GB2578321A

GB2578321A - Apparatus for connection to a load

Info

Publication number: GB2578321A
Application number: GB1817234.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alevras Panagiotis; Theodossiades Stephanos; Rahnejat Homayoon; O'mahony Martin; Saunders Timothy
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2018-10-23
Filing date: 2018-10-23
Publication date: 2020-05-06
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-23
Also published as: GB201817234D0; GB2578321B

Abstract

An apparatus 100 comprising a rotatable shaft 101 and a device 150, the device comprising: a magnet (fig 5, 433) and an electromagnetic coil (fig 5, 420) disposed about the magnet configured such that movement of the magnet induces a current in the coil; wherein the device is supported at the rotatable shaft such that rotation of the shaft induces movement of the magnet in the radial direction of the shaft. The device may have a longitudinal axis parallel to the radial direction of the shaft. The electromagnetic coil may be connected to a load. The device may further comprise the first magnet being disposed between second (fig 5, 430) and third (fig 5, 432) magnets, wherein the second and third magnets have the same polarity and wherein the first magnet has a polarity opposite the polarity of the second and third magnets. The device may comprise a rod (fig 5, 435) wherein the magnet is constrained to move about the rod and may be disposed about the rod via a low-friction interface or bearing. The device may be used in a drive train, front-end accessory drive, internal combustion engine or electric motor of a vehicle.

Description

Apparatus for connection to a load The present invention relates to an apparatus for connection to a load, for example a resistive or electrical load. In one example the invention relates to an energy-harvesting apparatus for supplying power to a load.

Background

The operation of many devices may be accompanied by unwanted vibrations of their components. These vibrations may aggravate noise, vibration and harshness phenomena of the device's components and may also divert out energy from the intended operation of the device.

Statements of Invention

It is preferred to recover vibrational energy from mechanical components for conversion to useful power. Any converted (or recovered) energy may then be used to power other components or other devices.

According to an example of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus comprising a rotatable shaft and a device. The device comprises a magnet and an electromagnetic coil disposed about the magnet and configured such that movement of the magnet induces a current in the electromagnetic coil. The device is supported at the rotatable shaft such that rotation of the rotatable shaft induces movement of the magnet.

The device may be at least one of: connected to, attached to, coupled with, and engaged to the rotatable shaft. For example, the device may be secured to the shaft via bolts and /or screws. In another example the device may be attached to a bracket and the bracket may be attached to the rotatable shaft.

Movement of the magnet may be oscillatory movement. For example, the magnet may be configured to oscillate within the device and about the electromagnetic coil. The magnet may be disposed in the device such that it is within the electromagnetic coil -i.e. at least partially surrounded by the windings of the electromagnetic coil. For example the magnet may be configured to oscillate within the device and within the electromagnetic coil. Said movement (e.g. oscillations) may induce a current (or a voltage) in the electromagnetic coil.

The device may be supported at the rotatable shaft such that rotation of the rotatable shaft induces movement of the magnet in the radial direction of the rotatable shaft. For example, the device may comprise a device longitudinal axis. The device may be supported at the rotatable shaft such that the device longitudinal axis is parallel to the radial direction of the rotatable shaft. The magnet may be disposed in the device such that the magnet's movement is constrained to an axis parallel to the device longitudinal axis. Therefore, the magnet may be disposed such that the magnet's movement is constrained to an axis parallel to the radial direction of the rotatable shaft. It will be appreciated that rotation of the shaft produces a centrifugal force in the radial direction and therefore the device may be supported at the shaft such that rotation of the rotatable shaft induces movement of the magnet in the direction of centrifugal force. In other examples, the magnet's movement may be constrained to the direction of centrifugal force.

As will be illustrated below, the magnet's movement may be constrained by supporting the magnet at a rod, e.g. the magnet may be slidably disposed (e.g. may slide) about a rod.

The shaft may comprise an elongate body having a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the elongate body may define a central axis of the shaft. The device may comprise a longitudinal axis, which, when the device is supported at the rotatable shaft, may be parallel to the direction of movement of the magnet.

