AU2021107664A4 - Magnetically Powered Motor - Google Patents

Abstract

A magnet powered motor comprising: a rotor and a stator vertically spaced from the rotor, wherein one of the rotor and the stator comprises a plurality of pairs of radially spaced apart first magnets disposed about an axis of rotation of the rotor, wherein the radial spacing between each of the pairs of the first magnets progressively decreases from a start pair of the first magnets to an end pair of the first magnets; wherein the other of the rotor and the stator comprises a second magnet arranged to magnetically cause the rotor to rotate by interaction with the first magnets; and wherein the axis of rotation of the rotor is relatively tiltable with respect to a centreline of the stator. Method of operation of the motor is also included. - 3/4 - 28 C0 02 00 12 328 FIGURE65 600 16 30 FIGURE0

Description

- 3/4

C0 - 28

00 02

12 600

16 30 328

FIGURE0

FIGURE65

Magnetically Powered Motor

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetically powered motor.

Background

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Motors which produce kinetic energy (or movement) are useful. Motors that produce motion from magnets are known but new motors with greater efficiency or new modes of operation are sought after.

[0004] Materials and designs may be able to increase efficiency by ensuring that a higher percentage of the energy input is converted to useful energy output. As a matter of practice, arrangements, materials and or designs which result in improvements to efficiency or the ratio of energy input to energy output are constantly being sought. In theory, reducing and/or eliminating losses in one or more forms of unutilised energy may result in an increase in efficiency.

[0005] Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0006] Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Summary of Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a magnet powered motor comprising a rotor and a stator vertically spaced from the rotor, wherein one of the rotor and the stator comprises a plurality of pairs of radially spaced apart first magnets disposed about an axis of rotation of the rotor, wherein the radial spacing between each of the pairs of the first magnets progressively decreases from a start pair of the first magnets to an end pair of the first magnets; and wherein the other of the rotor and the stator comprises a second magnet arranged to magnetically cause the rotor to rotate by interaction with the first magnets; wherein the axis of rotation of the rotor is relatively tiltable with respect to a centreline of the stator at least when the second magnet is substantially vertically aligned with a transition between the start pair of the first magnets and an end pair of the first magnets such that the spacing between the second magnet and the first magnets is increased.

[0008] In an embodiment, the second magnet comprises a radially extending bar magnet.

[0009] In an embodiment, the second magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

[0010] In an embodiment, the second magnet comprises an electromagnet.

[0011] In an embodiment, the stator comprises magnetic shielding such that the magnetic field of the second magnet is focused toward the at least one adjacent pair of first magnets.

[0012] In an embodiment, an axis of rotation of the rotor is normal to a plane defined by the stator when the transition is radially opposite to the second magnet.

[0013] In an embodiment, the rotor oscillates between being at a maximum tilt and having its axis of rotation aligned with an axial centreline of the stator.

[0014] In an embodiment, a tilt of the rotor is constrained to a plane.

[0015] In an embodiment, the tilt is constrained to a tilt angle from the axial centreline of the rotor.

[0016] In an embodiment, an angular velocity of the tilt is controlled. In an embodiment the angular velocity is controlled by a damping device. In an embodiment, the damping device comprises a spring.

[0017] In an embodiment, the spacing between the first magnet pairs and the second magnet is at its greatest when the second magnet is vertically aligned with the transition between the start pair of first magnets and an end pair of first magnets.

[0018] In an embodiment, the spacing between the first magnet pairs and the second magnet is closest when the stator and rotor are parallel.

[0019] In an embodiment, the rotor comprises the first magnets; the stator comprises the second magnet, and wherein the rotor tilts relative to the stator. In an alternative embodiment, the stator comprises the first magnets; the rotor comprises the second magnet, and wherein the stator tilts relative to the rotor.

[0020] In an embodiment, the rotor comprises a weight for tilting at least one pair of the first magnets to be further spaced from the second magnet.

[0021] In an embodiment, the weight gravity assists the rotation of the rotor. In an embodiment, the gravity assist occurs when the spacing between the second magnet and the first magnets increase. In an embodiment, the tilting provides the weight with a descending path.

