Train Rotator with Permanent Magnet for Stable Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The vertical movement of a train's bogie frame and wheel turning operations alter the positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the wheel, compromising power generation performance in non-contact power generators used in trains.
Innovation Solution
A train equipped with a rotator having a permanent magnet that rotates due to Lorentz force, ensuring a constant facing area with the wheel, and a control unit to maintain this position, even during vertical movement, along with a power generating unit to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, and an antilock brake control unit using the generated electric energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the permanent magnet is mounted to the bogie frame at a distance from the wheel to avoid contact, then the non-contact power generation function is achieved, but the positional relationship between the permanent magnet and the wheel changes due to vertical movement of the bogie frame and wheel turning operations, compromising power generation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the permanent magnet rotatable around its rotation axis. The rotator unit allows the permanent magnet to dynamically adjust its position and maintain a stable facing area with the wheel despite vertical movements of the bogie frame or changes in wheel outer diameter due to turning operations. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining non-contact operation and ensuring stable power generation performance.
2Power
If the permanent magnet is positioned close to the wheel to maximize power generation, then the facing area is increased, but contact between the permanent magnet and the wheel occurs, causing wear and requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the functional components into separate units: the permanent magnet is mounted on a rotator unit that is independently adjustable, while the wheel rotates on its own axis. This segmentation allows the permanent magnet to maintain an optimal non-contact distance from the wheel surface, maximizing power generation through magnetic induction without causing contact wear. The rotator unit enables precise positioning to maintain the optimal gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the permanent magnet and the wheel with a non-contact magnetic field interaction. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the wheel, which in turn generates rotational force without physical contact. This substitution of mechanical contact with electromagnetic interaction eliminates wear while maintaining power generation capability.
3Device complexity
If the permanent magnet is fixed in position to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the facing area with the wheel changes during vertical movement and wheel turning, affecting power generation stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the rotator unit, which enables the permanent magnet to automatically adjust its own position in response to changes in the relative position between the bogie frame and the wheel. The rotator unit allows the permanent magnet to self-correct its facing area with the wheel during vertical movements or wheel turning operations, maintaining stable power generation without requiring complex external control systems or additional actuators.
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 configuration secures stable power generation performance and enables antilock brake control, reducing the need for long power cables and enhancing reliability by maintaining optimal positioning of the rotator relative to the wheel.
Implementation Method 1
a rotator (2) disposed to face a wheel (5) without contact and including a permanent magnet (11) that rotates around a rotation axis by Lorentz force generated according to a rotation direction of the wheel (5)
Implementation Method 2
a power generating unit for converting kinetic energy produced by rotation of the first rotating body into electric energy
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
One object is to secure desired power generation performance in spite of the vertical movement of the bogie frame and the wheel turning operation. A train 1 includes: a wheel 5; a rotator 2 disposed to face a wheel without contact and including a permanent magnet that rotates around a rotation axis by Lorentz force generated according to a rotation direction of the wheel; and a power generating unit for converting kinetic energy produced by rotation of the rotator into electric energy.