In one example, the device may be supported at the elongate body such that the device extends away from the elongate body and away from a shaft central axis of the shaft. In this example the device may extend radially away from the shaft, e.g. radially away from the shaft central axis. For example, the device may be supported at the elongate body such that the device extends in a direction perpendicular to a tangent to the shaft at the point at which the device is supported at the shaft. In this example, the device may be supported at the shaft such that the device longitudinal axis extends away from the shaft, e.g. away from the shaft central axis. In one example the device longitudinal axis may extend away from a centre point of the shaft. In one example the device longitudinal axis may extend in a direction perpendicular to a tangent to the shaft at the point on the outer surface of the shaft at which the device is supported at the shaft.

The shaft may comprise two axially opposing end faces. The device may be supported at one of the axially opposing end faces. In this example, the device may be supported at the shaft such that the device extends along one of the end faces. The device may be supported at one axially opposing end faces such that the shaft longitudinal axis, and the direction of magnet movement, is aligned with the centrifugal force produced by the shaft when it rotates.

The electromagnetic terminal may be connected to a load. This may allow any induced current or voltage to be supplied to the load. For example, the load may be a resistive load thus closing the circuit formed by the electromagnetic coil. In another example the load may be an electrical load (e.g. a sensor) such that the induced current or voltage may be used to power the electrical load.

The magnet may be a first magnet and the device may further comprise second and third magnets. The first magnet may be disposed between the second and third magnets.

The second and third magnets may have the same polarity. The first magnet may have a polarity opposite the polarity of the second and third magnets. The second and third magnets may be disposed on an outer surface of the device.

As stated above, in one example the device may comprise a rod. The magnet may be constrained to move about the rod. For example, the magnet may be a ring magnet comprising a hollow core for receipt of the rod. The rod may be received in the hollow core of the magnet such that the magnet may slide about the rod. In one example, the magnet may be disposed about the rod via an interface, for example a low friction interface such as a ring bearing or a layer comprising a ferrofluid. The magnet may therefore be disposed about the rod by means of a solid, or a liquid, interface. In one example, the magnet may be disposed about the rod via at least one bearing, e.g. a ring bearing. For example, the ring magnet may be rigidly attached to a set of plain, flanged, low-friction linear plastic bearings so as to enable sliding movement between the magnet and the shaft, the sliding movement involving contact between the rod and the bearing. In one example, the magnet may contact the rod directly, e.g. a bearing may not be used in this example. The rod may be parallel to the radial direction of the rotatable shaft. The rod may be non-magnetic.

The device may comprise a device housing. The device housing may comprise a nonmagnetic element. For example, the device housing may comprise a non-magnetic tube. The device housing may comprise a plastic material.

The electromagnetic coil may be disposed outside of the device housing.

The device housing may comprise an outer surface. The outer surface may comprise a groove for receipt of the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil may be disposed in the groove.

The first magnet may be disposed inside, or within, the device housing. The second and third magnets may be held in fixed positions relative to the device housing.

The device housing may comprise a two end housing portions and a central housing portion.

The central housing portion may be in between the two end housing portions. The central housing portion may be connected to the two end housing portions. The central housing portion may comprise an outer surface, which may comprise the groove for receipt of the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil may be disposed in the groove of the central housing portion. The central housing portion may be non-magnetic. The central housing portion may be substantially tubular. The groove may be circumferential. In one example, the central housing portion may comprise two grooves (e.g. two grooves in an outer surface of the central housing portion) each groove being for receipt of an electromagnetic coil. In this example, the device may comprise a first and a second electromagnetic coil, each coil being received in a respective groove. The second groove (and therefore any coil disposed therein) may be at a predetermined fixed distance from the first groove. In this example the magnet may be oscillatably disposed within both of the first and second coils. In other examples the magnet may be configured such that movement of the magnet will induce a current or voltage in both coils.

At least one of the first and second end housing portions may comprise aluminium. The central housing portion, in one example, may be hollow and the first and second end housing portions may be to close off the otherwise open ends of the central housing portion. The central housing portion and first and second end housing portions may therefore define a substantially sealed space therebetween. The magnet may be disposed in this space.

Each of the first and second end housings may comprise an opening, e.g. a hole such as a blind hole, for receipt of a magnet. For example one of the first and second end housings may comprise an opening for receipt of the second magnet and the other of the first and second end housings may comprise an opening for receipt of the third magnet.

In one example, at least one, e.g. both, of the second and third magnets may comprise a neodymium magnet.

The second and third magnets may be disposed in the first and second end housings, respectively, in one example. In this example the second and third magnets may be disposed on an outer surface of the device housing. In one example the total magnetic array of one end housing, comprising a magnet, may be the same as the other end housing. In another example, it may be different.

