015] The first embodiment is intended to increase the torque of an existing system. Therefore, a drive, such as an electric motor, and a load, such as a pump, do not need to pass through the device. Instead, the device is connected to the same shaft as the drive and / or load, thereby supplementing the existing torque. The device is not intended to function as a transmission, but rather as an independent torque source.

[0016] However, if mechanically necessary, the load may be passed through the device.

[0017] Since the first embodiment is mechanically simple, a straight axis is preferred rather than two axes that are angled relative to each other.

[0018] Therefore, the second embodiment uses a direct shaft with a single central rotor, with magnets covering both sides of the rotor.

[0019] Instead of adjacent rotors, the second half of the magnets are placed on fixed plates, one on each side of the central rotor. The fixed plates are set at an angle relative to the central rotor, creating an unbalanced force that causes rotation.

[0020] Instead of the iron-containing plate in the first embodiment, the second embodiment divides the magnets on the fixed or stationary plate into upper and lower halves. In a preferred embodiment, the upper half of the magnets on the fixed plate is arranged to attract the magnets on the upper half of the rotor.

[0021] The lower half of the stationary plate's magnets are either omitted, thereby avoiding any attractive force between the rotor and stationary plate, or are set to opposite polarity, thereby creating a repulsive effect that increases torque by pushing the rotor apart.

[0022] While preferred embodiments have been described, alternative embodiments are contemplated.

[0023] For example, permanent magnets are preferred, but electromagnets are a possible alternative.

[0024] Discrete permanent magnets are shown, but arcuate magnets could be substituted to produce smoother action rather than the "cogging" or stepped rotation effect that discrete magnets can cause.

[0025] As shown, the magnets are preferably placed in a Halbach arrangement, thereby concentrating the magnetic flux away from the rotor and plate faces.

[0026] For example, a typical Halbach arrangement of magnets stacked on top of each other is:

[0027] NS magnet level

[0028] NS magnet vertical

[0029] SN magnet level

[0030] Magnetic flux is a measure of the magnetic field passing through a given area. The measurement and diagramming of magnetic flux is used to understand and measure the magnetic field present over a given area. Magnetic flux lines are a visualization of the magnetic field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Those skilled in the art may best understand the present invention by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 A first isometric view of a first embodiment of a torque increasing device is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 A second isometric view of the first embodiment of the torque increasing device is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic vertical cross-section of a first embodiment of a torque increasing device is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 An isometric view of a second embodiment of a torque increasing device is shown.

[0036] Figure 5 A side view of a second embodiment of a torque increasing device is shown.

[0037] Figure 6 A detailed view of the rotor of a second embodiment of a torque increasing device is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 A top view of a rotor showing a second embodiment of a torque increasing device is shown.

[0039] Figure 8 A side view of a third embodiment of a torque increasing device is shown.

[0040] Figure 9 An isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a torque increasing device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 , showing a first isometric view of a first embodiment of a torque increasing device.

[0043] The torque increasing device 1 is mainly formed of a first rotatable component 10 and a second rotatable component 20 .

[0044] The first rotatable assembly 10 includes a first shaft 12 , a first rotor 14 , and a first magnet set 16 formed from a plurality of individual magnet sets 18 .

[0045] The second rotatable assembly 20 includes a second shaft 22 formed from a plurality of individual magnet sets 28 , a second rotor 24 , and a second magnet set 26 .

[0046] Separating the lower half of the first rotor 14 from the second rotor 24 is a conical flux diverting plate 30 , thereby blocking the lower half of the first magnet set 16 from magnetically interacting with the lower half of the second magnet set 26 .

[0047] A flywheel 34 is shown at the end of the second shaft 22 , which serves to smooth the rotational motion.

[0048] The first shaft 12 and the second shaft 22 are each supported by a bearing block 40 , which is secured to a mounting plate 42 .

[0049] refer to Figure 2 , showing a second isometric view of the first embodiment of the torque increasing device.

[0050] A conical flux diverting plate 30 is visible between the first and second magnet sets 16, 26. The shape of the conical flux diverting plate 30 maintains a consistent distance between itself and the magnet sets 16 / 26 to fully divert any magnetic field emanating from the bottom half of the magnet sets 16 / 26.

[0051] The smallest rotor magnetic gap 44 is visible at the ends where the first and second rotatable assemblies 10, 20 are closest together, and the largest rotor magnetic gap 46 is visible at the ends where the assemblies 10 / 20 are furthest apart.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 , showing a vertical cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a torque increasing device.

[0053] The first rotor 14 is shown as a single magnet set 18 formed from outer magnets 220 , inner magnets 222 , and a center magnet 224 .

[0054] Outer magnets 220 are oriented S in, N out, inner magnets 222 are oriented S out, N in, and center magnet 224 is oriented S up and N down. This Halbach arrangement concentrates the magnetic field to the second rotor 24, which has a similar but oppositely oriented set of magnets 28.

[0055] Continuous flux lines 230 connect the two magnet sets 18 / 28, which attract each other.

[0056] In contrast, the magnet sets 18 / 28 separated by the tapered flux diverting plates 30 are unable to interact. The tapered flux diverting plates 30 bend the flux lines, creating diverted flux lines 232, thereby preventing the magnet sets 18 / 28 from interacting and creating unbalanced forces.

[0057] Also noteworthy is the magnet and plate gap 48, or the space between the conical flux diverting plate 30 and the associated magnet set 18 / 28.

[0058] refer to Figure 4 , showing an isometric view of a second embodiment of a torque increasing device.

[0059] In a second embodiment, the two rotors are combined into a single rotor with outward facing magnets, with fixed magnets on either side.

[0060] The torque increasing device 1 is shown installed as part of a system for operating a load.

