Rotational Coupling Non-Contact Anti-Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotational coupling devices experience noise, mechanical stress, and wear due to mechanical contact between the electromagnet assembly and the surrounding structure during rotation, which hampers their performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an anti-rotation mechanism using aligned permanent magnets on the electromagnet assembly and a fixed support structure prevents rotational movement without mechanical coupling, thereby eliminating the need for direct contact and associated issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If mechanical coupling is used to fix the electromagnet assembly against rotation, then the electromagnet assembly is held stationary, but noise and mechanical stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnet assembly rotational stabilityVSAvoidnoise and mechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system with an electromagnetic coupling system. Permanent magnets mounted on the electromagnet assembly housing interact with permanent magnets mounted on the fixed support structure through magnetic attraction forces, eliminating mechanical contact while maintaining rotational stability. This substitution removes the sources of mechanical noise and stress associated with traditional mechanical couplings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the electromagnet assembly and the fixed support structure. The permanent magnets create magnetic attraction forces that act as a non-contact mediator to hold the electromagnet assembly stationary, replacing direct mechanical contact with field-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If mechanical coupling is used to prevent rotation of the electromagnet assembly, then rotational stability is achieved, but component wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnet assembly rotational stabilityVSAvoidcomponent wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling components with an electromagnetic coupling system using permanent magnets. This eliminates mechanical contact between the electromagnet assembly and the fixed support structure, thereby eliminating wear on mechanical components while maintaining rotational stability through magnetic attraction forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic fields as a non-contact intermediary to prevent rotation of the electromagnet assembly. The magnetic attraction between permanent magnets on the electromagnet assembly and permanent magnets on the fixed support structure provides rotational stability without mechanical contact, eliminating wear and improving component reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly reduces audible noise, mechanical stress, and wear, enhancing the operational reliability and longevity of the rotational coupling device.

Implementation Method 1

at least one coupling permanent magnet configured to be mounted to an outer surface of the housing of the electromagnet assembly and aligned with at least one fixed permanent magnet mounted to a fixed support structure so as to inhibit movement of the at least one coupling permanent magnet and the electromagnet assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The coupling disc, the electromagnet assembly and the armature form an electromagnetic circuit when current is supplied to the conductor to urge the armature towards engagement with the coupling disc

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3414464B1Rotational coupling device with non-contact Anti-rotation mechanism

Publication Date: 2020.10.28 WARNER ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY LLC

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AI summary

A rotational coupling (10) includes a coupling disc (38) configured to be disposed about a shaft (12) having a rotational axis (34). An electromagnet assembly (24) on one side of the coupling disc (38) includes a housing (50) and a conductor (66) within the housing (50). An armature (26) is disposed on an opposite side of the coupling disc (38) opposite the conductor (66) and the coupling disc (38), electromagnet assembly (24) and armature (26) form an electromagnetic circuit when current is supplied to the conductor (66) to urge the armature (26) towards engagement with the coupling disc (38). An anti-rotation mechanism (32) for the electromagnet assembly (24) includes one or more coupling permanent magnets (78) and one or more fixed permanent magnets (80) configured to be mounted to an outer surface of the housing (50) of the electromagnet assembly (24) and a fixed support structure (76), respectively. The coupling and fixed permanent magnets (78; 80) are arranged to inhibit movement of the coupling permanent magnets (78) and electromagnet assembly (24) in either rotational direction about the rotational axis (34).