Magnetic Propulsion Unit With Inclined Field Axis for Low-Loss Thrust

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing propulsion systems rely on friction and physical mass separation, leading to inefficiencies and high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic field propulsion unit utilizing a support structure, magnetic field generating device, energy supply unit, and control unit to generate a drive force by varying current in an external magnetic field, with the central axis of the device inclined relative to the magnetic field lines, and optionally using a second magnetic field source to compensate for parasitic turning forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If friction-based propulsion systems are used (wheels, propellers), then the object can be moved effectively, but energy dissipation losses increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissipation lossesVSAvoidpropulsion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical friction-based propulsion systems with a magnetic field-based propulsion system. The magnetic field generating device creates a magnetic field that interacts with the external magnetic field to produce a reaction force, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and friction, thereby reducing energy dissipation losses while maintaining propulsion effectiveness

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If mass separation propulsion systems are used (rockets, ion drives), then propulsion force is generated, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpropulsion force
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mass separation-based propulsion with magnetic field interaction-based propulsion. Instead of accelerating and ejecting mass (propellant), the system uses a magnetic field generating device to create a magnetic field that interacts with the external magnetic field, producing a reaction force through electromagnetic interaction rather than mass ejection, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining propulsion force

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the propulsion system and the external environment. The magnetic field generating device creates a magnetic field that acts as a mediator to interact with the external magnetic field, transferring momentum and generating propulsion force without direct mechanical contact or mass ejection, thus improving energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the magnetic field generating device is aligned parallel or perpendicular to magnetic field lines, then the configuration is simplified, but parasitic turning forces are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparasitic turning forcesVSAvoiddevice configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetric positioning of the magnetic field generating device by inclining its central axis at a specific angle (between 0° and 90°, excluding 45°) relative to the magnetic field lines. This asymmetric configuration prevents the generation of parasitic turning forces that would occur with symmetric parallel or perpendicular alignment, while the control system manages the resulting configuration complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Force

If varying current is supplied to the magnetic field generating device, then propulsion force is generated, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion forceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control by supplying varying current to the magnetic field generating device. The control system dynamically adjusts the current magnitude and timing to generate the required propulsion force while managing the interaction with the external magnetic field. This dynamic approach enables force generation but increases control system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes periodic action by supplying varying current in controlled cycles to the magnetic field generating device. The current is varied periodically to generate propulsion force through repeated magnetic field interactions, and the control system manages this periodic operation to achieve desired propulsion while handling the associated control complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Reduces dissipation losses and increases efficiency by generating propulsion forces through magnetic interactions, minimizing rotational motion and optimizing linear movement.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generating device (10) attached to the support structure (5) and configured to generate a magnetic field (12) in interaction with the external magnetic field (100) so as to produce a drive force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250286480A1Magnetic field propulsion unit
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 TOMORROWS MOTION GMBH
  • US20250286480A1 patent drawing
  • US20250286480A1 patent drawing
  • US20250286480A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A magnetic field propulsion unit generates a drive force when being arranged in an external magnetic field. The magnetic field propulsion unit includes a support structure, a magnetic field generating device attached to the support structure and configured to generate a first magnetic field, an energy supply unit, and a control unit. The energy supply unit provides the magnetic field generating device with electrical energy. The control unit controls the energy supply unit so that the energy supply unit supplies energy to the magnetic field generating device. The control unit supplies varying current to the magnetic field generating device. The magnetic field generating device has a central axis and is arranged in the external magnetic field such that the central axis is inclined with respect to magnetic field lines of the external magnetic field at an angle different from 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°.