[0061] The drive 110 , shown as an electric motor, is connected via a coupling 112 to a shaft 114 , which is connected to a pulley 118 , which is connected to a second pulley 118 via a belt 120 , thereby running a load 122 .

[0062] The drive 110 is any source of rotational energy, such as an electric motor, a gasoline engine, a wind turbine, etc.

[0063] Load 122 is a pump, compressor, or any other load that inputs rotational energy.

[0064] The shaft 114 is shown supported by a bearing housing 116 .

[0065] The rotating assembly 130 of the torque increasing device 1 is placed between the two static assemblies 150. By varying the angle of the static assemblies 150, an unbalanced magnetic force is generated while maintaining a straight axis 114. Thus, the mechanical simplicity of a straight axis is achieved while maintaining the advantages of the first embodiment.

[0066] refer to Figure 5 , showing a side view of a second embodiment of a torque increasing device.

[0067] The torque increasing device 1 includes a rotating assembly 130 having a rotor 132 . The rotor 132 includes a first face 134 having a first set of magnets 136 and a second face 138 having a second set of magnets 140 .

[0068] On either side of the rotor 132 is a static assembly 150 having a plate 152. The plate 152 has an upper set of magnets 156 and a lower set of magnets 158 on its inner face 154. In this second embodiment, the upper set of magnets 156 is configured to attract magnets on the rotor, and the lower set of magnets 158 is configured to repel them. Thus, the rotor 132 rotates into the top of the figure and out of the bottom, as shown by the direction of rotation 218.

[0069] In other embodiments, the polarity of the upper and lower magnet sets 156, 158 are swapped, or one magnet set is removed entirely. The latter option will be discussed more fully below.

[0070] refer to Figure 6 , showing a detailed view of the rotor of a second embodiment of a torque increasing device.

[0071] Rotating assembly 130 includes a rotor 132 having a visible second face 138 and a second magnet set 140 .

[0072] The second magnet set 140 includes individual magnet groups 28, each group 28 including an outer magnet 220 and an inner magnet 222. Although the center magnet 224 can be a discrete magnet, in this figure the rotor 132 is ferrous and serves as the center magnet 224.

[0073] Static assembly 150 is shown having plate 152 with upper and lower magnet sets 156 and 158 visible on inner face 154 .

[0074] This embodiment includes a plate gap 160 for easy removal of the plate 152 from around the shaft 114 (see Figure 3 Given the distance between the rotating assembly 130 and the static assembly 150 at their maximum separation, the lack of magnets across the plate gap 160 has little effect on the operation of the device.

[0075] refer to Figure 7 , showing a top view of a rotor of a second embodiment of a torque increasing device.

[0076] Central rotating assembly 130 is shown in rotational direction 218 .

[0077] On either side is a static assembly 150 .

[0078] The angle of the rotor relative to the stationary plate 174 creates a minimum magnetic gap 170 at one end and a maximum magnetic gap 172 at the opposite end.

[0079] See also Figure 8 , showing a side view of a third embodiment of a torque increasing device.

[0080] In this third embodiment of the torque increasing device 1, the upper magnet set 156 remains positioned to attract relative to the rotating assembly 130, but the lower magnet set 158 is removed. By removing the lower magnet set 158, interaction with the rotating assembly 130 is prevented during the second half of the rotation of the rotating assembly 130.

[0081] refer to Figure 9 , showing an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a torque increasing device.

[0082] The rotating assembly 130 and the static assembly 150 are shown as being constructed using arc-shaped magnets rather than individual magnets. Thus, the outer magnet 220, the inner magnet 222, and the center magnet 224 are long arc-shaped magnets rather than discrete magnets. Due to the more uniform magnetic field, the resulting operation can be smoother.

[0083] Equivalent elements may be substituted for the elements described above so that they perform in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same results.

[0084] It is believed that the described systems and methods and their many attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description. It should also be understood that various changes in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages. The forms described herein are merely exemplary and illustrative embodiments thereof. The appended claims are intended to cover and encompass such variations.

Claims

1. A device for generating torque in a rotating system, comprising: a first rotating disk having a first plurality of magnets on a first side; A second rotating disk having a second plurality of magnets on a second face, wherein: The first surface is angled relative to the second surface; The angle is greater than zero degrees but less than ninety degrees, so that the orientation of the first rotating disk and the second rotating disk is between parallel and perpendicular; and the angle causing a non-uniform interaction between the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets; a magnetic flux deflection plate, the magnetic flux deflection plate being located between the first rotating disk and the second rotating disk, wherein: The flux deflection plate is made of ferrous material; The flux diverting plate has a conical shape; The flux diverting plate has a first surface and a second surface, wherein: the first surface being separated from the first plurality of magnets by a first plate gap measured perpendicularly from the first surface; The first plate gap is consistent regardless of the position of the first rotating disk; the second surface being separated from the second plurality of magnets by a second plate gap measured perpendicularly from the second surface; The second plate gap is consistent regardless of the position of the second rotating disk; and The flux diverting plate blocks only a portion of the first plurality of magnets from interacting with the second plurality of magnets, thereby generating an unbalanced magnetic force, wherein: Thus, the unbalanced magnetic force causes the first rotating disk and the second rotating disk to rotate, thereby generating torque.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: each magnet in the first plurality of magnets is a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet; The first magnet is oriented with its south pole facing the first rotating disk; The second magnet is oriented with its north pole facing the first rotating disk; a third magnet between the first magnet and the second magnet, the third magnet oriented with its north pole facing the first magnet and its south pole facing the second magnet; and Thus, this arrangement of the first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet generates a Halbach array, concentrating the magnetic field of the first rotating disk toward the second rotating disk.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are permanent magnets. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of magnets is a collection of discrete magnets.

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