Eddy Current Brake With Movable Permanent Magnets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic levitation vehicles require significant electrical energy to activate eddy current brakes, leading to increased weight, space requirements, and maintenance needs due to the need for high electrical currents.
Innovation Solution
The use of permanent magnets that can be moved from an inactive to an active position using pretensioned springs, reducing the energy required for activation and allowing for flexible braking force adjustment through rotational positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high electrical currents are used to activate the eddy current brake, then the braking force is sufficient, but the electrical energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magnet arrangement movable rather than stationary. The magnet arrangement can be positioned close to the guide rail during braking to generate sufficient eddy currents and braking force, then moved away during normal operation to minimize electrical energy consumption. This dynamic positioning allows the system to achieve high braking force when needed while consuming minimal energy during normal travel.
2Reliability
If batteries with considerable storage capacities are provided for brake activation, then the eddy current brake can be activated, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic positioning of the magnet arrangement to reduce the energy storage requirement. By positioning the magnets close to the guide rail only when braking is needed, the system can use smaller batteries or alternative energy storage devices, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining reliable brake activation capability.
3Reliability
If conventional eddy current brakes are installed, then braking function is provided, but the space required in the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the multi-functionality principle by using the existing guide rail structure to serve dual purposes: guiding the vehicle during normal operation and serving as the reaction surface for the eddy current brake. The magnet arrangement, when positioned close to the guide rail, generates eddy currents in the same guide rail that provides guidance, eliminating the need for separate brake infrastructure and reducing space requirements.
4Reliability
If conventional eddy current brakes are installed, then braking function is provided, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces maintenance requirements by having the guide rail serve multiple functions. Since the guide rail is already a critical structural component that requires regular inspection and maintenance for guidance purposes, adding the braking function to the same component does not significantly increase overall maintenance burden. The magnet arrangement can be designed as a removable module that can be easily replaced or maintained without affecting the guide rail infrastructure.
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 solution minimizes electrical energy consumption for eddy current brake activation, reduces weight and space requirements, and allows for flexible braking force adjustment, making the system more economical and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
As a result, eddy currents are generated in the reaction rail when braking, which, depending on the speed of the magnetic levitation vehicle and the size of the direct current that is passed through the windings of the brake magnet assembly, brake the magnetic levitation vehicle to a greater or lesser extent.
Implementation Method 2
This third magnet arrangement interacts with an electrically conductive reaction rail, preferably with the lateral guide rail, and has a plurality of magnetic poles arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Disclosed is a vehicle comprising an eddy current brake (23) for a tracked traffic system. According to the invention, the eddy current brake (23) is composed of permanent magnets (25, 26) and is equipped with activating means which allow the permanent magnets (25, 26) to be moved from an inactive position into an active position.