Adjustable Magnetic Assembly for Gravity Simulation and Levitation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for simulating gravity in space are limited and require significant effort, and existing devices for generating magnetic forces are not flexible enough to accommodate various objects, particularly diamagnetic materials, for levitation or acceleration without friction.

Innovation Solution

A tank with a magnetic device that generates a controlled external magnetic field, inducing a magnetic moment in the fuel or object, allowing for the simulation of gravity by manipulating the magnetic field's strength and direction using movable elements, such as coils and magnets, to achieve the desired force and acceleration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic fields are used to levitate diamagnetic objects on Earth, then gravity can be compensated and objects can levitate, but the devices are not flexible enough to accommodate various objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of objects that can be levitatedVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs movable magnets that can be repositioned along the tank walls to dynamically adjust the magnetic field configuration. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to accommodate different object sizes, shapes, and magnetic properties, thereby improving versatility without requiring multiple fixed configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, distribution) by moving magnets to different positions and orientations. This parameter adjustment enables the device to adapt to various diamagnetic objects with different properties, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If rotation is generated to simulate gravity in space, then centrifugal force can be exploited, but the method is limited and requires great effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegravitational force simulationVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a magnetic field-based force generation system. Instead of rotating the entire spacecraft or tank to generate centrifugal force, movable magnets create direct magnetic forces on diamagnetic propellant, eliminating complex mechanical rotation while achieving the same gravitational simulation effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses adjustable magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution, direction) to simulate different gravitational conditions without mechanical rotation. By changing magnet positions and field characteristics, various gravity levels can be achieved, simplifying the operation compared to rotational methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables flexible simulation of gravity for different objects, including diamagnetic materials, allowing for levitation and acceleration with minimal friction, and can be adjusted to simulate various gravitational strengths, enhancing the application in space and on Earth.

Implementation Method 1

the force of gravity acting on a (particularly diamagnetic) propellant contained in the tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiamagnetism: Diamagnetism

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic device having at least two elements movable relative to one another and configured to generate an external magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

manipulating the magnetic field's strength and direction using movable elements, such as coils and magnets, to achieve the desired force and acceleration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field manipulation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3260379B1Simulation of gravity and device for creating a force acting on an object
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP3260379B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3260379B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3260379B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

A method according to the invention serves to simulate a gravitational force acting on an object (5) in space. It comprises inducing a magnetic moment in the object by generating an external magnetic field in the object's vicinity. A device (200, 300) according to the invention serves to generate a force acting on an object (5). The device comprises a magnetic assembly for generating an external magnetic field in the object's vicinity and thus for inducing a magnetic moment in the object. The magnetic assembly has at least two elements (220, 230, 240, 310, 310', 320, 320') that are movable relative to each other for adjusting the external magnetic field.