Magnetically Coupled Wheels Torque Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical systems that rely on physical engagement between rotating members suffer from issues like jamming, particle interference, lubrication loss, and frictional wear, particularly in environments with deleterious components, and require complex seals and gearing structures, which are costly and impractical for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically coupled system where rotating members interact through magnetic fields without physical contact, using a driving rotational object with alternating magnets to rotate a driven object, allowing for torque and speed transfer without toothed gears or lubricants, and functioning across distances or through barriers like hulls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If physical engagement between rotating members is used, then torque transfer is achieved, but frictional wear and jamming occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based torque transfer system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are arranged on the rotating member to create a magnetic field that couples with magnets on the stationary member, enabling torque transfer without physical contact. This substitution eliminates frictional wear and jamming while maintaining effective torque transmission.
2Power
If toothed gears are used for torque transfer, then speed and torque can be changed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex toothed gear structures with a simpler magnetic coupling system. By arranging magnets in specific patterns on rotating and stationary members, the system achieves speed and torque transformation through magnetic field interactions alone, eliminating the need for intricate gearing mechanisms.
3Power
If physical contact between rotating members is used, then torque is transmitted, but lubrication is required and lubrication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the lubrication-dependent mechanical contact system with a contactless magnetic coupling system. Magnets on the rotating member interact with magnets on the stationary member through a magnetic field, transmitting torque without physical contact. This eliminates the need for lubrication entirely, preventing lubrication loss and the associated maintenance issues.
4Reliability
If seals and stuffing boxes are used for propulsion systems, then water tightness is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex sealed propulsion system with a magnetic coupling system that allows the rotating member to pass through the hull without physical penetration. The magnetic field couples the rotating member on one side of the hull with the stationary member on the other side, maintaining water tightness while eliminating the need for complex seals and stuffing boxes.
5Ease of operation
If mechanical gear trains are used, then rotation direction can be changed, but frictional losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-prone mechanical gear trains with a magnetic coupling system. By strategically positioning magnets on the rotating and stationary members, the system achieves rotation direction control through magnetic field interactions alone, eliminating the frictional energy losses inherent in mechanical gear contact.
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 eliminates frictional losses and the need for physical engagement, enabling efficient rotation and torque transfer in diverse environments, including dusty and wet conditions, without the complexity and cost of traditional gear systems.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetically coupled system where rotating members interact through magnetic fields without physical contact, using a driving rotational object with alternating magnets to rotate a driven object
Implementation Method 2
The driving rotational object passes its magnets through a first location and the driven object passes its magnets through a second location spaced from the first location, but the first and second locations are within a common region where the magnetic fields of those of the respective magnets of the driving rotational object and the driven rotational object in the respective first and second locations are strong enough to have an appreciable physical effect on the other rotational object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having at least one rotatable driven object having an edge on which are disposed a series of adjacent magnets of alternating polarity and a driving object rotatable by an external motor torque and having a series of adjacent magnets of alternating polarity on a magnet supporting surface. The magnet supporting surface of the driving object is rotatable through a common region approximately centered about the point of closest approach to the magnet supporting edge of the driven object for sequentially placing magnets of the driving object in the region enveloping the effective interactive range between the two objects. The fields of magnets of opposite polarity of the driving object interact with the fields of the magnets on the driving object to effect rotation of the driven object. Disclosed are structures for torque limiting wheels, magnetic gear trains, reduction gears and ball joints, and propulsion systems for watercraft and aircraft.