In one example, the second and third magnets may each comprise at least one stacked magnet, and the end housings may therefore comprise stacked magnets.

The first and second end housings may comprise a threaded opening, e.g. a threaded hole.

The threaded opening may be on a side of the first and, respectively, second end housing opposite the side with the opening for receipt of a magnet. In one example, the rod may comprise threads corresponding to such openings, e.g. the rod may be a threaded rod, threaded at either end. The rod may therefore be fastened (e.g. threadedly fastened) to both housings and extend between both end housing portions. The rod may therefore fasten the two end housing portions in place. In other examples, the end housing may comprise threads and the rod may comprise complementary threaded openings. In another example, the rod may be connected to and between the first and second end housings in another way, for example welded or adhered or otherwise attached.

The second and third magnets may provide a restoring force to the (first, ring) magnet. For example, the second and third magnets may be configured to 'float' the magnet between the second and third magnets. Accordingly, in one example the first magnet may have an equilibrium, or a rest, position that is substantially half way between the second and third magnets. In this example, rotation of the shaft may cause the first magnet to move, e.g. oscillate, about this equilibrium position.

In one example, the electromagnetic coil (e.g. the open ends thereof) may be connected to an electric terminal block. In this example, the terminal block may be electrically connected to a resistive load, e.g. to close the coil circuit. As above, the electromagnetic coil (e.g. the open ends thereof) may be connected to an electrical load.

In one example, the rotatable shaft may be part of an internal combustion engine (ICE). For example the rotatable shaft may be part of a front end accessory drive (FEAD) system. In one example, the rotatable shaft may be part of an electric motor.

Accordingly, the device of the present disclosure may be configured to harness vibrational energy from a rotating component, such as a shaft or disc. For example, the operation of an ICE is accompanied by the manifestation of untoward vibrations of the surrounding components. Additionally, some designs which emphasise high output power-to-light weight ratio can lead to various dynamic interactions of various components of the powertrain. Oscillatory modes associated with dynamic interactions of such rotating components can aggravate noise, vibration and harshness phenomena, streamlining energy out of its primary purpose in a system in which the components are comprised. For example, in an ICE these oscillatory modes may cause variations in the rotational speed of a shaft, e.g. the crankshaft, which may mean that instead of having a consistent, uniform, average rotational speed, there are variations of the rotational speed. These variations can, in some examples, be severe and can therefore divert energy out from the powertrain that would otherwise be used if the shaft's rotational speed were constant. This energy represents mechanical energy that may be dissipated into the environment without any operation use. The present disclosure may recover, or reclaim, portions of this vibrational energy by translating it to an induced current in an electromagnetic coil that may be able to power secondary devices (as an example, small-scale electronic components such as a wireless sensor).

The device may be configured to supply energy to deliver power to a secondary device -for example an automotive sensor. Secondary devices such as automotive sensors may be able to be powered using energy harnessed by the device and apparatus disclosed herein. Utilising such a secondary device may reduce the wiring required in a system, e.g. the vehicle wiring when the apparatus is utilised in a vehicle. In examples where the rotatable shaft may be part of an internal combustion engine (ICE), the electromagnetic coil may be connected to a sensor such as a tachometer.

Additionally, a device as disclosed herein may be able to be positioned in a relatively small, confined, space without significantly adding to the mass and/or inertia of the system in which it is disposed.

In one example there may be provided a vehicle apparatus comprising a vehicle and an apparatus as described above. In this example the rotatable shaft may be a rotatable shaft of the vehicle.

Brief Description of Figures

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to illustrate how it may be put into effect, examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs. 1 and 2 are each schematic views of respective example apparatuses, each apparatus having an example device; Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an example device.

Fig. 4 is a front view of an example device; and Fig. 5 is a cutaway view of the example device of Fig. 4.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an example apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may be an apparatus for harvesting energy. The apparatus 100 may be an apparatus for harvesting rotational or vibrational energy. The apparatus 100 may be an apparatus for harvesting rotational or vibration energy from a rotatable (or rotating) shaft.

