Magnetic Wheel Load Distribution via Pneumatic Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ship cleaning methods using magnetic wheels face inefficiencies due to uneven load distribution, leading to suboptimal utilization of magnetic forces and potential detachment from non-flat ferromagnetic surfaces, requiring multiple workers and increased time for cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A load distribution apparatus with cylinder parts and passage parts that interconnect to evenly distribute the load across multiple magnetic wheels, ensuring maximal utilization of individual adsorptive forces by using fluid circuits to equalize pressure across all wheels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If multiple magnetic wheels are used to increase adsorptive force, then the adsorptive force increases, but the load distribution becomes uneven causing some wheels to detach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorptive forceVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus divides the total adsorptive force into multiple independent magnetic wheels, each equipped with its own cylinder. This segmentation allows individual load management for each wheel, preventing uneven distribution and detachment while collectively providing the required total adsorptive force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic cylinders connected via passages to distribute load evenly across multiple magnetic wheels. The pneumatic system equalizes the force applied to each wheel, ensuring reliable attachment stability while utilizing multiple wheels to maximize total adsorptive force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Force

If the volume of magnet is increased to increase magnetic force, then the magnetic force increases, but the size of the apparatus becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic forceVSAvoidmagnet volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using one large magnet, the system segments the magnetic force into multiple smaller magnets arranged in multiple wheels. This achieves the required total magnetic force while keeping individual magnet volumes small and the overall apparatus compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple small magnetic wheels to achieve the total magnetic force required, rather than using a single large magnet. This merging of multiple small components achieves the same force output with reduced individual component sizes and better spatial distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Force

If springs are used in magnetic wheels to provide force, then the magnetic wheels can be attached, but the load is not evenly distributed among wheels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorptive forceVSAvoidload distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces spring-based mechanical force distribution with a pneumatic system. The pneumatic cylinders connected through passages provide uniform pressure to all magnetic wheels, ensuring precise and even load distribution that overcomes the limitations of spring elasticity variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Force

If more than four magnetic wheels are used to maximize adsorptive force, then the adsorptive force increases, but the complexity of mounting and controlling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorptive forceVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal mounting structure where multiple magnetic wheels and their associated cylinders follow a standardized configuration. This universal design allows scalable mounting of more than four wheels without proportionally increasing complexity, as each wheel-cylinder assembly can be replicated and integrated systematically.

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

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 allows for efficient and even distribution of load across magnetic wheels, maximizing their adhesion force and preventing detachment, thereby facilitating faster and more effective ship cleaning without the need for extensive manual labor or toxic coatings.

Implementation Method 1

a passage part (200) interconnecting the plurality of cylinder parts (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure distribution: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of magnetic wheels (10) having a common rotation axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3219599B1Load distribution apparatus of magnetic wheel
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 TAS GLOBAL
  • EP3219599B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3219599B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3219599B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A load distribution apparatus of magnetic wheel, includes: a plurality of cylinder parts including one sides respectively connected to a plurality of magnetic wheels and an upper space portion and a lower space portion whose interiors do not communicate to each other; and a passage part which serves as a moving path of fluid and interconnects the plurality of cylinder parts. The passage part is configured to evenly distribute a load applied to the magnetic wheels by moving fluids in the upper space portion and the lower space portion in such a manner that the fluids are not mixed.