[0022] In an embodiment, the magnetic force rotating the rotor is strong enough to rotate the rotor when the centreline of the rotor moves to align with the centreline of the stator. In an embodiment, the movement of the centreline of the rotor when moving to align with the centreline of the stator decreases the incline of the path of the weight.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of powering a motor comprising rotating a rotor by directing a magnetic field from a second magnet to sequentially interact with each of a plurality of pairs of progressively decreasing radially spaced apart first magnets disposed about the rotor; and tilting the rotor away from the second magnet when the rotor rotates past a transition between a start pair of the first magnets that are relatively further spaced apart and an end pair of the first magnets that are relatively closer spaced apart.

[0024] In an embodiment, a plane defined by the stator becomes normal to the axis of rotation of the rotor when the transition is radially opposite to the second magnet.

[0025] In an embodiment, the method further comprises oscillating the rotor between being at a maximum tilt and having its axis of rotation aligned with an axial centreline of the stator.

[0026] In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling an angular velocity of the tilt.

[0027] In an embodiment, method comprises gravity assisting the rotation of the rotor when the spacing between the second magnet and the first magnets increase.

[0028] In an embodiment, method comprises decreasing the tilt when the plane defined by the stator moves to become normal to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of powering a motor comprising directing a magnetic field from a second magnet to sequentially interact with each of a plurality of pairs of progressively decreasing radially spaced apart first magnets disposed about a rotor so as to rotate the rotor; and reducing the interaction between the first magnets and the second magnet when the rotor rotates past a transition between a start pair of the first magnets that are relatively further spaced apart and an end pair of the first magnets that are relatively closer spaced apart by tilting the rotor away from the second magnet.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0030] In order to provide a better understanding, embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the magnetically powered motor according to an embodiment of an the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of a rotor of the motor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a top view of a stator of the motor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of the stator of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic top view of a rotor having an alternative magnet arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is an isometric view of the motor having the rotor tilted according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 7 is a top view of an alternative rotor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, there is provided an embodiment of a magnetically powered motor 10 comprising a rotor 12 and a stator 14 vertically spaced from the rotor 12. In this embodiment, the rotor 12 comprises a plurality of pairs of radially spaced apart first magnets 20 disposed about an axis of rotation 26 of the rotor 12. The radial spacing between each of the pairs of the first magnets 20 progressively decreases from a start pair 22 of the first magnets 20 to an end pair 24 of the first magnets 20 in a clockwise direction. The stator 14 comprises a second magnet 30 and three third magnets 32 arranged around a base 16. The plurality of first magnets 20 interact with the second magnet 30 and the third magnets 32 to magnetically cause the rotor 12 to rotate. The stator 14 further comprises a mechanism which allows the rotor 12 to tilt relative to the stator 14.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, there is provided a top view of the rotor 12 which shows the decreasing radial spacing of the plurality of first magnets 20. The maximum or greatest radial distance between a pair of the first magnets 20 is shown in the start pair 22. The minimum or least distance between a pair of first magnets 20 is shown at the end pair 24. In alternative embodiments, there may be more or less pairs of radially spaced apart first magnets 20. The pairs of first magnets 20 are preferably button magnets. The pairs of first magnets 20 are preferably permanent magnets. The pairs of first magnets 20 are preferably strong rare earth (eg. neodymium magnets).

[0034] The radial spacing of each pair of first magnets 20 is determined, at least in part, by the orientation, positioning and strength of the second magnet 30. The second magnet 30 is preferably a bar magnet. Preferably the third magnets 32 are bar magnets. The positioning of the second magnet 30 may be determined by, among other things, the vertical displacement between the rotor 12 and the stator 14 when the rotor 12 is at no tilt relative to the stator 14 and/or when the rotor 12 is at a maximum tilt relative to the stator 14.

[0035] In an embodiment, each of the first magnets 20 may be positioned within recesses of the rotor 12. Each of the first magnets 20 may be affixed on the surface of the rotor 12. Each of the first magnets 20 may be parallel to a surface of the rotor 12. Each of the first magnets 20 may be positioned at an angle relative to the surface of the rotor 12. The positioning of the first magnets 20 will be determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the thickness of the rotor 12.

