GB2094560A - Magnetic torque generator - Google Patents

Abstract

A magnetic torque generator comprises a disc 11 carrying equally spaced permanent power or rotor magnets 15, 16, the disc being on a rotatable shaft 12 so that the magnets move in a circular path below which a trigger or stator permanent magnet 18 is disposed. The trigger or stator magnet is oscillated or rotatably moved in one direction continuously so that alternating poles of the trigger or stator magnet change positions constantly whereby the trigger magnet attracts the adjacent power magnet part of the time and repels the adjacent power magnet part of the time. A timer is operably coupled to the trigger or stator magnet for selectively energising the trigger or stator magnet. Electromagnet 23 is oscillated via shaft 12 movement in Fig. 4 (not shown) the trigger magnet is rotated mechanically via gear boxes connected to the disc supporting shaft. Rectilinear motion is provided in the reciprocating engine of Fig. 5 (not shown). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Magnetic torque generator This invention relates to magnet power sources and more particularly to a novel magnetic torque generator employing means for controllably coordinating adjacent magnetic flux fields so that sufficient magnetostatic force is generated to perform useful work.

Man's improved technology has brought tremendous advances in many fields and, in particular, the science of magnetism influences almost every field of human activity. The wide and varied uses of the properties of magnetism form an integral, essential component of navigational and surveying instruments and the very heart of most electric motors and instrumentation. Almost all electronic equipment utilizes features of magnetism either directly or in the supplying circuits therefor.

Although magnetism is one of the oldest forces known to man, little has been done to harness the natural forces of magnetism in the form of a practical and efficient power source. Generally, power sources, such as motors and generators, for example, are presently being designed and fabricated by conventional methods and to standards which have been in use for many years.

These designs and methods usually involve the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical work by employing such elements as field poles, armatures, condensers and brushes.

In some instances, involving extremely small power outputs, magnetic forces have been employed in such devices as blenders and mixers; however, these devices are totally unsuitable for developing sufficient power to operate under conditions requiring a substantial loading of the power source such as may be used for a wide variety of tasks as in pumps, vehicle propulsion, and other mechanical and hydraulic apparatus when the power source is heavily loaded at all times.

Furthermore, such conventional devices, although using natural magnetic forces, also include electromechanical or electromagnetic devices in combination therewith.

Improvement in primary power sources incorporating natural magnetic force techniques which are permitted by modern technological approach and conceptuual improvement can readiiy reduce the cost of such primary power sources and make the power sources more durable, iong lived and more compact by effecting the controlled distortion of the magnetic lines of force so that a significant differential in flux density resuits whereby the known laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion can then be applied to effect major mechanical displacement.

In the past, several attempts have been made to effect a controlled distortion of magnetic lines of force employing permanent magnets arranged in juxtaposition with respect to each other that may be physically or electromechanically operated to obtain a desired flux density pattern suitable to cause mechanical displacement to take place between the magnets. One such attempt is set forth in the disclosure of U.S. Letters Patent No.

1,724,446 which provides for intermittently introducing a shunt into the magnetic flux field of one of a pair of magnets arranged in juxtaposition relationship to create an attracting magnetic field and then withdrawing the shunt to create a replusive magnetic field to cause one of said magnets to be alternately attracted to and repelled from the other magnet.

H6wever, difficulties and problems have been encountered by such conventional devices that stem largely from the fact that means are required to physically move the shunt into and out of the magnetic flux density pattern at precisely timed intervals, otherwise the efficiency and usefulness of the device as a power source is obviated. In some instances, such shunt actuation means operate electromagnetically which necessitates an external supply of electrical potential. Obviously, such means as are required by conventional magnetic power source devices represent relatively complex structures involving ancillary power and critical programming means so that the devices cannot be said to operate and function by employing pure utiSi2ation of natural forces.

Therefore, a long standing need has existed to provide a novel magnetic power producing or generating means which is capable of driving a workload at a constant speed for an extended period of time with a minimum of extraneous or ancillary devices.

