CA2190298C - Magnetically levitated axleless wheel system - Google Patents
Magnetically levitated axleless wheel system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2190298C CA2190298C CA 2190298 CA2190298A CA2190298C CA 2190298 C CA2190298 C CA 2190298C CA 2190298 CA2190298 CA 2190298 CA 2190298 A CA2190298 A CA 2190298A CA 2190298 C CA2190298 C CA 2190298C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rotor assembly
- assembly
- rotor
- stator assembly
- magnetic
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C39/00—Relieving load on bearings
- F16C39/06—Relieving load on bearings using magnetic means
- F16C39/063—Permanent magnets
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Control Of Vehicles With Linear Motors And Vehicles That Are Magnetically Levitated (AREA)
- Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A magnetically levitated axleless wheel system provides infinite degrees of freedom in horizontal movement. The spherical rotor assembly comprises a plurality of permanent magnets which are arranged so as to expose the same polarity on the entire surface of the rotor assembly facing the stator assembly. The concave stator assembly comprises permanent or electro-magnets which are arranged so as to expose the same polarity on the entire surface of the stator assembly facing the rotor assembly. The magnetic repulsion force between the rotor assembly and the stator assembly produces an air-gap which permits omni-directional horizontal movement of the axleless wheel system.
This invention relates to magnetic levitation, and the principal use of the invention is for friction-less transport, cushion and suspension devices.
This invention relates to magnetic levitation, and the principal use of the invention is for friction-less transport, cushion and suspension devices.
Description
Description Title Magnetically Levitated Axleless Wheel Systems Technical Field This invention relates to magnetic levitation, more particularly to a magnetically levitated wheel system..
Background Art There are many instances where it would be desirable to be able to move a body with a minimum amount of friction.
A large number of patents disclose magnetic levitation systems for transportation and magnetic bearing systems for industrial applications in order to support essentially friction-free translational or rotational movement.
These prior art arrangements have either flat or cylindrical configuration. Such support systems provide no resting position, or require a guard-rail to keep the movable body in position, restricting the movement to pre-determined translation or rotation. In addition, the magnetically levitated system of flat configuration requires stationary magnets embedded in a track.
Description of the Invention It is a primary object of the invention to provide an axleless wheel system that provides a support for mass and friction-free translational movement with infinite degrees of freedom in horizontal direction by means of magnetic levitation.
It is another object of the invention to provide cushion and suspension by inverting the axleless wheel arrangement.
One aspect of the invention provides a magnetically levitated axleless wheel system comprising a spherical rotor assembly and a hemispherical stator assembly. The spherical rotor assembly comprises a plurality of permanent magnets which are arranged so as to expose the same polarity on the entire surface of the rotor assembly facing the stator assembly. The concave stator assembly comprises permanent or electro-magnets which are arranged so as to expose the same polarity on the entire surface of the stator assembly facing the rotor assembly. The magnetic repulsion force between the rotor assembly and the stator assembly produces an air-gap which permits omni-directional horizontal movement of the axleless wheel system.
Preferably, the spherical rotor assembly comprises a plurality of magnetic units made of rare earth elements such as neodymium, for example, embedded in a non-magnetic material such as plastic or rubber, and the concave stator assembly comprises a monolithic permanent or electro-magnet in the form of a rod with a hollow cavity on one end. Alternatively, the stator assembly may comprise a plurality of magnetic units substantially greater than those on the spherical rotor assembly arranged in segments of different size from those on the rotor assembly so that the magnetic flux lines in the stator assembly do not align with the magnetic flux lines in the rotor assembly.
Background Art There are many instances where it would be desirable to be able to move a body with a minimum amount of friction.
A large number of patents disclose magnetic levitation systems for transportation and magnetic bearing systems for industrial applications in order to support essentially friction-free translational or rotational movement.
