Magnetically-Coupled Torque Assist Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical springs are prone to wear and structural fatigue, leading to potential breakage and require frequent replacement, and magnetic-based coupling systems are expensive and complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically-coupled device utilizing high-energy permanent magnets with a movable rotor and stationary stator, employing elastic magnetic fields to provide spring-like mechanical and energy storage properties, allowing for torque limitation and energy conversion between kinetic and potential forms without material strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical springs are used, then energy storage and release function is provided, but wear and structural fatigue occur leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical spring system with a magnetic field-based energy storage system. The magnetic coupling device uses magnetic fields to store and release energy without mechanical contact between the rotor and stator, eliminating wear and structural fatigue while maintaining the energy storage and release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the input and output shafts. The magnetic coupling device uses magnetic fields to transmit and store energy without direct mechanical contact, preventing wear and extending service life while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If magnetic-based coupling systems are used, then efficiency is improved and maintenance costs are reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic coupling device into distinct segmented components including a stator with multiple permanent magnets, a rotor with magnetic material, and an outer housing. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while maintaining the overall magnetic coupling function and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the magnetic coupling configuration by using permanent magnets arranged in specific patterns on the stator and rotor, changing the magnetic field parameters to achieve efficient energy transfer while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to complex electromagnetic systems.
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 magnetically-coupled device offers a durable, maintenance-free solution that converts elastic potential energy to kinetic energy, retaining the benefits of conventional springs while avoiding their limitations, and provides a cost-effective alternative to complex magnetic coupling systems.
Implementation Method 1
employing elastic magnetic fields to provide spring-like mechanical and energy storage properties
Implementation Method 2
A magnetically-coupled device utilizing high-energy permanent magnets with a movable rotor and stationary stator
Implementation Method 3
employing elastic magnetic fields to provide spring-like mechanical and energy storage properties
Implementation Method 4
A magnetically-coupled device utilizing high-energy permanent magnets with a movable rotor and stationary stator
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetically-coupled torque assist apparatus includes a movable (rotor) magnet configured to rotate about a rotor magnet axis extending through the rotor magnet, and a stationary (stator) magnet. The rotor magnet and the stator magnet have a gap therebetween. There is an equilibrium state position (ESP) of the rotor magnet where forces acting on the rotor magnet are balanced such that the rotor magnet is stationary about the rotor magnet axis. And when the rotor magnet is rotated from the equilibrium state position (ESP) to an elastically stressed state position (SSP), magnetic fields of the rotor magnet and the stator magnet generate a resultant magnetic force on the movable magnet that biases the movable magnet towards the equilibrium state position. In some embodiments, the stator and rotor magnets are configured to create a Halbach-effect magnetic field bloom, which contributes to the magnetic forces.