Magnetic Rotary-to-Linear Conversion for Hermetic Pumping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanisms for converting rotary motion to translational motion, such as slider-cranks, lead screws, and worm drives, experience friction and wear due to physical contact, which is problematic in hermetic applications like pumps, and shaft seals degrade from this contact.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically coupled rotating and translating member system using permanent magnetic poles to convert rotational motion to translational motion without physical contact, employing even integers for pole pairs to achieve reciprocating translation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If slider-crank, lead screw, or worm drive mechanisms are used to convert rotary motion to translational motion, then motion conversion is achieved, but friction and wear occur due to physical contact between components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent durabilityVSAvoidfriction and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based motion conversion mechanisms (slider-crank, lead screw, worm drive) with a magnetic coupling system. The rotating member with permanent magnets magnetically couples to the translating member, enabling motion conversion through magnetic fields rather than physical contact, thereby eliminating friction and wear between the rotating and translating components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the rotating member and translating member. The permanent magnets on the rotating member create magnetic fields that interact with the magnetically responsive material on the translating member, transmitting motion without direct physical contact and thus eliminating friction and wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If shaft seals are implemented in hermetic applications, then hermeticity is maintained, but shaft seals experience degradation due to contact between rotating and translating components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehermeticityVSAvoidshaft seal lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for shaft seals by replacing mechanical contact-based motion conversion with magnetic coupling. Since the rotating and translating members do not physically contact, there is no shaft penetration requiring seals, thus maintaining hermeticity without compromising shaft seal lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If magnetic coupling with even integers of permanent magnetic poles is used, then reciprocating translational motion is achieved without physical contact, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction and wearVSAvoidmagnetic pole configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the rotating member carries a plurality m of permanent magnetic poles and the translating member carries a plurality n of permanent magnetic poles, where m and n are even integers. This parameter constraint ensures that the magnetic coupling produces reciprocating translational motion without physical contact, balancing performance requirements with manageable device complexity

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

This method reduces friction and wear, enabling hermetic operation and reducing the need for shaft seals, suitable for applications like blood pumps and total artificial hearts.

Implementation Method 1

The rotating member and translating member are magnetically coupled. The translating member translates in response to rotation of the rotating member.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The rotating member carries a plurality m of permanent magnetic poles. The translating member carries a plurality n of permanent magnetic poles.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250352782A1Method and apparatus for converting between reciprocating translational motion and rotational motion

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 MAGVAD LLC

AI summary

Motion conversion apparatus for converting rotational motion to translational motion is described. The apparatus includes a rotating member magnetically coupled to a translating member. The translating member translates in response to rotation of the rotating member. The translating member is substantially constrained from rotational movement in one embodiment. The rotational member is substantially constrained from translational movement in one embodiment. In various embodiments, the motion conversion apparatus is incorporated to form a pumping apparatus. The pumping apparatus may be adapted for use as a heart ventricle replacement or alternatively for a total artificial heart. In one embodiment the pumping apparatus includes a deformable pumping chamber to which the translating member is coupled. In response to rotation of the rotating member, the translating member translates to deform or restore the pumping chamber causing fluid to be expelled or taken into the pumping chamber.