Compact Magnetic Bearing with Shielded PWM Amplifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic bearing systems face challenges in achieving compact designs suitable for machinery with rotating shafts, particularly in applications requiring low mechanical wear, no lubrication, high rotational speeds, and low frictional losses, while maintaining stability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of a compact magnetic bearing system comprising electromagnets, sensors, and electronic controls, with radial and thrust bearings that use pulse-width modulated amplifiers to efficiently transfer electrical energy, and include touchdown rings for protection during non-operation, allowing for close proximity of amplifiers and electromagnets to minimize electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If magnetic bearing systems are designed to be compact, then the system size is reduced, but electromagnetic interference increases due to closer proximity of amplifiers and electromagnets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic shielding as an intermediary element between amplifiers and electromagnets. This shielding structure acts as a mediator that blocks or redirects electromagnetic interference while allowing the compact physical arrangement to be maintained, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and electromagnetic interference reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If amplifiers are placed in close proximity to electromagnets, then the system becomes more compact, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance between amplifiers and electromagnetsVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic shielding structures are positioned between amplifiers and electromagnets to block electromagnetic interference. This allows the amplifiers to remain in close proximity to electromagnets for compactness while the shielding acts as a protective intermediary that prevents harmful electromagnetic fields from affecting sensitive components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If magnetic bearing systems operate at high rotational speeds, then productivity increases, but mechanical wear and frictional losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational speedVSAvoidfrictional losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact bearings with magnetic bearing technology that uses electromagnetic fields for support and positioning. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact between moving parts, thereby eliminating frictional losses and mechanical wear while enabling operation at high rotational speeds without the energy losses associated with mechanical friction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If magnetic bearing systems operate at high rotational speeds, then productivity increases, but mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational speedVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical bearings that rely on physical contact are replaced with magnetic bearing systems using electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear by removing direct contact between moving parts, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the capability to operate at high rotational speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration results in a compact, efficient magnetic bearing system that supports rotating machinery with low frictional losses and mechanical wear, capable of high rotational speeds, and operates effectively in harsh environments with reduced electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic bearing can comprise a plurality of electromagnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of position sensors disposed between a corresponding pair of electromagnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic sensing:

Implementation Method 3

The magnetic bearing can comprise a plurality of pulse width modulated amplifiers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse-width modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP2064802B1Magnetic bearing

Publication Date: 2012.08.15 SYNCHRONY INC

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AI summary

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system, which can comprise a radial magnetic bearing static portion. The radial magnetic bearing static portion can comprise a plurality of electromagnets. The radial magnetic bearing static portion can comprise a plurality of pulse width modulated amplifiers, each of which can be adapted to provide electrical energy.to a corresponding electromagnet of the plurality of electromagnets.