Eddy Current Braking System Using Wheel Rim as Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eddy current braking systems for vehicles are complex and expensive to manufacture and install, and they often require multiple parts, leading to wear and maintenance issues with traditional friction brakes.
Innovation Solution
An eddy current braking system for vehicles featuring a magnetic field generating member with an annular frame and movable dipole magnets that create a magnetic field in the wheel rim, allowing for controlled eddy currents without the need for additional rotor elements, thus simplifying the system and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional friction brakes are used, then braking force is achieved through friction, but wear occurs on brake pads and disc requiring periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based braking system with an electromagnetic braking system. Electromagnets generate magnetic fields that induce eddy currents in the wheel rim, creating electromagnetic drag force without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates wear on brake components while maintaining reliable braking force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of electromagnetic induction (which normally causes energy loss) into a beneficial braking force. By inducing eddy currents in the conductive wheel rim, the system generates electromagnetic drag that provides frictionless braking, transforming what would be energy waste into useful deceleration.
2Reliability
If conventional eddy current brakes are used, then frictionless braking is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the brake rotor function with the wheel rim itself by using the wheel rim as the conductive element where eddy currents are induced. This eliminates the need for a separate brake rotor, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the system while maintaining frictionless braking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel rim serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural component of the wheel and the conductive element for electromagnetic braking. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated brake components needed, simplifying the overall system design and reducing complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional eddy current brakes are used, then braking force is generated, but manufacturing and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the braking function with existing wheel components, using the wheel rim as the eddy current conductor. This eliminates the need for manufacturing separate brake rotors and reduces installation complexity, thereby lowering overall manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining effective braking force generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel rim, being an existing component of the vehicle, serves the additional function of eddy current conduction without requiring separate dedicated brake components. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional manufacturing and installation work, lowering costs while maintaining braking performance.
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 provides a frictionless braking solution that eliminates wear on brake components, simplifies manufacturing, and allows for efficient control of braking force by adjusting the magnetic field intensity, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional braking systems.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic field generating member operable for generating a magnetic field towards the wheel rim to generate eddy current within the wheel rim upon rotation of the wheel
Implementation Method 2
magnetic field generating member operable for generating a magnetic field towards the wheel rim to generate eddy current within the wheel rim upon rotation of the wheel
Implementation Method 3
movable dipole magnets rotatably mounted to the annular frame, each movable dipole magnet being received in a corresponding receiving bore, each movable dipole magnet having a first magnetic pole, a second magnetic pole located diametrically opposite the first magnetic pole and a magnetic axis extending through the first and second magnetic poles
Data Source
AI summary
An eddy current braking system for a wheel of a vehicle, the vehicle including a chassis and the wheel being rotatably mounted to the chassis, the wheel including a wheel rim made of an electrically-conductive material and extending annularly around a wheel cavity, the system comprising: a magnetic field generating member secured to the chassis and disposed annularly within the wheel cavity and proximal to the wheel rim, the magnetizable member being operable for generating a magnetic field towards the wheel rim to generate eddy current within the wheel rim upon rotation of the wheel; and a magnetic field controller operatively connected to the magnetic field generating member for selectively controlling an intensity of the magnetic field applied by the magnetic field generating member on the wheel rim.