Eddy Current Drive with Asymmetric Disk Axes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems with permanent magnets on rotors suffer from significant losses and inefficient force generation due to misalignment of axes of rotation, leading to unwanted force components and reduced propulsion in the direction of movement.

Innovation Solution

A drive system comprising a sword part and two rotatably mounted, drivable disks with conical sections, where the axes of rotation intersect and are oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement, utilizing permanent magnets on the circumference of the disks with alternating magnetization, and a sword part made of conductive material to maximize eddy currents and propulsion force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the axes of rotation of the disks are aligned identically (parallel), then the structure is simpler, but losses increase and force components arise in directions other than the direction of movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment of axes of rotationVSAvoidlosses when permanent magnets approach sword part
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the axes of rotation of the two disks at different angles relative to each other, specifically such that they are not parallel. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the magnetic field lines from the permanent magnets on the disks interact with the sword part in a way that maximizes propulsive force in the direction of movement while minimizing lateral force components and energy losses. The non-parallel axis configuration creates an optimal magnetic field distribution pattern that resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Force

If the distance between permanent magnets and sword part is decreased, then propulsive force increases, but losses increase due to stronger magnetic field interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsive forceVSAvoidlosses when permanent magnets approach sword part
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing a dimensional aspect through the angular orientation of the disk axes. Instead of simply decreasing the distance between magnets and sword part, the invention utilizes the spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions - specifically the angular orientation of rotation axes - to optimize the magnetic field interaction. This dimensional approach allows the system to achieve strong propulsive force while controlling losses through geometric configuration rather than just distance adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional drive systems with parallel disk axes are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but feed force is reduced due to force components in other directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment of disksVSAvoidfeed force in direction of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately configuring the axes of rotation of the two disks at different angles rather than making them parallel. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the vector composition of magnetic forces, ensuring that the resultant force acts primarily in the direction of movement. By carefully selecting the angular orientation, the invention maximizes the feed force component while minimizing lateral force components, thereby improving productivity without excessive manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 configuration minimizes losses and ensures that the propulsive force is primarily generated in the direction of movement, achieving high efficiency and gentle driving with synchronized disk operation, while allowing for quick force adjustments and self-stabilization through concave rail profiles.

Implementation Method 1

the propulsive force is generated with eddy currents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

By means of the orientation of the axes of rotation of the disks, losses when the permanent magnets approach the sword part can be reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the disks each having permanent magnets on their circumference in the respective conical section, the direction of magnetization of which is alternating with the permanent magnet next to it in the circumferential direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

the major part of the feed force is generated tangentially to the direction of movement of the respective permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2396875B1Installation
Publication Date: 2014.06.11 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2396875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2396875B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2396875B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an installation comprising a first part and a second part (3, 4) that can be moved in relation to said first part (5). The first part (5) has a strut-type part that extends in the direction of movement and is in particular elongated and the second part comprises at least two rotatably mounted discs (3, 4) that can be driven, each disc having a conical section and the rotational axes of the discs intersecting (3, 4). The tip of the cone or taper direction of the conical sections faces the intersection point and the rotational axes run perpendicular to the direction of movement. The strut-type part (5) is positioned between the conical sections of the discs (3, 4) and each disc (3, 4) has permanent magnets (20, 21) around its circumference in each conical section, the direction of magnetisation of each of said magnets pointing in an alternate direction to the direction of magnetisation of the neighbouring permanent magnet (20, 21) in the circumferential direction and in particular perpendicular to the surface of each conical section.