Generator Rotor Magnetic Permeability Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools require auxiliary energy sources for components like light sources, which can be cumbersome and weight-heavy, especially in handheld tools, due to the need for mains or battery voltage supply.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a generator with a stator and rotor having regions of different magnetic permeability and geometric configurations, allowing for self-generated electrical energy independent of external power sources, enabling voltage induction for internal components like light sources without additional rectification or transformation components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a generator is integrated into the machine tool for self-powered operation, then weight and device complexity are reduced, but the reliability of power supply may be affected due to dependence on rotor movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of machine toolVSAvoidreliability of power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The generator is integrated into the machine tool by coupling the rotor to the output drive of the machine tool, merging the power generation function with the existing mechanical drive system. This eliminates the need for separate battery or mains power supplies, reducing overall weight while utilizing the existing rotational motion for reliable power generation during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine tool generates its own electrical power through the integrated generator during normal operation. The rotor, coupled to the output drive, converts mechanical energy from the machine tool's operation into electrical energy, making the system self-powered and eliminating dependence on external power sources during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If a generator with movable magnets is used, then electrical energy can be generated, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoidcomplexity of generator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing magnets on the rotating rotor, the invention inverts the traditional generator design by placing magnets on the stationary stator and using a magnetically permeable rotor. This inversion eliminates the need for movable magnets, simplifying the structure, reducing manufacturing complexity, and lowering costs while maintaining electrical energy generation capability through magnetic flux changes during rotor movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Power

If regions with different magnetic permeability are used in the rotor, then voltage induction efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage induction efficiencyVSAvoidprecision of rotor configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor is designed with regions of different magnetic permeability (first and second regions) to optimize magnetic flux distribution and voltage induction efficiency in different areas. This local differentiation of material properties allows tailored magnetic characteristics in specific rotor zones, improving overall power generation efficiency while the patent acknowledges the need for corresponding manufacturing precision to achieve the desired geometric configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides a lightweight, space-saving, and cost-effective energy source for machine tool components, allowing for continuous illumination and simplified integration into existing or new tools, with the ability to indicate operational states through light signals.

Implementation Method 1

During a movement of the rotor relative to the stator, the position of the first and second regions of the rotor with respect to the stator changes continuously. As a result, the magnetic flux changes and a voltage in the coil of the stator is induced.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic lines of force emanating from the magnet can propagate differently. During a movement of the rotor relative to the stator, the position of the first and second regions of the rotor with respect to the stator changes continuously. As a result, the magnetic flux changes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8710686B2Machine tool with an electrical generator for passive power generation
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US8710686B2 patent drawing
  • US8710686B2 patent drawing
  • US8710686B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A machine tool with a generator for generating electrical power is disclosed. The generator has a rotor and a stator. A coil and a magnet are arranged on the stator. The rotor is capable of moving relative to the stator and has a first region and a second region. The rotor is configured in such a way that, during a movement of the rotor relative to the stator, a magnetic flux in the coil is changed due to differences between the first and second regions in terms of their magnetic permeability and/or in terms of their geometric configuration, and an electrical voltage is induced.