[0036] In one embodiment, the polarity of the pairs of the first magnets 20 may be arranged such that the polarity of each of the outer magnets of the pair of first magnets 20 are oriented in the same direction. For example, the outer magnet of each of the pair of first magnets 20 may be oriented with the south pole facing towards the stator 14. In such instance, the inner pair of first magnets 20 may have a polarity oriented in the opposite. For example, the inner magnet of each of the pair of first magnets 20 may be oriented with the north pole facing towards the stator 14. The second magnet 30 and each of the third magnets 32 may be oriented such that an inner portion of the second magnet 30 and each of the third magnets 32 comprises a south polarity. Accordingly, an outer portion of the second magnet 30 and each of the third magnets 32 comprises a north polarity. In this orientation, the magnetic interaction between each of the inner magnets of the pair of first magnets 20 with the inner portion of the second magnet 30 and each of the third magnets 32 is a repelling force. Similarly, the magnetic interaction between each of the outer magnets of the pair of first magnets 20 with the outer portion of the second magnet 30 and each of the third magnets 32 is a repelling force. In an alternative, the orientations could be flipped such that the magnetic interaction between the first magnets 20 with the second magnet 30 and each of the third magnets 32 is an attractive force.

[0037] The arrangement of the plurality of first magnets 20 is such that the immediately adjacent pair of first magnets 20, depending on the orientation as discussed above, will result in either a more attractive or more repelling magnetic force than the pair of first magnets 30 which are currently interacting with the second magnet 30 and each of the third magnets 32. This imbalance between neighbouring pairs of first magnets 20 results in a net repulsion/attraction force which causes rotation of the rotor 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the rotation may be, for example clockwise because the next pair of magnets being closer together and thus further from the poles of the second magnet present a smaller repulsive force then those that are next counter-clockwise. As the transition 28 approaches the second magnet 30 during rotation, the rotor 12 is caused to tilt away from the second magnet 30. In doing so, the resistance and/or loss in momentum of the rotor 12 rotating past the second magnet 30 at the transition 28 (i.e., when the change from the end pair 24 moving to the start pair 22 occurs) is reduced or eliminated. This in turn conserves momentum to allow for a more efficient rotation of the rotor 12.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the stator 14 comprises a tiltable platform 44 rotatably coupled to base 16 by longitudinally spaced apart mounts 40. Each of the spaced apart mounts may allow the tiltable platform 44 to rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise. The tiltable platform 44 may comprise a shaft 46 which extends away from the tiltable platform 44 which provides a structure for coupling the rotor 12 at a vertical distance from the stator 14. Preferably, a central axis of the shaft 46 is co-linear with the axis of rotation 26.

[0039] The tiltable platform 44 is arranged to be able to tilt the axis of rotation 26 of the rotor 12. Preferably, the tilting is in a plane where a transition 28 between the first pair 22 and end pair 24 of first magnets 20 is substantially aligned with the second magnet 30. Preferably, the length of the second magnet is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the tiltable platform 44, as can be seen in Figure 6. Preferably, the tiltable platform 44 is able to tilt the rotor 12 away from the second magnet 30 as the transition 28, located between the start pair 22 and end pair 24, is rotated to be adjacent to and aligns with the second magnet 30. The tiltable platform 44 may be able to tilt in a plane aligned symmetrically between the second magnet 30 and one of the third magnets 32. In the present embodiment, the tiltable platform 44 rotates with respect to the mounts 40 such that the shaft 46 tilts in a plane parallel to the mounts 40. The plane also intersects a point approximately halfway between the second magnet 30 and one of the third magnets 32. The tiltable platform 44 allows the rotor 12 to tilt away from the second magnet 30 as the transition 28 approaches and passes adjacent to the second magnet 30 during rotation.

[0040] The tiltable platform 44 may be connected to one or both mounts 40 by way of a rotational damping means, such as a rotational spring damper 42. The rotational spring damper(s) 42 may assist in controlling the speed and acceleration of the tilting of the rotor 12. The rotational spring dampers 42 may constrain the tiltable platform 44 to a predetermined range of motion to prevent the rotor 12 from contacting and interfering with the stator 14.

