Eddy Current Braking with Flux Modification for Higher Retarding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking mechanisms using eddy current interactions face limitations in modifying magnetic flux density, leading to suboptimal retarding forces, particularly in applications requiring higher braking efficiency without increased wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of magnetic flux density modifying means, such as magnetic cladding, Halbach arrays, and ferro-fluids, in conjunction with conductive members to enhance eddy current drag forces, allowing for tunable and increased retarding forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If magnetic field strength is increased to improve eddy current drag force, then braking efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the magnetic flux density through various means (magnetic cladding, Halbach arrays, ferro-fluids) rather than simply increasing the overall magnetic field strength. This allows tuning of the eddy current drag force by changing the flux density parameter in the interaction region, achieving improved braking efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through controlled parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating and modifying the magnetic flux density specifically in the predetermined interaction region between the magnetic elements and conductive member. Using magnetic cladding, Halbach arrays, or ferro-fluids allows localized enhancement of flux density where it is most effective for generating eddy current drag force, rather than uniformly increasing the entire magnetic field, thus improving braking efficiency without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Force
If magnetic flux density is modified using additional components, then retarding force is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ferro-fluid as a disposable or replaceable component that can be easily applied and removed. The ferro-fluid contains magnetic particles suspended in carrier fluid that can be simply deposited onto the magnetic elements or interaction region, providing enhanced flux density without requiring permanent structural modifications or complex assembly processes, thus improving retarding force while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Device complexity
If simple magnetic pole arrangement is used, then device complexity is minimized, but magnetic flux density is insufficient for optimal braking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic cladding or ferro-fluid as an intermediary substance between the magnetic elements and the conductive member. These intermediaries modify and concentrate the magnetic flux in the interaction region, enhancing the effective flux density without requiring complex magnetic pole arrangements. The intermediary components act as flux concentrators or modifiers, achieving optimal braking performance while keeping the base magnetic structure simple.
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 the generation of significantly higher retarding forces compared to unmodified magnetic field setups, providing a flexible and efficient means to control relative movement between members while minimizing wear.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic field provided by magnetic elements causing a magnetic flux about a predetermined region
Implementation Method 2
as the at least one conductive member or a part thereof interacts with the predetermined region, eddy current drag forces are generated resisting relative movement between the at least one conductive member or a part thereof and the magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
eddy current drag forces are generated resisting relative movement between the at least one conductive member or a part thereof and the magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
at least one magnetic field provided by magnetic elements and magnetic cladding about the magnetic elements, the cladding at least partly modifying the magnetic flux about a predetermined region
Implementation Method 5
ferro-fluid located at least partly about the magnetic elements and at least one conductor member or a part thereof thereby modifying the magnetic flux density of the predetermined region
Implementation Method 6
at least one magnetic field positioned to form a Halbach array provided by magnetic elements, the Halbach array modifying the magnetic flux about a predetermined region or regions
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are braking mechanisms and related methods of using eddy current interactions to resist relative movement between members, the magnetic flux about an eddy current region being modified beyond an inherent drag effect resulting from a simple magnetic pole arrangement.