The apparatus 100 comprises a shaft 101. Shaft 101 may be rotatable, and may be rotatable about an axis of rotation 103, as indicated by arrow 107. The rotation axis 103 may comprise, or correspond to, an axial direction of the shaft 101. The radial direction of the shaft 101 is indicated by arrow 105. It will be appreciated that rotation of the shaft 101, in the direction of arrow 107, about axis 103, will induce a centrifugal force in all directions around the shaft, in the shaft's radial direction 105.

The apparatus 100 comprises a device 150. Although not shown in Fig. 1, as will be explained below, the device 150 comprises a magnet configured to move, e.g. oscillate, in the device 150. As will also be explained below, in one example, the device 150 comprises a first magnet disposed within a second magnet and a third magnet and configured to oscillate between the second and third magnets. The device 150 also comprises an electromagnetic coil disposed about the magnet (or first magnet) and configured such that oscillations of the magnet (or first magnet) induce a current in the electromagnetic coil.

The device 150 has an axial direction 152 and a radial direction 154. The device 150 may be substantially cylindrical. The device 150 may comprise an elongate body and two end faces.

The shaft 101 comprises an elongate body 102 and two end faces (one of which is shown in Figure 1, designated by reference numeral 104).

The device 150 is supported at the shaft 101 (e.g. attached to or connected to) such that the axial direction 152 of the device 150 is aligned with (e.g. is parallel to) the radial direction 105 of the shaft 101. For example, the device 150 is supported at the shaft end face 104 such that a central longitudinal axis through the centre of the device intersects the radius of the shaft. The device 150 may be supported at the shaft end face 104, e.g. supported on the shaft end face 104 (e.g. attached or connected to).

The device 150 is therefore supported at the rotatable shaft 101 such that rotation of the rotatable shaft (i.e. about axis 103 in direction of arrow 107) induces oscillations of the first magnet (not shown) in the device 150 in the radial direction 105, or in the device's axial direction 152, of the rotatable shaft 101.

Fig. 2 shows an example apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 may be an apparatus for harvesting energy. The apparatus 200 may be an apparatus for harvesting rotational or vibrational energy. The apparatus 200 may be an apparatus for harvesting rotational or vibration energy from a rotatable (or rotating) shaft.

In Figs. 1 and 2, like features will be denoted by like reference numerals increased by 100, for example shaft 101, 201 in Figs. 1 and 2, respectively, etc. In Fig. 2A the device 250 is supported at an outer surface of the shaft elongate body 202. The device 250 may be connected, or attached, to an outer surface of the shaft 201. The device 250 is supported at the shaft 201 (e.g. attached to or connected to) such that the axial direction 252 of the device 250 is aligned with (e.g. is parallel to) the radial direction 205 of the shaft 201. For example, the device 250 is supported on an outside surface, or face of, the shaft 201 such that it projects away from the shaft 201 (and outer surface thereof) in a direction parallel to the radial direction of the shaft 201. In one example, a central longitudinal axis through the centre of the device intersects the radius of a cross section of the shaft, and the shaft axial axis 203.

The device 250 is therefore supported at the rotatable shaft 201 such that rotation of the rotatable shaft (i.e. about axis 203 in direction of arrow 207) induces oscillations of the first magnet (not shown) in the device 250 in the radial direction 205 of the rotatable shaft 201.

Fig. 3 shows an example device 300. The device 300 may be for use in the apparatus of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2. The device 300 comprises a magnet 306.

The device 300 comprises an electromagnetic coil 308 disposed about the magnet 306. The electromagnetic coil 308 is disposed about the magnet 306, and may be disposed such that the electromagnetic coil 308 at least partially surrounds part of the magnet 306. It will be appreciated that movement of the magnet may induce an electric current to flow through the coil 308 via electromagnetic induction. For example, oscillations of the magnet 306 within the coil 308 may induce a (substantially continuous) electric current in the coil 308.

The electromagnetic coil 308 may be connected to a load (not shown). For example the electromagnetic coil 308 may comprise two terminals, 310, 312 (which may be the ends of the wire forming the coil or may be a connector or a fastener, etc.) and the terminals 310, 312 may be connected to a resistive load to close the circuit, or an electric load. In the latter example, induced current in the coil 308 may power the electric load.

In one example, the device may comprise second and third magnets disposed opposite one another. In this example, the magnet is a first magnet and may be movable disposed in between the second and third magnets. In one example, the polarity of the second and third magnets is the same and the polarity of the first magnet is opposite the polarity of the second and third magnets. In this example the first magnet 'floats' in between the second and third magnets, in that the balance of magnet repulsion between the magnets holds the first magnet in a position between the second and third magnets.