[0041] The connection between the tiltable platform 44 and the mounts 40 may incorporate a partial stop 48 and a full stop 50. The partial stop 48 may allow the tiltable platform 44 to rotate until the rotor 12 reaches a max tilt angle with respect to a central axis which is normal to a surface of the stator 14. The partial stop 48 preferably prevents the rotor 12 from tilting past a point such that doing so would cause the rotor 12 to interfere with the stator 14. The partial stop 48 and full stop 50 may be protrusions from the base 16 that extend into the arc of rotation of the tiltable platform 44. In this embodiment, the partial stop 48 and full stop 50 are on opposite sides of the tiltable platform 44, as seen in Figure 3. As seen in Figure 4, the full stop 50 is higher than the partial stop 48, and is of a height that prevents the tiltable platform 44 from tilting to the side of the tiltable platform 44 is disposed on. The partial stop 48 is (in this embodiment of a height, but may otherwise be) such that as the tiltable platform 44 rotates the partial stop 48 allows partial rotation before preventing further rotation of the tiltable platform 44. The full stop interferes with the tiltable platform 44 to prevent any rotation in the direction of the full stop 50. In an alternative, the partial stop 48 and the full stop 50 may be integrated into the or each rotational damper 42 and/or the or each mount 40, by way of a pin and slot arrangement. The interaction of the tiltable platform 44 and the partial stop 48 constrains the angular tilt of the rotor 12 within a desired range. The rotor 12 will be at a maximum tilt when the tiltable platform 44 contacts the partial stop 48.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the tiltable platform 44 is constrained in both directions of rotation by a partial stop 48. Similar to the above, each partial stop 48 will allow the tiltable platform 44 to rotate in clockwise and a counter clockwise direction until the tiltable platform 44 interferes with the partial stop 48 on either side so as to prevent further rotation of the tiltable platform 44. Maximum tilt occurs when the tiltable platform 44 interferes with each of the partial stops 48. Preferably, the tiltable platform 44 is at its maximum tilt at or near a first position when the transition 28 aligns with the second magnet 30 and a second position 180 from the first position. In an embodiment, the first position may be within a transition region (discussed below) between centrelines 281 and 282 as seen in Figure 6 and the second position may be 180° from said first position.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of pairs of radially spaced apart first magnets 20 may be disposed about a central axis of the stator 14. The second magnet 30 may be coupled to the rotor 12. In such an embodiment, the interaction between the first magnets 20 and the second magnet 30 would cause the rotor 12 to rotate.

[0044] In alternative embodiments, the connection between the rotor 12 and stator 14 may comprise a number of different connection means. The connection should allow for rotation of the rotor 12 relative to the stator 14 as well as tilting away from the second magnet 30.

[0045] Referring to Figure 3, the second magnet 30 may comprise a radially extending bar magnet relative the axis of rotation 26 / shaft 46. The second magnet 30 may be arranged at a position about a centre of the base 16 such that when the rotor 12 is positioned vertically above the stator 14 the first magnets 20 rotate adjacent to the second magnet 30. The third magnets 32 may be arranged about a centre of the base 16 such that when the rotor 12 is positioned vertically above the stator 14 the first magnets 20 rotate adjacent to the third magnets 32.

[0046] In one embodiment, the stator 14 may comprise magnetic shielding to assist in directing the magnetic field of the second magnet 30 and each of the third magnets 32. Preferably, the magnetic fields of each of the second magnet 30 and the third magnets 32 are focused in the direction of the pairs of first magnets 20. The magnetic shielding may be a discrete component, integral to each of the second magnet 30 and third magnets 32 and/or a combination of discrete and integral.

[0047] Preferably, the tilt of the rotor 12 occurs when the transition 28 is aligned or substantially aligned with the second magnet 30, as seen in the arrangement of Figure 6. In an embodiment, the axis of rotation 26 (as seen in Figure 1) of the rotor 12 is normal to a plane defined by the stator 14 or the base 16 when the transition 28 is radially opposite to the second magnet 30.