These prior art arrangements have either flat or cylindrical configuration. Such support systems provide no resting position, or require a guard-rail to keep the movable body in position, restricting the movement to pre-determined translation or rotation. In addition, the magnetically levitated system of flat configuration requires stationary magnets embedded in a track.
Description of the Invention It is a primary object of the invention to provide an axleless wheel system that provides a support for mass and friction-free translational movement with infinite degrees of freedom in horizontal direction by means of magnetic levitation.
It is another object of the invention to provide cushion and suspension by inverting the axleless wheel arrangement.
One aspect of the invention provides a magnetically levitated axleless wheel system comprising a spherical rotor assembly and a hemispherical stator assembly. The spherical rotor assembly comprises a plurality of permanent magnets which are arranged so as to expose the same polarity on the entire surface of the rotor assembly facing the stator assembly. The concave stator assembly comprises permanent or electro-magnets which are arranged so as to expose the same polarity on the entire surface of the stator assembly facing the rotor assembly. The magnetic repulsion force between the rotor assembly and the stator assembly produces an air-gap which permits omni-directional horizontal movement of the axleless wheel system.
Preferably, the spherical rotor assembly comprises a plurality of magnetic units made of rare earth elements such as neodymium, for example, embedded in a non-magnetic material such as plastic or rubber, and the concave stator assembly comprises a monolithic permanent or electro-magnet in the form of a rod with a hollow cavity on one end. Alternatively, the stator assembly may comprise a plurality of magnetic units substantially greater than those on the spherical rotor assembly arranged in segments of different size from those on the rotor assembly so that the magnetic flux lines in the stator assembly do not align with the magnetic flux lines in the rotor assembly.
Another aspect of the invention provides an inverted configuration of the axleless wheel system in which the spherical rotor assembly is positioned above the stator assembly to form a cushion or suspension device in order to support the mass connected to the spherical rotor assembly.
Brief Description of the Figures in the Drawings In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the magnetically levitated axleless wheel system according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of this embodiment along the line I - I of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a device having the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the magnetically levitated axleless wheel system according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a sectional view of this embodiment along the line I I - I I of Figure 4 ;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a device having the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5;
Brief Description of the Figures in the Drawings In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the magnetically levitated axleless wheel system according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of this embodiment along the line I - I of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a device having the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the magnetically levitated axleless wheel system according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a sectional view of this embodiment along the line I I - I I of Figure 4 ;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a device having the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the magnetically levitated axleless wheel system according to the invention;
Figure 8 is a sectional view of this embodiment along the line I I i - I I I of Figure 7 ; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a device having the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention In one embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the axleless wheel system comprises a spherical rotor assembly 1 and a concave stator assembly 2. The magnetic repulsion force between the magnetic units in the rotor assembly 1 and the magnetic units in the stator assembly 2 produces a hemispherical air-gap 3, permitting essentially friction-free rotational movement of the rotor assembly 1.
In this configuration, the rotor assembly 1 is positioned below the floating stator assembly 2 without any axle. The rotor assembly 1 is placed on the floor, and supports the weight of the floating stator assembly 2 and the mass attached to the stator assembly 2.
The spherical rotor assembly 1 comprises a plurality of closely-spaced permanent magnets in the form of a soccer-ball segment or a disc, preferably made of rare earth elements such as neodymium. The magnetic units are embedded in and covered with a non-magnetic material such as plastic or rubber to form a rigid rotor assembly. The magnetic units are arranged so that the entire surface of the rotor assembly 1 exposes the same polarity.
This configuration provides return magnetic flux lines to the opposite magnetic pole through substantially narrow gaps between the magnetic units in the rotor assembly 1.
The concave stator assembly 2 may comprise a single permanent or electro-magnet in the form of a monolithic rod with a hollow cavity on one end. Alternatively, the stator assembly may also comprise a plurality of permanent or electro-magnets which are arranged so as to expose the same polarity as that of the rotor assembly 1 on the entire surface of the stator assembly 2. In the latter configuration, the magnetic units on the stator assembly 2 should be substantially greater than those on the spherical rotor assembly 1, and be arranged asymmetrically so that the magnetic flux lines in the stator assembly 2 do not align with the magnetic flux lines in the rotor assembly 1.