Fig. 4 shows an example device 400. The device 400 may be for use in the apparatus of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2. The device 400 comprises a device housing 402. The device housing 402 comprises a central housing portion 404 and first and second end housing portions 406, 408. The central housing portion 404 may be in between the first and second end housing portions 406, 408. The central housing may be connected to the first and second end housing portions 406, 408. Each end housing portion 406, 408 comprises a first end surface and a second end surface. For example, first end housing portion 406 comprises first end surface 410 and second end surface 412. The end surfaces 410, 412 are opposing and provided on either side of the first end housing portion 406. Second end housing portion 408 comprises first end surface 414 and second end surface 416. The end surfaces 414, 416 are opposing and provided on either side of the second end housing portion 408. The first end surfaces 410, 414, of the first end housing portion and second end housing portion, respectively, face toward each other (and toward the central housing portion 404) and the second end surfaces 412, 416, of the first end housing portion and second end housing portion, respectively, face away from each other and away from the device 400. Therefore second end surfaces 412, 416 are comprised in an outer surface of the device housing 402.

The device housing 402 comprises an outer surface. The outer surface comprises a groove 418 for receipt of an electromagnetic coil 420. The groove 418 may be provided in the central housing portion 404, e.g. in an outer surface of the central housing portion 404. The two ends 422, 424 of the coil 420 may be connected to a resistive or electrical load (not shown) as will be described later.

As depicted in Fig. 4, the device housing 402 and/or the central housing portion 404 is substantially cylindrical. As such, the groove 418 may be a circumferential groove in the central housing portion 404 for receipt of the windings of the electromagnetic coil 420.

Reference to the device 400 will now be made to Fig. 5 which depicts a side cutaway view of the device 400.

As can be seen from Fig. 5, the device 400 comprises a first magnet 433. The device 400 also comprises a second magnet 430 and a third magnet 432. The first magnet 433, in this example, is a ring magnet. In this example, the first magnet 433 comprises a slot, opening, or cavity for receipt of at least one rod. As can be seen from Fig. 5, the device 400 comprises a rod 435.

The rod 435 connects the first and second end housing portions 406, 408. The first magnet 433 is slidaby disposed about the rod 435. For example, the rod 435 may be received in an opening (e.g. a central opening) of the ring magnet 433. At least one bearing 436 is disposed in between the first magnet 433 and the rod 435 to enable sliding movement of the first magnet 433 about the rod 435.

The first end surfaces 410, 414, of the first and second end housing portions 406, 408, respectively, each comprise an opening for receipt of the rod 435. For example, first end surface 410 of first end housing portion 406 comprises an opening 437 and first end surface 414 of second end housing portion 408 comprises an opening 438. Each opening 437 and 438 is for receipt of the rod 435 to thereby hold the rid between the first and second end housing portions 406, 408. At least one of the openings 437, 438 may comprise threads, e.g. at least one of the openings 437, 438 may be a threaded opening. In this example corresponding threads may be provided on at least one end of the rod 435. Therefore, in the example of Fig. 5, the rod 435 is threadedly engaged with the first and second end housing portions 406, 408.

The second surface 412 of the first end housing portion 406 comprises a first magnet opening 413 for receipt of the second magnet 430. The second surface 416 of the second end housing portion 408 comprises a second magnet opening 417 for receipt of the third magnet 432. Therefore, the second and third magnets 430, 432 are each provided in the first and second end housing portions 406, 408, respectively. The second and third magnets 430, 432 are therefore disposed in an outer surface of the device housing 402, and therefore an outer surface of the device 400. In one example, the device housing 402 may comprise the second and third magnets 430, 432. For example, the first end housing portion 406 may comprise the second magnet 430. For example, the second end housing portion 408 may comprise the third magnet 432.

The first magnet 433 is disposed inside the central housing portion 404 of the device 400. As above, the first magnet 433 is slidably disposed about the rod 435. In one example therefore, the movement of the first magnet 433 is constrained by the rod 435. For example, the first magnet 433 may be configured to oscillate, e.g. oscillate in a direction parallel to the rod 435, or an axial direction thereof.