[0048] In an embodiment, when in use the rotor 12 oscillates between being at a maximum tilt and having its axis of rotation 26 aligned with an axial centreline of the stator 14. When the axis of rotation is aligned with an axial centreline of the stator 14, the rotor 12 and stator 14 are parallel. Preferably, the maximum tilt occurs where the transition 28 substantially aligns with the second magnet 30. Preferably, the rotor 12 and the stator 14 are parallel when the transition 28 rotates such that it is approximately 180° from the angular position of the second magnet 30. As discussed above, the tilt is constrained to a tilt angle from the axial centreline of the rotor 12.

[0049] In an embodiment, the spacing between the first magnet 20 pairs and the second magnet 30 is at its greatest when the second magnet 30 is substantially vertically aligned with the transition 28 between the start pair of first magnets 20 and an end pair of first magnets 20. As the transition 28 substantially aligns with the second magnet 30, the magnetic interaction between the first magnets 20 and the second magnet 30 causes the rotor 12 to tilt to maximum tilt.

[0050] In an embodiment, the vertical space between the plurality of pairs of first magnets 20 and the second magnet 30 is closest when the stator 14 and rotor 12 are parallel. The spacing between the rotor 12 and the stator 14 may be determined by the specific strength of each of the first magnets 20, the second magnet 30, each of the third magnets 32 and the interaction between them. When the rotor 12 is at max tilt, a portion of the plurality of pairs of first magnets may be closer to one or more of the third magnets 32.

[0051] As mentioned above, in an alternative embodiment, the stator 14 comprises the plurality of pairs of first magnets 20 and the rotor comprises the second magnet 30. The stator may tilt relative to the rotor 12 as the rotor 12 rotates about a central axis of itself.

[0052] In an embodiment, the rotor 12 comprises a weight for assisting the rotor 12 to tilt the first magnets 20 to maximum tilt when the transition 28 aligns with the second magnet 30. The weight may be releasably affixed to the rotor 12. The weight may be formed integral to the rotor 12. The weight may be a clump weight. The weight 60 preferably disposed at a radial position on the rotor such that when positioned on the side of the tiltable platform 44 that permits titling, the weight 60 assists in tilting the rotor 12 relative to the stator 14. The weight 60 may also assist in tilting the rotor 12 back into a no tilt orientation when the weight 60 is positioned on the opposite side of the tiltable platform 44 such that the rotor 12 and stator 14 are moved to be parallel. As the weight 60 continues to rotate with the rotor 12, the weight will reach the higher point on the rotor 12 urging the rotor 12 to return from maximum tilt. From there, the weight 60 may also gravity assist the rotation of the rotor 12. At maximum tilt of the rotor 12 there will be a high side and a low side. When the weight 60 is on the high side and the path of rotation of the weight 60 is down a decline created by the tilting, the weight 60 has potential energy which is converted to kinetic energy causing the rotation of the rotor 12 to increase in speed. In an embodiment, a combination of the momentum of the rotor 12 and the potential energy being converted to kinetic energy of the weight 60 gravity assists the rotor 12 to continue to rotate. Accordingly, as the weight 60 rotates past the second magnet 30, the weight 60 assists in increasing the speed of the rotor 12 at least until the rotor 12 is parallel with the stator 14 (i.e. no tilt). When the weight 60 is on the low side, the weight 60 assists in tilting the rotor 12 to maximum tilt, as can be seen in Figure 6. As the rotor 12 spins past the transition, the maximum tilt of the rotor 12 occurs. Preferably, the weight 60 is radially opposite the transition 28. When the weight 60 is on the high side and the path of rotation of the weight 60 is up an incline created by the tilting, the weight 60 assists in tilting the rotor 12 back to being parallel with the stator 14, that is, back to the no tilt orientation. The weight 60 may be advanced or behind the opposite position of the transition 28, with the position being tuned according to the positioning of the third magnets 32.

[0053] In an embodiment, the magnetic force rotating the rotor 12 is strong enough to rotate the rotor 12 when the centreline of the rotor 12 moves to align with the centreline of the stator 14. The interaction between the first magnets 20 and the second magnet 30 is sufficient to propel the rotor 12 as it moves from maximum tilt to no tilt, notwithstanding the weight 60 needing to move up an incline for part of the rotation of the rotor 12.