If desired, the stator assembly 2 may include a vertical hole 4 at the top in order to accommodate a brake shaft 5 made of a non-magnetic material such as plastic or rubber. The surface friction between the rotor assembly 1 and the brake shaft 5 provides a braking action in order to control the speed of the rotation.
The diameter of the hole 3 at the bottom of the concave stator assembly Z is slightly greater than that of the spherical rotor assembly 1 in order to be able to insert the rotor assembly 1. The hollow cavity of the concave stator assembly 2 envelopes more than one half of the rotor assembly 1 in order to form a repulsion force strong enough to support the weight of the rotor assembly 1 when the axleless wheel system is lifted.
Stability is achieved when at least 3 axleless wheel systems are employed in a device. The example shown in Figure 3 is a device for transport, incorporating the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The device comprises 4 axleless wheel systems 6 mounted at the bottom of a light rectangular cart 7, which is made of non-magnetic materials. When a force is exerted at the handle 8, the cart moves horizontally along the direction of the corresponding force, as indicated by the arrows.
In another embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the axleless wheel system configuration shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is inverted.
In this configuration, the stator assembly 2 is positioned below the floating rotor assembly 1 without any axle. The stator assembly 2 is placed on the floor, and supports the weight of the floating rotor assembly 1 and the mass attached to the rotor assembly 2 with a shaft 9. The shaft 9 is made of a non-magnetic material, and is securely connected to the floating rotor assembly 1.
Stability is achieved when at least 3 axleless wheel systems are employed in a device. The example shown in Figure 6 is a device for cushion, incorporating the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. The device comprises 3 inverted axleless wheel systems 10 mounted at the bottom of a light triangular platform 11, which is made of non-magnetic materials. When a force is exerted at the top of the platform 11, the self-centering cushion absorbs the vibration, as indicated by the arrows. In a configuration with an electro-magnet stator, the strength of the cushion may be controlled by varying the voltage to the electro-magnet.
In additional embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8, the axleless wheel system configuration shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is inverted.
In this configuration, the stator assembly 2 is positioned below the floating rotor assembly 1 without any axle. The stator assembly 2 is attached to the ceiling, and supports the weight of the floating rotor assembly 1 and the mass 13 attached to the rotor assembly 2 with a wire 12. The wire 1 2 is made of a non-magnetic material, and is securely connected to the floating rotor assembly 1 through a vertical hole 4 in the stator assembly 2. The mass 13 swings around the centre-line IV.
The example shown in Figure 9 is a device for suspension, incorporating the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. The device comprises 2 inverted axleless wheel systems 1 4 mounted at the top of a light wire 12 and a mass 1 3, both of which are made of non-magnetic materials. When a force is exerted at the mass 13, the suspension provides a swing movement around the centre-line IV, as indicated by the arrows. The suspension uses no hinge, and causes no mechanical stress.
Figure 8 is a sectional view of this embodiment along the line I I i - I I I of Figure 7 ; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a device having the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention In one embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the axleless wheel system comprises a spherical rotor assembly 1 and a concave stator assembly 2. The magnetic repulsion force between the magnetic units in the rotor assembly 1 and the magnetic units in the stator assembly 2 produces a hemispherical air-gap 3, permitting essentially friction-free rotational movement of the rotor assembly 1.
In this configuration, the rotor assembly 1 is positioned below the floating stator assembly 2 without any axle. The rotor assembly 1 is placed on the floor, and supports the weight of the floating stator assembly 2 and the mass attached to the stator assembly 2.
