Intersecting Axis Magnetic Discs for Synchronous Propulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems for synchronous motors with permanent magnets on their circumference suffer from significant losses and inefficient force generation, particularly when the axes of rotation of the discs are aligned identically, leading to force components in directions other than the intended movement.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a first and second part with cone-shaped discs having permanent magnets on their circumference, where the axes of rotation intersect perpendicularly to the direction of movement, and a sword part between them, allowing for magnetic coupling that generates propulsion force through eddy currents, reducing losses and eliminating the need for additional drive motors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the axes of rotation of the discs are aligned identically, then the structure is simple, but force components arise in directions other than the intended movement and losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment of axes of rotationVSAvoidenergy losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the axes of rotation of the two discs at different angles relative to the direction of movement. Specifically, the first disc's axis is oriented at an angle α and the second disc's axis at an angle β, where α ≠ β. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the magnetic field lines from both discs combine constructively in the direction of movement while canceling out lateral force components, thereby reducing energy losses and improving propulsion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Power

If permanent magnets are placed on the circumference of discs, then propulsion force can be generated through eddy currents, but losses increase when magnets approach the sword part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion forceVSAvoidenergy losses
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the orientation angles of the disc axes (α and β) to control the interaction between the permanent magnets and the sword part. By carefully selecting these angles, the system maximizes the eddy current generation in the sword part for propulsion while minimizing the distance of approach that would cause excessive losses. This parameter optimization allows the system to generate strong propulsion force through eddy currents while keeping energy losses manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If additional drive motors are added to ensure synchronous movement of discs, then synchronous operation is achieved, but device complexity and housing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronous movementVSAvoidadditional drive motors and housing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a magnetic coupling mechanism that automatically ensures synchronous rotation of the two discs without requiring additional drive motors. The magnetic coupling connects the discs magnetically, and due to the specific angular orientations of their axes, the magnetic interaction naturally synchronizes their rotation. This self-synchronizing mechanism eliminates the need for complex additional driving devices and housing, while maintaining reliable synchronous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system achieves efficient propulsion with minimal losses, allowing for variable power transmission and self-stabilization, while maintaining synchronous movement without additional housing or effort, and enabling high efficiency and strong magnetic field generation.

Implementation Method 1

the discs each having permanent magnets on their circumference in the respective conical section, the direction of magnetization of which alternates with the next permanent magnet in the circumferential direction wherein the discs are arranged magnetically coupled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The advantage here is that the propulsion force is generated with eddy currents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

the direction of magnetization of which alternates with the next permanent magnet in the circumferential direction, in particular perpendicular to the surface of each respective conical section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2396883B1Equipment
Publication Date: 2013.04.17 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2396883B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2396883B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2396883B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Unit, comprising a first part and a second part arranged in a moveable manner relative to the first part, wherein the first part comprises a blade part extending in the movement direction, in particular an elongated blade part, wherein the second part comprises at least two rotatably mounts discs that can be driven and each have a cone-shaped section, wherein the rotational axes of the discs cross each other, wherein the cone tip or the direction of tapering of the cone-shaped sections points in the direction of the point of intersection, wherein the rotational axes are oriented perpendicular to the movement direction, wherein the blade part is arranged between the cone-shaped sections of the discs, wherein the discs at the circumference thereof comprise permanent magnets in the respective cone-shaped section, the magnetizing direction of each magnet having an alternating direction to the neighboring permanent magnet in the circumferential direction, in particular perpendicular to the surface of the respective cone-shaped section, wherein the discs are arranged in a magnetically coupled manner.