Accordingly, the novel magnetic power or generating source of the present invention obviates the difficulties and problems encountered with conventional power sources and generators by providing means for establishing a concentrated magnetic force or flux field along movable, alternating positions in a circular path of a rotating corresponding magnetic flux or force field so as to effectively react in cooperation with the magnetic field of permanent magnets whereby the attraction and repulsion of the magnetic fields for each other may be converted into mechanical movement.

In one form of the invention, a novel magnetic torque generator is provided which includes a movable means carrying two or more permanent power or rotor magnet means arranged in equally spaced apart relationship wherein each of the magnetic means produces a constant magnetic flux or force field. Means are provided for rotatably mounting the disc so that the power or first mentioned magnets move in a circular path or track whereby the corresponding magnetic flux or force field from each of the respective magnets follows the circular path. Disposed within the circular path of the magnetic field force established by the first mentioned magnets, a trigger or stator permanent magnet is positioned which has its own magnetic flux field so as to lie in the path of the magnetic flux field provided by the first mentioned power magnets.The trigger or stator magnetic means rotates or reciprocally moves in one direction and then in the opposite direction so that alternating poles of the trigger or stator magnet force field change positions constantly so that the trigger magnet attracts the adjacent power magnet part of the time and repels the adjacent power magnet part of the time.

Timing means are provided for selectively moving the trigger or static magnetic means so that a constant travel of the disc carrying the first mentioned power magnetic means is produced.

Suitable power take off means may be operably connected to the disc or the rotating mount therefor so that power may be taken therefrom for operating a useful work load.

The invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic drawing showing a simplified version of the present invention in which mechanical movement is derived from the utilization of natural magnetic forces in accordance with the present invention; FIGURES 2A-H are enlarged diagrammatic views showing a typical magnetic attraction and repulsion sequence used in the device of the invention shown in FIGURE 1 for moving one magnet with resepectto another; FIGURE 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the magnetic torque generator shown in FIGURE 1 employing a plurality of power and trigger magnets; FIGURE 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention; and FiGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view diagrammatically showing a suitable means for utilizing the work output from the subject invention.

Referring to FIGURE 1, the novel magnetic torque generator of the present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow 10 which includes a rotating disc 11 fixedly carried on a shaft 12 which rotates on structure 1 3 via suitable bearings 14. Downwardly depending from the edge marginal region of disc 1 there is provided a pair of magnets 1 5 and 16 which include north and south poles so that a magnetic field of flux density is established about the magnets. As the disc 11 rotates, the magnets move in a circular path or track and consequently, the magnetic flux density also travels in the circular manner.Lying within the travel of the circular path travelled by the magnets 1 5 and 1 6, there is provided a pair of magnets 1 7 and 1 8 which are arranged coaxially with respect to each other and are joined together by a common fastener 20 so as to operate as a unit. The magnets 17 and 18 are held bya bearing 21 which permits the pair of magnets to oscillate or rotate on or with respect to supporting structure 22. Immediately below magnet 18 and coaxial therewith, is an electromagnet 23 having coils operably connected to a power source 24. The electromagnet 23 is movably mounted on a support 25 so that the electromagnet may be reciprocally oscillated in accordance with movement taken from shaft 12 via bevel gears 26 and 27 which rotate shaft 28 and bevel gears 29 and 30 which rotate the electromagnet 23.A timing means 31 is operably connected to the electromagnetic circuit so as to energize the coil at proper times.

The energization of the electromagnetic coils associated with the electromagnet 23 establishes a magnetic flux density in the area of the poles of permanent magnet 1 8. Following the rules of magnetism, with respect to like and unlike poles, the pair of magnets 1 7 and 18 will rotate accordingly within the bearing 21. In this manner, the pair of magnets 1 7 and 1 8 are slaved to the electromagnet and are interposed so that the movement of the magnetic pair 17 and 18 will influence the magnet 1 5 when their magnetic flux fields encounter each other. Also, the magnetic flux field of magnet 1 6 will also be influenced by the establishment of magnetic poles derived from the magnet 17.