The spherical rotor assembly 1 comprises a plurality of closely-spaced permanent magnets in the form of a soccer-ball segment or a disc, preferably made of rare earth elements such as neodymium. The magnetic units are embedded in and covered with a non-magnetic material such as plastic or rubber to form a rigid rotor assembly. The magnetic units are arranged so that the entire surface of the rotor assembly 1 exposes the same polarity.
This configuration provides return magnetic flux lines to the opposite magnetic pole through substantially narrow gaps between the magnetic units in the rotor assembly 1.
The concave stator assembly 2 may comprise a single permanent or electro-magnet in the form of a monolithic rod with a hollow cavity on one end. Alternatively, the stator assembly may also comprise a plurality of permanent or electro-magnets which are arranged so as to expose the same polarity as that of the rotor assembly 1 on the entire surface of the stator assembly 2. In the latter configuration, the magnetic units on the stator assembly 2 should be substantially greater than those on the spherical rotor assembly 1, and be arranged asymmetrically so that the magnetic flux lines in the stator assembly 2 do not align with the magnetic flux lines in the rotor assembly 1.
If desired, the stator assembly 2 may include a vertical hole 4 at the top in order to accommodate a brake shaft 5 made of a non-magnetic material such as plastic or rubber. The surface friction between the rotor assembly 1 and the brake shaft 5 provides a braking action in order to control the speed of the rotation.
The diameter of the hole 3 at the bottom of the concave stator assembly Z is slightly greater than that of the spherical rotor assembly 1 in order to be able to insert the rotor assembly 1. The hollow cavity of the concave stator assembly 2 envelopes more than one half of the rotor assembly 1 in order to form a repulsion force strong enough to support the weight of the rotor assembly 1 when the axleless wheel system is lifted.
Stability is achieved when at least 3 axleless wheel systems are employed in a device. The example shown in Figure 3 is a device for transport, incorporating the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The device comprises 4 axleless wheel systems 6 mounted at the bottom of a light rectangular cart 7, which is made of non-magnetic materials. When a force is exerted at the handle 8, the cart moves horizontally along the direction of the corresponding force, as indicated by the arrows.
In another embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the axleless wheel system configuration shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is inverted.
In this configuration, the stator assembly 2 is positioned below the floating rotor assembly 1 without any axle. The stator assembly 2 is placed on the floor, and supports the weight of the floating rotor assembly 1 and the mass attached to the rotor assembly 2 with a shaft 9. The shaft 9 is made of a non-magnetic material, and is securely connected to the floating rotor assembly 1.
Stability is achieved when at least 3 axleless wheel systems are employed in a device. The example shown in Figure 6 is a device for cushion, incorporating the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. The device comprises 3 inverted axleless wheel systems 10 mounted at the bottom of a light triangular platform 11, which is made of non-magnetic materials. When a force is exerted at the top of the platform 11, the self-centering cushion absorbs the vibration, as indicated by the arrows. In a configuration with an electro-magnet stator, the strength of the cushion may be controlled by varying the voltage to the electro-magnet.
In additional embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8, the axleless wheel system configuration shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is inverted.
In this configuration, the stator assembly 2 is positioned below the floating rotor assembly 1 without any axle. The stator assembly 2 is attached to the ceiling, and supports the weight of the floating rotor assembly 1 and the mass 13 attached to the rotor assembly 2 with a wire 12. The wire 1 2 is made of a non-magnetic material, and is securely connected to the floating rotor assembly 1 through a vertical hole 4 in the stator assembly 2. The mass 13 swings around the centre-line IV.
The example shown in Figure 9 is a device for suspension, incorporating the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. The device comprises 2 inverted axleless wheel systems 1 4 mounted at the top of a light wire 12 and a mass 1 3, both of which are made of non-magnetic materials. When a force is exerted at the mass 13, the suspension provides a swing movement around the centre-line IV, as indicated by the arrows. The suspension uses no hinge, and causes no mechanical stress.