In use, the device 400, may be mounted on a rotatable shaft (for example, the shafts 101, 201 of Figures 1 and 2, respectively). The shaft is rotatable and in, use, may rotate. Rotation of the shaft may induce movement of the first magnet 433 about the rod 435. For example, centrifugal force resulting from the rotation of the shaft may induce the first magnet 433 to move in an axial direction 490 of the device 400. The device 400 is supported at the rotatable shaft such that rotation of the rotatable shaft induces movement of the first magnet 433 in the radial direction of the rotatable shaft. Therefore, the axial direction of the device 400 is aligned (e.g. parallel) to the radial direction of the rotatable shaft so that the centrifugal force resulting from the shaft's rotation is aligned with (e.g. parallel to) the axial direction of the device 400.

It will be appreciated that, in one example, a constant centrifugal force may essentially hold the first magnet 433 in a fixed position relative to the device 400. For example, the device 400 may be mounted to a rotating shaft, and a constant centrifugal force may cause the first magnet 433 to move away from the centre of the shaft to an end of the device 400 remote from the shaft.

However, in some examples, rotating components may not rotate at a single, constant, speed. Rotating machinery that involve transmission of mechanical power, or conversion of other forms of energy to useful mechanical work, are subject to fluctuations of their nominal operating speed. One example is IC engine powertrains, where the combustion in each cylinder induces a shock to the crankshaft. Collectively such events may lead to torsional vibrations of the rotating equipment manifested as alternating fluctuations of the rotational speed about the component's average speed. These changes in an otherwise constant rpm/rotating speed of the shaft may, due to how the device 400 is supported at the rotating shaft, induce oscillatory motion in the first magnet 433. For example, rotational vibrations of the shaft, which can also be referred to, or considered, as fluctuations in the rotating shaft's speed, lead to fluctuations in the centrifugal force induced by the rotating shaft. This fluctuating centrifugal force may not, in this example, hold the first magnet 433 in a fixed position, but rather may cause the magnet 433 to oscillate within the device 400. In such an example, the first magnet 433 may be a vibrating, or oscillating magnet, as rotational vibrations of the shaft may cause the first magnet 433 to vibrate within the device 400.

The second and third magnets 430, 432 may be considered to be 'housing magnets' in that they may be comprised in the device housing 402. The second and third magnets 430, 432 may be configured to counteract the constant part of the centrifugal force that may otherwise hold the magnet at a certain, fixed, radial distance. Therefore, the second and third magnets 430, 432 may be selected such that a fluctuating centrifugal force may drive the vibrations of the first magnet 433.

Displacements of the first magnet 433 (e.g. oscillations) may be restored by the magnetic forces exerted by the second and third magnets 430, 432.

Oscillations of the first magnet 433 in the device 400, about the rod 435, may cause the magnet 433 to move relative to the electromagnetic coil 420. The device 400 may, in one example, therefore be a magnetic nonlinear oscillator. The induced vibrations of the first magnet 433 may induce a voltage or current in the electromagnetic coil 420 which may then be utilised to power another device. For example, the free ends of the electromagnetic coil 420 may be connected to a secondary device, such as a sensor. In such an example, vibratory motion of the rotatable shaft may induce movements of the first magnet 433 which may induce a current in the electromagnetic coil 420 that may power the sensor.

In one example, two devices according to the disclosure herein may be supported at a rotatable shaft. In such an example, each device may be symmetrically positioned. For example, one device could be positioned as a counterweight to the other.

In one example the device is approximately 100mm long and 40mm in diameter.

In one example, the device 400 is mounted on a rotatable shaft of an engine or electric motor. For example, the device 400 may be mounted on an ICE crankshaft or any rotatable shaft of a front end accessory drive (FEAD) system.

Examples of the present disclosure may be provided according to one of the following

numbered statements:

Statement 1. An apparatus comprising: a rotatable shaft; and a device, the device comprising: a magnet; and an electromagnetic coil disposed about the magnet and configured such that movement of the magnet induces a current in the electromagnetic coil; wherein the device is supported at the rotatable shaft such that rotation of the rotatable shaft induces movement of the magnet.

Statement 2. An apparatus according to statement 1 wherein the device is supported at the rotatable shaft such that rotation of the rotatable shaft induces movement of the magnet in the radial direction of the rotatable shaft.

Statement 3. An apparatus according to statement 1 or 2 wherein the device comprises a device longitudinal axis, and wherein the device is supported at the rotatable shaft such that the device longitudinal axis is parallel to the radial direction of the rotatable shaft.

