Eddy Current Brake Magnet Array with Variable Flux Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eddy current brakes face challenges in providing a variable braking effect due to their design, which is dependent on relative speed, and existing solutions either compromise on braking strength or introduce unwanted transverse forces and torques when attempting to adjust the braking force.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic flux density of the braking field magnets is altered by changing the magnetic flux conditions in the magnet carrier, allowing for adjustable braking without modifying the air gaps or positions of the magnets, using movable components to adjust the ferromagnetic mass and air gaps within the magnet carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the braking effect of an eddy current brake is made variable by moving parts of the induction arrangement out of the effective area, then the braking effect can be weakened during lifting, but this requires additional space for movement and compromises the braking strength
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet arrangement is divided into multiple magnet modules that can be independently moved along the sequence axis. By selectively positioning individual magnet modules, the braking effect can be varied without requiring large movement spaces or compromising overall braking strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet modules are made movable relative to the induction arrangement along the sequence axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the braking effect. This enables the braking force to be adapted to different operational phases (fall vs. lifting) while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If gaps are provided in the induction loop to allow movable parts to be shifted, then the induction loop can be adjusted, but this weakens the induction loop and reduces the braking effect
Solution Approach 1:
The induction arrangement is segmented into multiple induction elements that can be independently positioned. This allows adjustment of the induction loop configuration without creating gaps that would weaken the overall structure, as each segment maintains its integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the magnet arrangements are moved relative to each other to switch between maximum and minimum braking force, then the braking effect can be adjusted, but this creates asymmetric residual magnetic fields that cause lateral forces and torques
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet modules are arranged and positioned symmetrically with respect to the induction arrangement. This symmetric configuration ensures that residual magnetic fields are distributed evenly, canceling out lateral forces and torques while still allowing the braking effect to be adjusted by moving the magnet modules along the sequence axis.
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
This approach enables a variable braking effect without compromising the structural integrity or increasing transverse forces, allowing for efficient and controlled braking in eddy current brakes.
Implementation Method 1
Eddy current brakes – also known as 'induction brakes' – generate a braking force between their moving components: the magnet assembly and the induction assembly
Implementation Method 2
Eddy current brakes – also known as 'induction brakes' – generate a braking force between their moving components
Data Source
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AI summary
Eddy current brake magnet arrangement (22), comprising an at least partially ferromagnetic magnet carrier (26) which carries along a sequence axis (F) a plurality of brake field magnets (28) arranged one behind the other with alternating polarization directions orthogonal to the sequence axis (F) and parallel to each other, wherein the magnet carrier (26) extends from a magnet side (26a) closer to the brake field magnets (28) in the direction away from the brake field magnets (28) and wherein the brake field magnets (28) each extend between a carrier side (28b) closer to the magnet carrier (26) and an induction side (28a) further away from the magnet carrier (26), wherein the induction side (28a) faces an induction area (34) into which the magnetic field of the brake field magnets (28) emanating from the induction side (28a) acts, characterized in thatthat the eddy current brake magnet arrangement (22) comprises magnetic flux-changing means (52) for changing its braking effect, which are configured to change at least one magnetic flux condition in a region (64) of the eddy current brake magnet arrangement (22) extending from the induction side (28a) and towards the magnet carrier (26), in order to thereby change the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field emanating from the braking field magnets (28) in the induction region (34).