[0054] In one embodiment, each of the second magnet 30 and third magnets 32 may comprise a different type of magnet. For example, the second magnet 30 may comprise a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. Each of the third magnets 32 may comprise a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, the magnet powered rotor 10 comprises three third magnets 32. Accordingly, each of the third magnets may comprise the same or different type of magnet. For example, one of the third magnets may comprise an electromagnet and the other two third magnets may comprise a permanent magnet. Alternatively, two of the third magnets 32 may comprise an electromagnet and the remaining third magnet 32 may comprise a permanent magnet. The electromagnet may be used to start the rotation, boost the rotation or brake the rotation, depending on timing of the energising of the electromagnet relative to the position and polarisation of the first magnets 20 and in one embodiment relative to the position of the transition 28. For example, the electromagnets might be energised in opposite polarity to the second magnet 30 so as to brake the rotation. Similarly, the third magnets 32 may boost the rotation.

[0055] Referring to Figure 5, which shows an alternative arrangement of the first magnets 20. In this arrangement the radial position of each of first magnets 20 in each of the pairs of first magnets 20 sequentially changes according to the polar angular orientation of each pair from the axis of rotation 26 relative to the transition. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the transition 28 occurs between the start pair 22 and end pair 24 of first magnets 20. However, in an alternative embodiment, the start pair 22 and the end pair 24 of first magnets 20 may overlap so as to define a transition region between centrelines 281, 282. In such embodiments, there may be multiple pairs of first magnets 20 at a polar angular orientation within the transition region between centrelines 281, 282. That is the outer line of first magnets 20 spirals inward and the inner line of first magnets 20 spirals outward.

[0056] Referring to Figure 7, there is provided an alternative rotor 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In earlier embodiments of the rotor 12, the first magnets are provided in pairs. In alternative embodiments, the rotor 12 may also be arranged such that in the ends (or narrowest pair) of first magnets 20 end at different angular positions (i.e. not in a pair) within the transition region between centrelines 281, 282. Furthermore, the inner and outer first magnets 20 may start at different angular positions so as not to be in pairs within the transition region between centrelines 281, 282. In this manner, the interaction of the first magnets 20 with the second magnet 30 within the transition between the start pair 22 and the last of the first magnets is reduced such that there is a 'feed in' effect and smooth the transition from the first magnets 20 having the shortest spacing distance therebetween to the start pair 22 across the transition region between centrelines 281, 282. The 'feed in' effect effectively assists in the change from a relatively narrower pair of the first magnets 20 into a wider pair of the first magnets 20. As such, by altering the magnetic interaction between the first magnets 20 and the second magnet 30, any loss in angular momentum of the rotor 12 may be reduced or eliminated. This or other arrangements of the first magnets 20 may be used by itself or in combination with the tilting configuration of the rotor 12 as discussed herein.

[0057] The method of operation of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0058] The rotor 12 is rotated by directing a magnetic field generated from the second magnet to sequentially interact with each of the plurality of pairs of progressively decreasing radially spaced apart first magnets 20 disposed about the rotor 12.

[0059] The second magnet 30 generates a magnetic field which is directed (such as by used of the shielding) so that it interacts with the most adjacent pair of first magnets 20 of either side of it. The magnetic attraction or repulsion from the pair of first magnets 20 to each side of the second magnet 30 substantially adjacent to the second magnet 30 will be imbalanced. The imbalance is due to the difference in spacing between each progressive pair of first magnets 20. Accordingly, the attraction/repulsion interaction between each pair of first magnets 20 and the second magnet 30 is either more attractive or less repulsive thereby urging the rotor 12 to rotate towards a balanced position. The radial spacing between the first magnets 20 is progressively decreasing until the rotor 12 rotates past the end pair 24 at which point the transition 28 between the end pair 24 of first magnets 20 and the start pair 22 of first magnets 20 occurs.

[0060] As the rotor 12 rotates, the rotor 12 begins tilting about its axis of rotation 26 away from the second magnet 30 as it approaches the transition 28 between the end pair 24 of the first magnets 20 and the start pair 22 of the first magnets 20. The tilting of the rotor 12 reduces the magnetic interaction between the plurality of first pair of magnets 20, particularly those adjacent to the transition 28, and the second magnet 30. The tilting is encouraged by the weight 60 rotating on the rotor 12 to past being radially aligned with the tiltable platform 44, whereupon the weight induces leverage in the rotor 12 to pivot the tiltable platform 44. Rotation of the rotor 12 may thus be gravity assisted by the weight 60. The tilting is controlled by the rotational spring damper 42. Preferably, the weight is at or around its the low point, as set by the partial stop 48, and the tilt at its maximum when the transition 28 is adjacent and passes the second magnet 30.

