Magnet Array Flux Enhancement via Segmented Asymmetric Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Halbach magnetic arrays only achieve a magnetic flux enhancement of up to 1.4 times that of a bar magnet, which is not sufficient for applications requiring higher magnetic field confinement and efficiency, such as heavy lifting equipment and electric motor designs.
Innovation Solution
A novel magnet array configuration with a center magnet block and aligned sub-magnet blocks, allowing for a significant increase in magnetic flux by adjusting the orientation and size of the sub-magnets, resulting in a more concentrated and variable magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional Halbach magnetic array is used, then the magnetic field is confined to one side with enhancement up to 1.4 times that of a bar magnet, but the magnetic flux enhancement is insufficient for applications requiring higher magnetic field confinement and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic array is divided into multiple magnet blocks arranged in a specific pattern around a central axis. Each block contributes to the overall magnetic flux by being oriented at specific angles, creating a segmented structure that enhances the cumulative magnetic effect while maintaining field confinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet blocks are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the central axis, with each block positioned at a specific angular offset. This asymmetric arrangement creates a unidirectional magnetic flux enhancement while minimizing stray fields in other directions, achieving both higher flux and better confinement efficiency.
2Force
If the number of magnet blocks in the array is increased, then the magnetic flux enhancement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each magnet block in the array is oriented with a specific local quality - a particular angular orientation relative to the central axis. This local orientation variation allows the system to achieve cumulative flux enhancement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each block's specific orientation contributes uniquely to the total magnetic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple magnet blocks are merged into a single functional array structure that operates as a unified magnetic system. The blocks are positioned and oriented to work together, combining their individual magnetic contributions into a cohesive flux pattern that enhances the total magnetic output without requiring each block to be independently controlled or complex in itself.
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 novel magnet array achieves a higher percentage gain in magnetic flux compared to traditional Halbach arrays, enhancing magnetic field confinement and efficiency, suitable for applications like fork lifts, cranes, and electric motors, and potentially replacing conventional magnets in devices that produce or transmit electricity.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of magnet blocks is permanently magnetized and has an equivalent north pole. The magnet blocks are arranged and oriented such that their equivalent north poles point substantially toward the central axis of the magnet array, thereby concentrating magnetic flux along the central axis.
Implementation Method 2
Generally a Halbach array is an arrangement of permanent magnets that can augment the magnetic field on one side of the Halbach array while canceling the magnetic field to near zero or substantially near zero on the other side of the Halbach array.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the invention generally relate to a novel magnet arrangement to further enhance the performance of the array. The new arrangement of magnets (for example, five configurations) can result in significantly much higher percentage gain in magnetic flux with respect to the largest magnetic flux of a component magnet, as compared to Halbach array configurations.