Magnetic Wheel Adhesion Control Using Cancellation Electromagnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic wheels struggle to achieve a strong magnetic grip on ferromagnetic surfaces while allowing easy disengagement, necessitating the incorporation of a magnetic switch for vehicles to prevent inadvertent disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A system using cancellation electromagnets in a wheel configuration with inner and outer annular discs, where the position of isolator loops relative to magnets is adjusted to control magnetic flux, allowing for increased or decreased adhesion by isolating or interacting magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a strong magnetic field is generated to increase adhesion to the ferromagnetic surface, then the wheel grip strength is improved, but the force required to disengage the wheel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the magnetic field strength adjustable through an electromagnet system. The electromagnet can dynamically change its magnetic field strength between a first level (strong adhesion for climbing/stability) and a second level (reduced adhesion for easy disengagement), allowing the wheel to adapt its magnetic grip force based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameter by controlling the electromagnet's current. By adjusting the electrical current supplied to the electromagnet, the magnetic field strength is varied between two distinct levels, enabling transition from strong adhesion mode to easy disengagement mode without changing the physical structure of the wheel.
2Ease of operation
If a magnetic switch is incorporated to enable easy disengagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary magnetic field generator for adhesion to ferromagnetic surfaces and as the magnetic switch for controlling disengagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate magnetic switch components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet is self-regulating through electrical control. By simply adjusting the electrical current supplied to the electromagnet, the system automatically transitions between adhesion and disengagement states without requiring additional mechanical switches or complex control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively controls magnetic adhesion to ferromagnetic surfaces, enabling strong grip and easy disengagement through adjustable magnetic flux, enhancing vehicle stability and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
The first plurality of apertures are disposed adjacent to the central axial bore and are configured to retain a first plurality of magnets, wherein each of the first plurality of magnets is an electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic adhesion is the result of magnetic flux passing through the surface from the magnet north pole to the magnetic south pole of a magnet in the wheel
Implementation Method 3
a second plurality of magnets disposed in a second plurality of apertures of the inner annular disc, wherein each of the second plurality of magnets is a permanent magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement of cancellation electromagnets control magnetic adhesion of a wheel to a surface. The wheel has an inner annular disc composed of a non-magnetic material with apertures which retain electromagnets and permanent magnets, and an outer annular disc composed of a ferromagnetic material which is disposed on a side of the inner annular disc, with a non-magnetic isolator ring having curves extending in a serpentine manner. In one embodiment, the curves isolate the electromagnets from the permanent magnets. In another embodiment, the outer annular disc is rotated relative to the inner annular disc to dispose the curves of the serpentine isolator ring in a second position to allow magnetic interaction between the electromagnets and the permanent magnets to generate a second magnetic flux between the permanent magnets and the ferromagnetic surface which decreases adhesion of the wheel to the ferromagnetic surface. A method implements the system.