Therefore, it can be seen that the magnetic forces are effective for very short distances from the poles and that these forces are very strong near the poles and dissipate rapidly as one moves away from the poles. The "reach" however depends on the type of material and the strength and shape of the magnet. By placing the two magnets 1 7 and 15, or 1 6 in its turn, in close proximity, continuous movement is experienced between the two magnets if the forces to attract and repel are switched alternately and continuously. In the present instance, it may be said that the magnets carried on the disc are power magnets. Each power magnet is in the same relative position with respect to magnet 1 7 such that the orientation of the positive and negative poles is left ununchanged with respect to the system.

However, magnet 17 is placed facing the power magnet at a short distance and for the purposes of the system, may be called the trigger magnet such that this latter magnet is made to rotate intermittently by means of the electromagnetic coils 23 via the slaved pair of magnets 1 7 and 1 8.

Since the poles of the second or trigger magnet change positions constantly, the trigger magnet attracts part of the time and repels part of the time.

Referring to the FIGURES 2A-H, a sequence is presented which shows the approach of the power magnet 1 5 to the trigger magnet 1 7 which is understood to be turned intermittently by the electromagnet 23. As the power magnet 1 5 approaches so that its field force becomes influenced by the field force of the trigger magnet 17, a reaction will take place according to the conventional laws of magnetism. In the present instance, referring to FIGURE 2A, the power magnet 1 5 is placed a distance away from the trigger magnet 1 7 in such a way that unlike poles face each other. The power magnet 1 5 then begins its travel attracted by the stationary or stator trigger magnet 1 7.

With respect to FIGURE 2B, the power magnet 1 5 continues to travel propelled by the attraction of the trigger magnet 17. It is important to maintain a clearance between the magnets so that no physcial interference is encountered. Also, if the magnets are allowed to touch, motion will cease.

Referring now to FIGURE 2C, it can be seen that when the power magnet 1 5 is near the point of total eclipse, the trigger magnet 1 7 is caused to start rotating 1 80 degrees very rapidly by the electromagnetic magnet 23.

In FIGURE 2D, the trigger magnet 17 has rotated 90" when the power magnet is at the eclipse point. This position is called the null point since the position of facing poles does not produce attraction or repulsion. The power magnet 1 5 continues to travel through the null point due to inertia.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, it is noted that while the power magnet 1 5 starts to leave the eclipse point, the rotation of the trigger magnet 1 7 very quickly beings to place "like" poles facing each other which causes repulsion.

In FIGURE 2F, when the power magnet 15 has left the eclipse point slightly, the trigger magnet 1 7 has completed a 1 800 rotation and stops. The "like" poles are now facing each other at almost full force and repulsion occurs quite strongly.

In FIGURE 2G, the power magnet 1 5 continues its travel pushed by the trigger magnet still under the influence of a rapidly decreasing repulsion or push force from the trigger magnet. Continuous motion is achieved by allowing the power magnet to be pulled and then pushed by another trigger or pulse in close proximity.

Referring now to FIGURE 2H, the power magnet 1 5 is completely released from the influence of trigger magnet 17 and will continue under forces of inertia.

By placing two power magnets such as power magnet 1 5 and power magnet 16, on the circular disc or plate 11 facing a single trigger magnet 17, the above stated principle is proven. Successful demonstrations have been run which prove the feasibility of obtaining circular motion from magnetic energy.

Referring now in detail to FIGURE 3, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein the principles previously described are employed using a rotating disc 35 having six permanent magnets beneath the disc indicated by numerals 36,37,38,39,40, and 41. The stationary discs which are mounted on the disc 35 are indicated by numerals 42,43, 44, 45 and 46 for a total of five permanent magnets. By employing a multiplicity of magnets both in the stationary (trigger) and rotating (power) mode, additional power is derived and consequently, a substantial amount of torque is generated. The poles of the various magnets are indicated by the S and N nomenclature and the normal laws of magnetism prevail.

