Vibrating Magnet Antenna for Earth Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic systems for generating strong magnetic fields are often large, heavy, and interfere with nearby equipment, making them inefficient and impractical for compact applications, especially in environments like the earth and ocean where traditional radio-frequency and microwave communications are hindered.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating magnet array with a Y-configured stator assembly and a magnetic shuttle generates low-frequency oscillating magnetic fields, utilizing oscillating permanent magnets and an electrically tunable ferromagnetic coupler to create a compact and energy-efficient system that can penetrate challenging environments, and includes a controller for modulating the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional electromagnets or permanent magnets are used to generate strong magnetic fields, then the magnetic field strength is improved, but the device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by oscillating a permanent magnet at resonant frequencies to generate strong magnetic fields. The magnet is mechanically vibrated using a driver mechanism that moves it back and forth between pole pieces, creating time-varying magnetic fields without requiring large electromagnets. This vibration-based approach generates intense magnetic fields in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by oscillating the permanent magnet at specific frequencies (including low frequencies like 19 Hz and higher frequencies up to several kHz). The magnet undergoes periodic motion between magnetic pole pieces, creating alternating magnetic fields that can be tuned to desired frequencies. This periodic oscillation enables strong field generation in a compact device.
2Strength
If traditional electromagnets are used to generate strong magnetic fields, then the magnetic field strength is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromagnet systems with a simpler mechanical oscillation system. Instead of using large electromagnets with high power consumption and complex control circuits, the invention uses a permanent magnet mechanically oscillated between pole pieces. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving magnetic field strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mechanical vibration of a permanent magnet to generate magnetic fields, replacing complex electromagnet arrangements. The vibration mechanism includes a driver that oscillates the magnet between pole pieces, creating time-varying magnetic fields with simpler overall system architecture compared to traditional electromagnet-based systems.
3Speed
If traditional radio-frequency electromagnetic communications are used, then communication speed is improved, but the ability to penetrate through earth and ocean environments is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of magnetic field generation to low frequencies (e.g., 19 Hz and other sub-audio frequencies) that can penetrate through earth and ocean environments. By operating at these low frequencies rather than traditional radio frequencies, the system achieves environmental penetration capability while maintaining communication functionality through magnetic field modulation and detection.
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 system achieves a compact and energy-efficient generation of low-frequency magnetic fields that can penetrate through earth and ocean environments, enabling effective communication by modulating the magnetic field and upconverting low-frequency signals for longer distance transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of first stators and the second stator project alternating magnetic fields dependent upon the relative position of the magnetic shuttle
Implementation Method 2
The vibrating magnetic array can generate low-frequency oscillating magnetic fields in a system that is much more compact and energy efficient that competing systems using electric coils
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrating magnetic antenna for generating reversable magnetic dipoles is provided. Soft magnetic materials are used to project the magnetic field as the magnet moves linearly between soft magnetic stators arranged in a “Y” configuration. The soft magnetic stators include a nickel-iron alloy, having high magnetic permeability. Also provided is a magnetic coupling circuit for upshifting the frequency of the magnetic field.