[0061] Return from being titled is encouraged by the weight 60 rotating on the rotor 12 to past again being radially aligned with the tiltable platform 44 (but this time on the other side of the tiltable platform 44), whereupon the weight induces leverage in the rotor 12 to pivot the tiltable platform 44 back to being parallel with the stator 14, as set by the full stop 50. The tilting is again controlled by the rotational spring damper 42. Thus, a plane defined by the stator 14 is normal to the axis of rotation 26 when the transition 48 is radially opposite to the second magnet 30. In this state there is maximum interaction between the second magnet 30 and the first magnets 20, further motivating rotation of the rotor 12. Thus, when in use the rotor 12 oscillates between being at a maximum tilt and having its axis of rotation 26 aligned with an axial centreline of the stator 14.

[0062] In an embodiment, one or more third magnets 32 each generate a magnetic field which assists in the rotation of the rotor 12 by providing additional interactions with the pairs of first magnets 20. Each of the third magnets individually, or in combination, may be magnetically energised. When one or more of the third magnets 32 is an electromagnet, the rotation may be started, boosted or braked according to the energising of the electromagnet(s).

[0063] The tilt platform 44 may be tilted such that the weight 60 is used under gravity to start the rotation of the rotor 12. The motor 10 may be connected to a load, such as a mechanical load for doing work, or to a generator for generating electricity, via the shaft 46 or via the axis of rotation of the tilt platform 44.

[0064] Modifications may be made to the present invention within the context of that described and shown in the drawings. Such modifications are intended to form part of the invention described in this specification.

Claims (3)

Claims

1. A magnet powered motor comprising: a rotor and a stator vertically spaced from the rotor, wherein one of the rotor and the stator comprises a plurality of pairs of radially spaced apart first magnets disposed about an axis of rotation of the rotor, wherein the radial spacing between each of the pairs of the first magnets progressively decreases from a start pair of the first magnets to an end pair of the first magnets; wherein the other of the rotor and the stator comprises a second magnet arranged to magnetically cause the rotor to rotate by interaction with the first magnets; and wherein the axis of rotation of the rotor is relatively tiltable with respect to a centreline of the stator at least when the second magnet is substantially vertically aligned with a transition between the start pair of the first magnets and an end pair of the first magnets such that the spacing between the second magnet and the first magnets is increased.

2. A method of powering a motor comprising: rotating a rotor by directing a magnetic field from a second magnet to sequentially interact with each of a plurality of pairs of progressively decreasing radially spaced apart first magnets disposed about the rotor; and tilting the rotor away from the second magnet when the rotor rotates past a transition between a start pair of the first magnets that are relatively further spaced apart and an end pair of the first magnets that are relatively closer spaced apart.

3. A method of powering a motor comprising: directing a magnetic field from a second magnet to sequentially interact with each of a plurality of pairs of progressively decreasing radially spaced apart first magnets disposed about a rotor so as to rotate the rotor; and reducing the interaction between the first magnets and the second magnet when the rotor rotates past a transition between a start pair of the first magnets that are relatively further spaced apart and an end pair of the first magnets that are relatively closer spaced apart by tilting the rotor away from the second magnet.

- 1/4 -

26 26 Jul 2021

22 10 24 46 20

12 2021902285 2021107664

14

16 32

40 30 44

FIGURE 1 28 22 24

20

12

60

FIGURE 2

- 2/4 - 26 Jul 2021

32 32

16 48 2021902285 2021107664

42 42

40 40

50 14 46

44

30 32

FIGURE 3

46

32 32

30 32 50

42 42 40 40 48

FIGURE 4

- 3/4 - 26 Jul 2021 2021902285 2021107664

282

24

12

22 281

FIGURE 5 22

60 12

24

32 32

16 30

40

44

FIGURE 6

2021107664 26 Jul 2021

12 - 4/4 -

281