GB2393776A

GB2393776A - Magnetic propulsion system

Info

Publication number: GB2393776A
Application number: GB0313526A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Frederick Nedin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-10-01
Filing date: 2003-06-12
Publication date: 2004-04-07
Also published as: GB0313526D0

Abstract

Apparatus and method for propelling a body by means of the repulsion of two magnetic fields. In one embodiment, a fixed electromagnet (1) is attached to a base (5) through a connection column (11). A moveable magnet (2, 19, 18, 16) is forced to the end of a respective cylindrical tube (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) by means of centrifugal force. In the illustrated system, the tubular structure (6) is rotating and the electromagnets are retained at the end of the tubes by retainers (2). As a moving electromagnet comes into alignment with the fixed electromagnet (1), they are both energised at the same time creating magnetic fields (3) and (4), and the force induced on electromagnet (1) pushes the base (5) in a forwards direction, but the force induced on electromagnet (2) does not put any mechanical energy into the base (5) in a backwards direction, such that all or nearly all of the force is directed in the forward direction. The moveable electromagnet that has been energised will, however, have lost some of its centrifugal weight or force that has been placed within it due to centrifugal action. This, however, is replaced by the spinning action of the tubular structure.

Description

-1 Propulsion System This invention relates to a propulsion system and,

more particularly, to a method and apparatus for propelling a body using magnetic fields.

I have devised an improved system and method which utilise magnets and magnetic forces to propel a body.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for propelling a body, the apparatus comprising a first stationary electromagnet fixed or fixable to said body, at least one second electromagnet movably mounted relative to said first electromagnet between at least a first position in which said first and second electromagnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second electromagnets are not aligned, and control means for causing said first and second electromagnets to be energised at substantially the same time when said second electromagnet is in said first position such that opposing electromagnetic fields are created between said first and second electromagnets,

which electromagnetic fields create an opposing force which is translated into mechanical or

kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed electromagnet to said body causing it to move.

Also in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for propelling a body, the method comprising the steps of providing a first stationary electromagnet fixed or fixable to said body, providing at least one second electromagnet movably mounted relative to said first electromagnet between at least a first position in which said first and second electromagnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second electromagnets are not aligned, and causing said first and second electromagnets to be energised at substantially the same time when said second electromagnet is in said first position such that opposing electromagnetic fields are created between said first and second

electromagnets, which electromagnetic fields create an opposing force which is translated into

mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed electromagnet to said body causing it to move.

-2 Preferably, the at least one second electromagnet is rotationally mounted relative to the fixed electromagnet, such that as the second electromagnet rotates it comes into and out of alignment with the fixed electromagnet. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of second electromagnets, most preferably four, rotationally mounted relative to the j fixed electromagnet. Beneficially, the or each second electromagnet is a free-moving electromagnet housed and retained within a cylinder. In the case where there are four frce moving magnets, each magnet may be housed and retained In a respective tube or cylinder, the cylinders being connected together in a cross or propeller-like arrangement which is mounted on a spindle or the like and driven by an electric motor. The electromagnets may be supplied with electricity via wires or contacts connected to one or more rails connected to respective negative and positive supply points.

It will be appreciated that in the preferred arrangement described above, any force acting on the free-moving electromagnets to push them towards the centre of the propeller-like arrangement is counteracted by the centrifugal force created by rotation of the arrangement, which centrifugal force causes the free-moving electromagnets to be retained at the outer ends of the respective cylinders, where they are preferably held within the respective cylinders by retaining flanges or rims provided at or adjacent the outer ends thereof.

In fact, in accordance with a second aspect ofthe present invention, there is provided apparatus for propelling a body, the apparatus comprising a first stationary magnet fixed or fixable to said body, at least one second magnet movably mounted relative to said first magnet between at least a first position in which said first and second magnets are aligned and a second position n1 which said first and second magnets are not aligned, the first and second magnets being arranged such that in said first position, opposing magnetic fields are provided between

aligned portions of the magnets, which magnetic fields create an opposing force which is

translated into mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed magnet to said body causing it to move, said at least one second magnet being substantially free-moving within a housing which is rotationally mounted relative to said first magnet, rotational movement of said housing creating a centrifugal force which counteracts the force created by said opposing magnetic fields.

( Also in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for propelling a body, the method comprising the steps of provdmg a first stationary magnet fixed or fixable to said body, providing at least one second magnet movably mounted relative to said first magnet between at least a first position m which said first and second magnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second magnets are not aligned, and arranging the first and second magnets such that in said first position, the opposing magnetic fields are provided between aligned portions of the magnets, which magnetic fields create an

opposing force which Is translated into mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed magnet to said body causing it to move, wherein said at least one second magnet is substantially free-moving within a housing which is rotationally mounted relative to said first magnet, rotational movement of said housing creating a centrifugal force which counteracts the force created by said opposing magnetic fields.

The magnets in this case may be electromagnets, permanent magnets, or a combination of the two. It will be appreciated that the body may be on wheels, a track or free floating in space, for example. The present invention is not intended to be limited m this respect.

Embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a schematic plan view of an arrangement illustrating the principle by which the present invention operates; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a propulsion system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a schematic side, partially cross-sectional, view of the system of Figure I.

( -4 Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of the present mvcntion, in a simple form comprises a fixed electromagnet 1 which is attached to a base 5 by means of a solid, rigid column 11. Alongside the fixed magnet 1, there is disposed at least one free-moving magnet 2 which is mounted relative to the fixed magnet I so as to be rotational in a radial plane or about an axis perpendicular to the fixed magnetl (as indicated by the arrow 24 in Figure I of the drawings). The centrifugal force (indicated by the arrow 50 in Figures I and 2) generated by rotation of the free-moving magnet 2 causes the magnet 2 to be retained at the end of its travel path (closest to the fixed magnet 1).

As the magnet 2 is rotated, it moves into and out of alignment with the fixed magnet 1. As the magnet 2 becomes aligned with the fixed magnet 1, the two magnets' respective magnetic fields 3, 4 on the faces thereof are aligned. The system is arranged such that the magnetic

fields are of the same polarity. It is well known that like poles repel each other, such that the

magnetic fields repel each other, i.e. the magnetic field 4 associated with the magnet 2 pushes

against the magnetic field 3 associated with the fixed magnet 1. Because the magnet 1 is fixed

to the base 5, this pushing action is translated into kinetic or mechanical energy which pushes the base 5 along in a straight line, as illustrated by the arrow 26. Any force acting on the free-

moving electromagnet 2 is counteracted by the centrifugal force 50created by rotation thereof.

The magnets 1, 2 may be electromagnets or permanent magnets. If they are electromagnets, when the electromagnet 2 becomes aligned with the fixed electromagnet 1, the two electromagnets are preferably caused to be energised at the same time such that magnetic fields

3,4 of the same polarity are created on the faces of the aligned electromagnets 1, 2.

The above mentioned process is repeated for each revolution of the magnet 2, such that the speed of the base 5 in the direction 26 increases over a specific period of time.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, a propulsion system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a fixed magnet I which is attached to a base 5 by means of a solid, rigid column 11. Alongside the fixed magnet 1, there is disposed a propellerlike arrangement 6 consisting of four cylinders connected together substantially in the shape of a cross, as shown in Figure I of the drawings. The propeller-like arrangement 6 is mounted on a spindle 22 which is driven by an electric motor 17. Thus, the

( -s - propeller-like arrangement 6 is rotationally driven in a radial plane or about an axis perpendicular to the fixed magnet I (as indicated by the arrow 24 in Figure 3 of the drawings) by the motor 17.

The outer end of each of the cylinders 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d is provided with a rim or flange 20 which has the effect of reducing the diameter of the opening of the cylinders. Within each of the cylinders, there is disposed a respective free-moving magnet 19, 2, 18, 16. When the arrangement 6 is rotated by the electric motor 17, the magnets 19, 2, 18, 16 arc caused to move to the outer ends of the respective cylinders 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d by the resultant centrifugal force.

The magnets 19, 2, 18, 16 are, however, prevented from leaving the cylinders 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d by the respective retaining flanges 20. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the arrangement 6 causes the free-moving magnets to be pushed hard against these retaining flanges 20.

If the free-moving magnets are electromagnets, and referring in particular to Figure 2 of the drawings, each of the free-moving magnets (2, 19 and 16 illustrated in Figure 4) is supplied with electricity from rails 9, 10 which are connected to a respective positive and negative electrical supply via the base 5. Electricity is fed to the magnets via carbon brushes 8, which are disposed within respective housings 7, and loose wires 12, 13 which run from the housings 7 into the cylinders 6a, Gb, 6c, 6d and to each of the magnets 2, 19, 18, 16. The fixed magnet I if it is an electromagnet, is also supplied with electricity from the same electrical supply.

Referring back now to Figure I of the drawings, as the propeller-like arrangement 6 rotates, each ofthe free-moving magnets 2, 19, 18, 16 becomes aligned in turn with the fixed magnet 1. As each magnet 2, 19, 18, 16 becomes aligned with the fixed magnet 1, a control system (not shown) triggers the fixed magnet 1, respective magnetic fields 3, 4 on the faces thereof

are aligned. The system is arranged such that the magnetic fields 3, 4 are of the same polarity.

It is well known that like poles repel each other, such that the magnetic fields 3, 4 repel each

other. When this happens, the resultant forces created by the magnetic fields 3, 4 react against

each other, such that the magnetic field 4 created by the magnet 2 (see Figure 3) pushes against

the magnetic field 3 created by the fixed magnet I. Because the magnet I is fixed to the base,

this pushing action is translated into kinetic or mechanical energy which pushes the base 5

( -6 along in a straight line, as illustrated by the arrow 26. This pushing action does not cause the free-moving magnet 2 to move toward the centre of the propeller-like arrangement G. because any such movement is counteracted by the centrifugal force created by the rotation of the arrangement 6.

