Electromagnetic Cycloidal Gear Assembly for Compact Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies require large external diameters to achieve equivalent torque carrying capacity, leading to space accommodations that may result in the loss of desirable features or functions, and they often lack a disengage clutch, which can cause jamming issues in aerospace applications.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically-controlled magnetic cycloidal gear assembly is developed, featuring a stator with electromagnets, an offset cam, a cycloid with permanent magnets, and cam followers, allowing for adjustable magnetic fields and freewheeling capabilities through controller-actuated electromagnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies use permanent magnets for magnetic interactions, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the external diameter becomes large to achieve equivalent torque carrying capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameter from static (permanent magnets) to dynamic (electromagnets with controllable current), enabling the same torque capacity to be achieved in a more compact configuration by actively controlling magnetic interaction strength
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet assembly serves multiple functions: generating magnetic torque for power transmission, enabling freewheeling mode by disengaging magnetic interaction, and providing controllable magnetic coupling strength, replacing what would traditionally require separate mechanical components
2Device complexity
If conventional magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies lack a disengage clutch, then the structure is simpler, but jamming issues occur in aerospace applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical disengage clutch with an electromagnetic control system that can actively disengage magnetic interactions between the cycloid and stator, providing jamming resistance without adding mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling between cycloid and stator is made dynamic and controllable through electromagnet current control, allowing the system to switch between engaged (torque transmission) and disengaged (freewheeling) states as needed
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies use fixed permanent magnets, then the manufacturing is easier, but the magnetic field cannot be adjusted for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable magnetic field strength through controllable electromagnet current, allowing the system to adapt to different torque and speed requirements while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized electromagnet components
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 solution reduces the need for large external diameters, maintains torque capacity, and enables freewheeling without jamming, improving efficiency and reliability in aerospace applications by using electromagnets to control magnetic interactions and disengage when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
either each of the first magnetic devices or each of the second magnetic devices includes a respective electromagnet configured to produce a respective magnetic field in accordance with a respective current passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
the cycloid... includes a plurality of second magnetic devices... each of the second magnetic devices includes a respective permanent magnet
Implementation Method 3
magnetic interactions between those of the magnetic pole pairs of the stator 12 and rotor 14 that are closest together depending upon the relative positioning of the stator and rotor at any given time, prevent relative 'slipping' motion between the stator and rotor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure to electromagnetically-controlled magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies and methods of operating same. In one example embodiment, such an assembly includes a stator that is concentric with respect to a primary axis of the assembly, and that includes a plurality of first magnetic devices, where each of those devices includes a respective electromagnet. Also, the assembly includes an input shaft that includes an offset cam, a cycloid mounted at least indirectly upon the offset cam, and an output hub. The cycloid is eccentric with respect to the primary axis and includes a plurality of second magnetic devices, and the output hub is at least indirectly rotationally coupled to the cycloid. The assembly also includes a controller coupled to each of the electromagnets by way of one or more linkages, and configured to govern at least one electric current that is passed through at least one of the electromagnets.