Magnetic Wheel Generator Layout for Protected Transport Platforms

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport devices with integrated energy generators are prone to damage from the transported objects or persons, and the positioning of these generators reduces the capacity for carrying objects or persons, particularly the standing area for a person.

Innovation Solution

A transport device with a drive element comprising two or more drive magnets and an output element with fewer magnets, utilizing a non-magnetic shielding element to alter the magnetic field, which allows for the generation of electric current without exposing the energy-generating components to damage and optimizes space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the energy generator is integrated into the transport device, then electric energy can be generated, but the generator is exposed to damage by the transported object or person and the standing area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric energy generationVSAvoidgenerator protection from damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The energy generation system is segmented into separate functional components: drive magnets attached to the rolling device, output magnets on a rotatable output element, and stator windings in a stationary housing. This segmentation allows the generator components to be distributed throughout the transport device structure rather than concentrated in one vulnerable location, protecting them from damage while maintaining energy generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The energy generation components are nested within the existing structural elements of the transport device. The drive magnets are integrated into the rolling device, the output element is nested within the housing, and the stator windings are positioned within the housing structure. This nesting utilizes the existing structural framework to protect and house the generator components without requiring additional external structures that would reduce standing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the energy generator is integrated into the transport device, then electric energy can be generated, but the standing area for transporting a person is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric energy generationVSAvoidstanding area
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework of the transport device, houses the stator windings for energy generation, and defines the standing area boundaries. By making the housing multi-functional, the design eliminates the need for separate dedicated spaces for energy generation components, thereby maximizing the standing area while maintaining full energy generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The energy generation system utilizes the vertical and radial dimensions of the rolling device and housing structure rather than occupying horizontal floor space. Drive magnets are positioned on the rolling device circumference, output magnets are arranged radially on the output element, and stator windings are positioned vertically within the housing. This dimensional arrangement generates energy without encroaching on the horizontal standing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional generator components are used, then electric current can be generated, but mechanical friction increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric current generationVSAvoidmechanical friction
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical generator system with physical contact between rotating and stationary components is replaced with a magnetic field-based system. Drive magnets on the rolling device create a rotating magnetic field that interacts with output magnets on the output element through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces, eliminating the need for mechanical bearings, shafts, and direct physical contact. This substitution dramatically reduces mechanical friction and energy loss while maintaining efficient electric current generation.

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

The solution enables efficient and reliable electric current generation with minimal mechanical friction, maintaining the structural integrity of the device and preserving space for objects or persons, achieving over 90% efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

At least one non-magnetic shielding element (5) is provided for altering the alignment of a magnetic field disposed between the drive element and the output element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

At least one stator winding (8) is disposed, in which the output element (7) can be rotated about an axis of rotation for generating electric current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12191750B2Transport device for transporting at least one object and/or one person
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 HENK BV
  • US12191750B2 patent drawing
  • US12191750B2 patent drawing
  • US12191750B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transport device can be moved over a floor in order to transport at least one object and/or one person by means of at least one rolling device (3). A drive element (4) can be rotated at least indirectly using the rolling device (3). The drive element (4) comprises at least two drive magnets (12). An output element (7) is provided which has at least two output magnets (15). The number of drive magnets (12) differs from the number of output magnets (15). At least one non-magnetic shielding element (5) is provided in order to change the orientation of a magnetic field located between the chive element (4) and the output element (7). The output element (7) can be rotated. At least one stator winding (8) is arranged in which the output element (7) can be rotated about an axis of rotation (11) in order to generate electric current.