Referring now in detail to FIGURE 4, a more detailed embodiment of the invention is shown in the general direction of arrow 50 wherein a disc 51 is rotated on a shaft 52 by means of the previously described magnetic field interaction between power magnets 53, 54 and trigger magnets 55, 56. However, in place of the electromagnetic means for rotating or twisting the trigger magnets, the embodiment shown in FIGURE 4 embodies a mechanical means taking the form of a Geneva mechanism carried within gear boxes 57 and 58 respectively. The Geneva mechanisms are intercoupled with the shaft 52 so as to drive from its opposite ends the trigger magnets 55 and 56 via a gear 59, 60.

Referring now in detail to FIGURE 5, another embodiment of the present invention is shown taking the form of a reciprocating engine wherein rectilinear motion is maintained through the use of magnetic energy as opposed to the circular motion shown in the previous embodiments. The reciprocating engine is indicated in the direction of arrow 60' which includes a timing means 61 operably connected to a pair of trigger permanent magnets 62 and 63 rotatably carried within the cylinders 64 and 65 respectively. The stator or non-rotating power magnets are indicated by numerals 66 and 67 and are illustrated attached to crank shaft 68 via suitable connecting rods 69 and 70. Suitable gearing or other mechanical means indicated by numeral 71 interconnects the timing means with the trigger magnets 62 and 63. As the trigger magnets are rotated, magnetic forces of propulsion and attraction are created with respect to the power magnets so that during the attraction mode or phase, the power magnet 66 will be drawn toward the trigger magnet 62 whereas when the trigger magnet 63 is arranged in repulsion, the power magnet 67 will then move away from the trigger magnet 63. Thus, the crankshaft 68 will rotate.

Claims (12)

1. A magnetic torque generator comprising a permanent magnet carried on a movable means, a magnetic trigger arranged in close proximity to the permanent magnet so that the magnetic flux or field density of the magnetic trigger correlates with the magnetic flux field or density of the permanent magnet to actuate the movable means continuously under the influence of magnetostatic forces established between the magnetic flux or fields densities of the permanent magnet and the magnetic trigger.

2. A generator as claimed in claim 1, in which the magnetic trigger is a permanent magnet having its magnetic flux field or density directly in the magnetic flux field path of the first mentioned magnet while the moving means is actuated under influence of the correlated magnetic flux fields or densities.

3. A generator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which a timer is operably coupled to the magnetic trigger for rapidly changing the polarity of its magnetic flux field or density with respect to the magnetic flux field or density of the permanent magnet.

4. A generator as claimed in claim 2 or 3, in which an electromagnet is included in the magnetic trigger directly operating a permanent magnet.

5. A generator as claimed in claim 4, in which an intermediate permanent magnet is operably interposed between the electromagnet and the trigger permanent magnet for relaying control of the electromagnetic to the trigger permanent magnet.

6. A generator as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, in which the movable means is a rotating disc and the permanent magnets carried thereon produce a magnetic flux field force which travels in a circular path.

7. A generator as claimed in claim 3, in which the movable means operates in a predetermined path of travel, the permanent power magnet carried on the movable means influencing the magnetic force field to move in the predetermined path, the permanent trigger magnet having its magnetic force field adapted to reside in the predetermined path correlates with the magnetic force field of the power magnet and the timer, operably connected to the trigger magnet rotates this trigger magnet so that its magnetic force field drives the movable means continuously along its predetermined path.

8. A generator as claimed in claim 1, in which a permanent rotor magnet has a flux field arranged to move in a given path, a permanent stator magnet has its flux field disposed in the given path adapted to interfere with the rotor magnet flux field and the trigger means, operably coupled to the stator magnet rotates the stator magnet for sequentially reversing the polarities of its flux field with respect to the rotor magnet flux field whereby the rotor magnet moves in a continous and constant manner along the given path.

9. A generator as claimed in claim 8, in which the trigger includes an electromagnet having its force field operable upon the stator magnet and the timer coupled to the electromagnet sequentially energizes the electromagnet.

10. A generator as claimed in claim 8 or 9 in which an even number of rotor magnets are employed and an odd number of stator magnets are utilized.

11. A generator as claimed in claim 8, 9 or 10 in which at least six rotor magnets are employed and at least five stator magnets are utilized.

12. A magnetic torque generator constructed and arranged to operate substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.