Eddy Current Retarder with Power Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eddy current retarders with electricity generating functions face challenges in minimizing component increase, inhibiting smooth rotation during non-braking, and simplifying conductor routing structures.

Innovation Solution

The eddy current retarder incorporates a braking member with protrusions or notch portions to align with electricity generating coils only during braking, allowing magnetic fields to fluctuate and generate electricity while maintaining smooth rotation during non-braking by eliminating unnecessary magnetic circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If magnets are continuously positioned to face the braking member for electricity generation, then electricity can be generated, but smooth rotation during non-braking is inhibited due to continuous magnetic circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity generationVSAvoidsmooth rotation during non-braking

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet retention member is configured to rotate together with the braking member during non-braking, dynamically changing the relative position between magnets and braking member. This dynamic adjustment eliminates continuous magnetic circuit formation, allowing smooth rotation without electricity generation interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic magnetic circuit formation - magnets face the braking member only during braking to generate electricity, and rotate away during non-braking. This periodic action ensures electricity generation occurs only when needed while maintaining smooth rotation during non-braking periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components (excitation coils, permanent magnets, electricity generating coils) are used for braking and electricity generation, then both functions can be achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual function of braking and electricity generationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the braking function and electricity generation function into a single integrated system. The same permanent magnets and braking member interaction that produces braking force also induce current in the electricity generating coils, eliminating the need for separate excitation coils and reducing overall component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet retention member and braking member system serves multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic braking force and simultaneously generates electricity through induced current in the electricity generating coils. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 component increase, ensures smooth rotation during non-braking, and simplifies conductor routing, effectively generating braking force and electricity with reduced complexity.

Implementation Method 1

During braking, the action of magnetic fields from magnets generates eddy current on the surface of the braking member facing the magnets. This causes braking force in a direction opposite to a rotational direction on the braking member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

with relative rotation between the permanent magnet retention member and the wound coil retention member, magnetic fields from the permanent magnets penetrating the electricity generating coils fluctuate. This causes induced current to flow in the electricity generating coils, providing electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3109985B1Eddy current deceleration device equipped with power generation function

Publication Date: 2020.01.15 NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3

AI summary

An eddy current retarder with an electricity generating function includes a brake drum (1), a magnet retention ring (2), and a turning switch mechanism. The brake drum (1) is fixed to a rotating shaft (10). The magnet retention ring (2) is arranged inside the drum (1) and retains permanent magnets (3) at regular intervals entirely in a circumferential direction such that the permanent magnets (3) face the inner peripheral surface of the drum (1). The turning switch mechanism includes switch plates (4) that switch, during braking, to a state in which magnetic circuits develop between the magnets (3) and the drum (1), and switch, during non-braking, to a state in which no magnetic circuits develop. Protrusions (1c) are provided on an end face (1b) of the drum (1) at regular intervals entirely in the circumferential direction. Electricity generating coils (8) are provided in a non-rotating part of a vehicle at regular intervals entirely in the circumferential direction such that the electricity generating coils (8) face the regions of the end face (1b) of the drum (1). During braking, the positions of the magnets (3) coincide with the positions of the coils (8) in the circumferential direction.