If the magnets are electromagnets, a control system (not shown) may be provided which triggers the fixed electromagnet I and the free-moving magnet currently aligned therewith to be energised at substantially the same time (by causing the two magnets to be supplied with electricity). The above action is repeated for each of the four free-moving magnets 2, 19, 18, 16 for each revolution of the arrangement 6. Thus, for each revolution of the arrangement 6, every time one ofthe free-moving magnets 2, 19, 1 8, 16 is aligned with the fixed magnet 1, the respective magnetic fields of the two aligned magnets cause the above-mentioned pushing action on the

base 5, with the result that the speed of the base 5 in the direction 26 increases over a specific period of time.

Thus, in general, it will be appreciated that the concept of this invention relies simply on the principle that two alike magnetic fields will repel each other. However, the essence of how

it will drive a moveable base in a particular direction depends on how these magnetic fields

are manipulated. For the present invention to work, a fixed magnet or magnets is connected to a moveable base, other magnets are then set to move relative thereto and, more preferably, rotate about a perpendicular axis in front ofthe fixed magnet or magnets connected to the base.

This may be achieved by, for example, a worm drive or the like. Each of the moving magnets rotate in turn past the fixed magnet connected to the base. When each of these rotating magnets comes into alignment with the fixed magnet, the magnetic fields present or created

on the fixed magnet and also on the rotating magnet are aligned. The rotating magnet's field

pushes against that of the fixed magnet, forcing the base forward, force is also induced into the moveable magnet, but this is counteracted by the centrifugal force induced in the moveable magnet while it is undergoing rotation, which centrifugal force prevents, or at least substantially limits, any force from pushing the base in a reverse direction.

( In the case where the arrangement Is required to propel a body in freespace, for example, it may be preferred to provide a second, propellerlike arrangement, arranged to rotate in the opposite direction to the first arrangement 6, so as to counteract any spinning or rotary force acting on the base 5.

An embodiment of the present invention has been described above by way of example only and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiment without departing from the scope of he invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

( -8 CLAIMS:

I. Apparatus for propelling a body, the apparatus comprising a first stationary magnet fixed or fixable to said body, at least one second magnet movably mounted relative to said first magnet between at least a first position in which said first and second magnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second magnets are not aligned, the first and second magnets being arranged such that in said first position, opposing magnetic fields are provided between aligned portions of the

magnets, which magnetic fields create an opposing force which is translated into

mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed magnet to said body causing it to move, said at least one second magnet being substantially free-moving within ahousingwhich is rotationallymountedrelative to said first magnet, rotational movement of said housing creating a centrifugal force which counteracts the force created by said opposing magnetic fields.
2. Apparatus according to claim I, wherein said first and at least one second magnet are permanent magnets.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first and at least one second magnet are electromagnets.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein means are provided to energise the fixed and at least one second electromagnet at substantially the same time when they come into alignment with each other.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second magnetic rotationally mounted relative to the fixed magnet, such that as the second magnet rotates it comes into and out of alignment with the fixed magnet.
6. Apparatus according to any one of claims I to 5, comprising a plurality of second magnets.

(
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, comprising four of said second magnets.
8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a cylinder.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, comprising four free-moving magnets, each magnet being housed and retained in a respective tube or cylinder, the cylinders being connected together in a cross or propeller-like arrangement which is mounted on a spindle or the like and driven by an electric motor.
10. Apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the electromagnets are supplied with electricity via wires or contacts connected to one or more rails connected to respective negative and positive supply points.
1 1. A method for propelling a body, the method comprising the steps of providing a first stationary magnet fixed or fixable to said body, providing at least one second magnet movably mounted relative to said first magnet between at least a first position in which said first and second magnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second magnets are not aligned, and arranging the first and second magnets such that in said first position, opposing magnetic fields are provided between aligned

portions of the magnets, which magnetic fields create an opposing force which is

translated into mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed magnet to said body causing it to move, wherein said at least one second magnet is substantially free-moving within a housing which is rotationally mounted relative to said first magnet, rotational movement of said housing creating a centrifugal force which counteracts the force created by said opposing magnetic fields.
12. Apparatus for propelling a body, the apparatus comprising a first stationery electromagnet fixed or fixable to said body, at least one second electromagnet movably mounted relative to said first electromagnet between at least a first position in which said first and second electromagnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second electromagnets are not aligned, and control means for

( -10 causing said first and second electromagnets to be cnergiscd at substantially the same time when said second electromagnet is in said first position such that opposing clcctromagnetc fields are created between said first and second electromagnets,

which electromagnetic fields create an opposing force which is translated into

mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed electromagnet to said body causing it to move.
13. A method for propelling a body, the method comprising the steps of providing a first stationary electromagnet fixed or fixable to said body, providing at least one second electromagnet movably mounted relative to said first electromagnet between at least a first position in which said first and second electromagnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second electromagnets are not aligned, and causing said first and second electromagnets to be energised at substantially the same time when said second electromagnet is in said first position such that opposing electromagnetic fields are created between said first and second electromagnets,

which electromagnetic fields create an opposing force which is translated into

mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed electromagnet to said body causing it to move.
14. Apparatus for propelling a body, the apparatus being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. A method for propelling a body, the method being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.