Statement 4. An apparatus according to statement 1 or 2, wherein the shaft comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body defining a shaft central axis, and wherein the device comprises a longitudinal axis being parallel to the direction of movement of the magnet, and wherein the shaft comprises two axially opposing end faces, and wherein the device is either: supported at the elongate body such that the device extends away from the elongate body and shaft central axis of the shaft; or supported at one of the axially opposing end faces.

Statement 5. An apparatus according to any preceding statement wherein the electromagnetic terminal is connected to a load.

Statement 6. An apparatus according to any preceding statement wherein the magnet is a first magnet and wherein the device further comprises second and third magnets, wherein the first magnet is disposed between the second and third magnets.

Statement 7. An apparatus according to statement 6 wherein the second and third magnets have the same polarity and wherein the first magnet has a polarity opposite the polarity of the second and third magnets.

Statement 8. An apparatus according to statement 6 or 7 wherein the second and third magnets are disposed on an outer surface of the device.

Statement 9. An apparatus according to any preceding statement wherein the device comprises a rod and wherein the magnet is constrained to move about the rod.

Statement 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the magnet may be disposed about the rod via a low-friction interface or bearing.

Statement 11. An apparatus according to statement 9 or 10 wherein the magnet is a ring magnet comprising a hollow core for receipt of the rod, and wherein the rod is received in the hollow core such that the magnet is slidably disposed about the rod.

Statement 12. An apparatus according to any of statements 9 to 11 wherein the rod is parallel to the radial direction of the rotatable shaft.

Statement 13. An apparatus according to any preceding statement wherein the device comprises a device housing and wherein the electromagnetic coil is disposed outside of the device housing.

Statement 14. An apparatus according to any preceding statement wherein the device comprises a device housing, the device housing comprising an outer surface comprising a groove for receipt of the electromagnetic coil, and wherein the electromagnetic coil is disposed in the groove.

Statement 15. An apparatus according to any preceding statement, wherein the rotatable shaft is part of an internal combustion engine or electric motor or a drive train of a vehicle or a front-end accessory drive (FEAD) system of a vehicle.

S Statement 16. A vehicle apparatus comprising:

a vehicle; and an apparatus according to any of statements 1-14, wherein the rotatable shaft of the apparatus is a rotatable shaft in the vehicle.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Various alternative examples are discussed through the detailed description. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus comprising: a rotatable shaft; and a device, the device comprising: a magnet; and an electromagnetic coil disposed about the magnet and configured such that movement of the magnet induces a current in the electromagnetic coil; wherein the device is supported at the rotatable shaft such that rotation of the rotatable shaft induces movement of the magnet in the radial direction of therotatable shaft.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device comprises a device longitudinal axis, and wherein the device is supported at the rotatable shaft such that the device longitudinal axis is parallel to the radial direction of the rotatable shaft.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body defining a shaft central axis, and wherein the device comprises a longitudinal axis, wherein movement of the magnet is parallel to the device longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft comprises two axially opposing end faces, and wherein the device is either: supported at the elongate body such that the device extends away from the elongate body and shaft central axis of the shaft; or supported at one of the axially opposing end faces.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electromagnetic terminal is connected to a load.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is a first magnet and wherein the device further comprises second and third magnets, wherein the first magnet is disposed between the second and third magnets.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the second and third magnets have the same polarity and wherein the first magnet has a polarity opposite the polarity of the second and third magnets.
7. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the second and third magnets are disposed on an outer surface of the device.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device comprises a rod and wherein the magnet is constrained to move about the rod.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the magnet may be disposed about the rod via a low-friction interface or bearing.
10. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the magnet is a ring magnet comprising a hollow core for receipt of the rod, and wherein the rod is received in the hollow core such that the magnet is slidably disposed about the rod.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the rod is parallel to the radial direction of the rotatable shaft.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device comprises a device housing and wherein the electromagnetic coil is disposed outside of the device housing.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device comprises a device housing, the device housing comprising an outer surface comprising a groove for receipt of the electromagnetic coil, and wherein the electromagnetic coil is disposed in the groove.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a vehicle, and wherein the rotatable shaft is part of: an internal combustion engine or electric motor of the vehicle.
15. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a vehicle, and wherein the rotatable shaft of the apparatus is part of the drive train or a front-end accessory drive (FEAD) system of the vehicle.