Claims (5)
1. A magnetic levitation system for supporting a body for movement, comprising in combination:
a spherical rotor assembly having an exterior surface and an interior void, the spherical rotor comprising a plurality of permanent magnetic units so as to expose only one polarity on the exterior surface, the spherical rotor having a plurality of gaps between the permanent magnetic units in order to provide return paths of magnetic flux lines from the exterior surface of the spherical rotor to the interior void of the spherical rotor; and a concave stator assembly in the form of a rod having one end defining a concave hole, longitudinally magnetised on the exterior surface so as to expose one polarity on one end of the rod;
positioned to exert repulsive force upon one another, the concave stator assembly partly enveloping the spherical rotor assembly permitting friction-free rotation in an axleless configuration.
a spherical rotor assembly having an exterior surface and an interior void, the spherical rotor comprising a plurality of permanent magnetic units so as to expose only one polarity on the exterior surface, the spherical rotor having a plurality of gaps between the permanent magnetic units in order to provide return paths of magnetic flux lines from the exterior surface of the spherical rotor to the interior void of the spherical rotor; and a concave stator assembly in the form of a rod having one end defining a concave hole, longitudinally magnetised on the exterior surface so as to expose one polarity on one end of the rod;
positioned to exert repulsive force upon one another, the concave stator assembly partly enveloping the spherical rotor assembly permitting friction-free rotation in an axleless configuration.
2. A magnetic levitation system as defined in claim 1, in which the rotor assembly is positioned below the stator assembly to touch a floor in order to support a mass connected to the stator assembly, permitting the translational movement of the magnetic levitation system in any horizontal direction.
3. A magnetic levitation system as defined in claim 2, in which a means for braking, comprising a hole at the centre of the stator assembly and a rod made of non-magnetic material inserted into the hole, is provided to permit a slow-down of the speed of rotation of the rotor assembly by surface friction.
4. A magnetic levitation system as defined in claim 1, in which the rotor assembly has a shaft at the top securely connected to the rotor, arranged so that the stator assembly is positioned below the rotor assembly in order to support a mass connected to the rotor assembly.
5. A magnetic levitation system as defined in claim 1, in which the stator assembly has a hole at the bottom, and the rotor assembly has a wire at the bottom securely connected to the rotor, arranged so that the stator assembly is positioned below the rotor assembly in order to support a mass connected to the rotor assembly.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2190298 CA2190298C (en) | 1996-11-14 | 1996-11-14 | Magnetically levitated axleless wheel system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2190298 CA2190298C (en) | 1996-11-14 | 1996-11-14 | Magnetically levitated axleless wheel system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2190298A1 CA2190298A1 (en) | 1998-05-14 |
| CA2190298C true CA2190298C (en) | 2002-09-10 |
Family
ID=4159249
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2190298 Expired - Fee Related CA2190298C (en) | 1996-11-14 | 1996-11-14 | Magnetically levitated axleless wheel system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2190298C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101943107A (en) * | 2009-07-10 | 2011-01-12 | 王忠玉 | Hemispherical magnetic suspension bearing of huge magnetic suspension vertical shaft diagonal windmill |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2180451B1 (en) * | 2001-07-09 | 2003-12-16 | Ruiz Jose Cebrian | SPHERE SUSPENDED BY MAGNETIC EFFECTS |
| DK176831B1 (en) * | 2007-02-01 | 2009-11-16 | Kristoffer Zeuthen | Deep water offshore darrieus wind turbine with multifunctional joint |
| CN109551967A (en) * | 2019-01-25 | 2019-04-02 | 南通明诺电动科技股份有限公司 | Magnetic suspension idler wheel |
-
1996
- 1996-11-14 CA CA 2190298 patent/CA2190298C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101943107A (en) * | 2009-07-10 | 2011-01-12 | 王忠玉 | Hemispherical magnetic suspension bearing of huge magnetic suspension vertical shaft diagonal windmill |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2190298A1 (en) | 1998-05-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |