WO2008023189A1

WO2008023189A1 - Magnetic energy conversion system

Info

Publication number: WO2008023189A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/003231
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Carey
Original assignee: C J Research Limited
Priority date: 2006-08-24
Filing date: 2007-08-24
Publication date: 2008-02-28

Abstract

A system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, comprising a first magnetic means positioned along a first path, a second magnetic means positioned along a second path, a third magnetic means positioned along a third path, wherein the first path is disposed between the second and third paths, wherein the second magnetic means and the third magnetic means are arranged face to face with each other, wherein at least one of the first, second or third magnetic means are fixed in position and wherein motion of the first, third, or second and third magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path.

Description

MAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM

A system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, specifically wherein a magnetic means is displaced in a direction transverse to its path.

The most common use for permanent magnets is in the generation of electricity, i.e. dynamos and alternators and are used in some electric motors in conjunction with electromagnets. The magnetic field of electromagnets can be switched on/off, however the magnetic field of permanent magnets cannot, but they can diverted by the use of "Shunts". It is a fact that permanent magnets are not a source of energy and as such cannot do "work", otherwise, there would be an infringement of the all important "conservation of energy" law: that is "energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can only be converted from one form to another". However magnetic force fields can transfer energy from one type to another by forcing a mass to move in the direction of the magnetic force.

Notwithstanding the above, the research performed by the applicant has shown that there is an external energy source and it works synergistically with magnets providing the "force field energy" that is normally attributed to magnets. This external energy is an omnipresent energy that is possibly maintained in an "equilibrium" state, an environmental energy that possibly transverses the whole of the universe permeaϊing a⁾⁾ matter and perhaps similar, or a constituency part, if not the same as that universal energy often referred to be the scientific energy community as "Dark Energy". Whenever a magnetic field is generated there is a simultaneous reaction from within and surrounding the magnetic body, the energy, being particles or waves, appears to follow the magnetic field lines emanating from the magnets.

The Applicants have discovered that a magnet can simply be used as an energy converter, converting the environmental energy into a manipulative directional force that can do work. It is the belief of the Applicant that this force field energy is the expendable and continuously replaceable energy of all magnets and in the case of permanent magnets, it is this energy that once switched on makes a permanent magnet "permanent".

A prior art system is disclosed in PCT/GB2006/003892, wherein there is described a motion transfer system wherein motion of a secondary magnetic means along a motion path produces motion of a primary first magnetic means, such that the second magnetic means comes under the magnetic influence of the further magnet before it leaves the magnetic influence of the primary first magnetic means.

Another system is disclosed in US 3992132, Wherein there is described a motion transfer system whereby magnetic are arranged to cancel the magnetic force on the rotor arm during use. Such an arrangement however does not equalise the forces on the rotor arm along the direction of travel. The increases wear on the motion transfer system reducing reliability.

The present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the problems of the prior art. One aspect of the present invention provides a system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, comprising a first magnetic means positioned along a first path, a second magnetic means positioned along a second path, a third magnetic means positioned along a third path, wherein the first path is disposed between the second and third paths, wherein the second magnetic means and the third magnetic means are arranged face to face with each other, wherein at least one of the first, second or third magnetic means are fixed in position and wherein motion of the first, third, or second and third magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path.

Preferably the second magnetic means may be fixed in position along the second path and wherein motion of the first magnetic means along the first path causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path.

Preferably wherein the first magnetic means may be fixed in position along the first path and the second magnetic means may be fixed in position along the second path and wherein motion of the third magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path.

Preferably wherein the first magnetic means may be fixed in position along the first path and wherein motion of the second and third sets of magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path. Also preferably wherein any one of the first, third or second and third magnetic means may be attached to a rotor arm. Further preferably wherein the rotor arm may be pivot-able around a central shaft.

Preferably wherein the first magnetic means are all of a ferromagnetic material, wherein the secondary magnetic means are all permanent magnets of the horseshoe design (two poles) or, wherein the third magnetic means are of ferromagnetic material or are all permanent magnets of the horseshoe design (two poles).

Preferably wherein the second magnetic means attracts by their magnetic field the third magnetic means to a forward position against a resistive force which can direct output energy or stored as potential energy, and further preferably wherein the resistive force is provided by a spring.

Further preferably wherein the second magnetic means repels the third magnetic means.

Also preferably wherein the first magnetic means when aligned between the second magnetic means and the third magnetic means absorbs the magnetic field and short-cuts its path back to the secondary magnetic means and so releasing the third magnetic means from its forward position. Also preferably wherein the first magnetic means when aligned between the second magnetic means and the third magnetic means absorbs the magnetic field and short-cuts its path back to the secondary magnetic means and so depriving the third magnetic means of its active holding force which allows it to return to its non-active position to reset itself or release its stored energy.

Preferably wherein the third magnetic means function as output power solenoids and can be in an active or de-active position.

Preferably wherein the third magnetic means is connected to a power output means.

Preferably wherein the power output means are driven by the transverse displacement of the third magnetic means which can be physically or magnetically connected to an output means of choice.

Preferably wherein the first, second and third paths are an endless loop, preferably circular.

Preferably, wherein the second and third magnetic means are parallel to each other. Also preferably, wherein the first magnetic means may cover the faces of at least 4 magnets of the second magnetic means.

Also preferably, wherein the rotor arms rotate at a speed that ensures the output power solenoids have time to return fully to their off load position (reset) and have time to return to through their full stroke once the first magnetic means have moved past.

Preferably wherein motion of the first, third, or second and third magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction perpendicular to the third path.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a transducer for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, comprising a first magnetic means positioned along a first path, a second magnetic means positioned along a second path, a third magnetic means positioned along a third path, wherein the first path is disposed between the second and third paths, wherein the second magnetic means and the third magnetic means are arranged face to face with each other, wherein at least one of the first, second or third magnetic means are fixed in position and wherein motion of the first, third, or second and third magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path. Therefore the magnetic force field energy stored in permanent magnets is converted directly into kinetic energy by the relative motion between a set of primary magnetic means positioned along a path of relative motion, and a set of secondary magnetic means positioned along the path of motion to confront the primary magnetic means. There is also a third set of magnetic means positioned along the said path of motion. The primary magnetic means are all of a ferromagnetic material and the secondary magnetic means are all permanent magnets of the horseshoe design (two poles), whilst the third magnetic means may be of permanent magnets and/or ferromagnetic material. All of the magnetic means form three separate continuous circular paths made up a plurality of magnetic means whereby the motion by the primary magnetic means causes the secondary magnetic means to displace the third magnetic means in directions transverse to the path. All of the secondary magnetic means are fixed at given spaces relevant to each other in the inner path. All of the third magnetic means are fixed at given spaces relevant to each other in the outer path so each third magnetic means aligns face to face with each of the secondary magnetic means. The primary magnetic means which acts as a 'shunt' redirecting magnetic fields in a desired direction, continues in motion along the said path (middle path) confronting each of the secondary magnetic means. The secondary magnetic means attracts by their magnetic field the third magnetic means to a forward position against a resistive force which can be the direct output energy or stored as potential energy i.e. a spring. The primary magnetic means when aligned between the secondary magnetic means and the third magnetic means absorbs the magnetic field and short-cuts its path back to the secondary magnetic means so depriving the third magnetic means of its active holding force which allows it to return to its non-active position to reset itself or release its stored energy.

Power output means are driven by the transverse displacement of the third magnetic means which can be physically or magnetically (no physical contact) connected to an output means of choice.

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the attached drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an alternative view of the system of Figure 1 ;

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are diagrams showing a system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a diagram showing a system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an alternative view of the system of Figure 4. This invention relates to an energy conversion system whereby the magnetic force field energy stored within permanent magnets is converted directly into mechanical energy. Primary motion in a given path produces secondary motion in a direction transverse to the given path. The present invention is characterised in one respect by the fact that there is no physical contact between the relatively movable elements. This result is achieved by the use of relatively movable sets of magnetic means working in conjunction with other magnetic means.

With reference to Figurei there is shown a system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The same numbering is used for the same features throughout all of Figures 1 , 2, 3A, 3B and 3C.

Throughout the following description the term "kinetic energy" is used to refer generally to a form of energy created or stored by an object which can move, and is in intended to cover the term "mechanical energy" The mechanical energy produced by the relative movement of the sets of magnets can directly be further converted into a power source as hereinbefore described, or alternatively stored as potential energy in a suitable storage device, for example a spring. The energy output could also be damped by the spring.

In Figure 1 there is shown a circular base 1 and rotor arms 2 which are driven by external means via a centre shaft 9 (or centre pulley) in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrows. Rotor arms 2 of which there are three (3) but can be of any number has fixed at their outer edges primary magnetic means 3 (also known as 'shunts'), which are made of a ferromagnetic material and their lengths in their direction of motion are as such that each primary magnetic means 3 (shunt) can cover the faces of at least four (4) of a set of secondary magnets 8 and the primary magnetic means (shunts) 3 are capable of absorbing and redirecting the magnetic fields of the secondary magnets 8. All of the secondary magnets 8, of which there are thirty (30), are permanent magnets presenting two opposite poles (horseshoe) and are all fixed to the base 1. Also shown is the third magnetic means 4, 5, of which there are thirty (30) and are of a ferromagnetic material and the third magnetic means 4 function as output power solenoids in an off load position (de-activated) whilst an output power solenoid (third magnetic means 5) is also shown in its activated position. Extension shafts 6 and 7 (only two units are shown for simplicity) connect to any output source of choice physically or via further magnetic means (not shown). All of the third magnetic means 4, 5 would be identical.

It can be seen in Figurei that all output power solenoids (third magnetic means

4) which are now aligned with primary magnetic means 3 (shunts) have been pulled in by the attraction force of permanent secondary magnets 8 and are all de-activated, because the path of the magnetic fields from permanent secondary magnets 8 are redirected back to the permanent secondary, magnets 8, by the primary magnetic means 3 (shunts).

The rotor arms 2 are rotated at a speed to ensure that the output power solenoids (third magnetic means 4) have time to return full to their off load position (reset) and likewise have time to return through their full stroke once the primary magnetic means 3 (shunts) have moved away.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an alternative view of the system of Figure 1 , and there is shown a base 1 and one of the rotor arms 2 with one of shunts (primary magnetic means) 3. Also shown in a de-activated mode is output power solenoid (third magnetic means) 4 with output shaft 6 because primary magnetic means (shunt) 3 is short-cutting the magnetic field path back to permanent secondary magnets 8. It can also be seen that output power solenoid (third magnetic means) 5 has been activated due to the attraction of secondary (permanent horseshoe) magnets 8.

The primary magnetic means (shunt) 3 experiences a pull back hold by the last secondary magnetic means 8, this angular pulling force which is substantially angular to the path of the primary magnetic means (shunt) 3 motion is substantially cancelled out by the attraction force in the forward direction by the next secondary magnetic means (the horseshoe magnets) 8 acting as a 'bait' to the leading edge of the primary magnetic means (shunt) 3 in its path of motion. The substantially equalization of the above angular forces as practiced by this invention results in minimum energy requirement to produce the said motion of the primary magnetic means (shunt) 3.

Whilst it is a preferred embodiment of this invention to have an endless path which is circular, a linear system would function with a reciprocating action also described herein as long as there is relative movement between the primary magnetic means (shunt) 3 and secondary magnets (permanent), 8. The available output power will be dictated by the power of the magnets 3, 4, 5, 8, the stroke length of the output power solenoids 4, 5 and the number of magnetic assemblies in the system. The motion of the primary magnetic means 3 and the physical dimensions of the same must be as such to provide sufficient time for the individual output power solenoids (third magnetic means) 4, 5 to move through their working stoke.

It is to be understood that in a production until of this invention there would be many rotor arms 2 and primary magnetic means (shunts) 3, also there would be tiered systems and the rotor arms 2 or base 1 could rotate clockwise or anticlockwise.

A second embodiment of the present invention would be for the three magnetic means 3, 4, 5, 8 herein described to function with the primary magnetic means 3 (shunt) being sandwiched between a top magnetic means and a bottom magnetic means as long as there is relative motion between primary magnetic means (shunt) 3 and output power solenoids (third magnetic means 4, 5).

A third embodiment of the present invention would be for the output power solenoids (third magnetic means 4, 5) to be mounted on a separate outer ring that would rotate whilst the primary magnetic means (shunt) 3, rotor arms 2, and secondary magnetic means 8 are fixed, permitting relative motion between primary magnetic means (shunt) 3 and the output power solenoids of the third magnetic means 4, 5.

Figures 3 A, B and C are diagrams showing a system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic (mechanical) energy, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. There is shown a primary magnetic means (shunt) 3 which are fixed to base 1 , via shaft 9 and remain stationery whilst both secondary magnetic means 8 and third magnetic means 4, 5 which are connected to base 10. Base 10 rotates in bearing 11 on shaft 9, which is fixed to base 1 and is driven externally producing relative motion between primary magnetic means (shunt) 3 and third magnetic means 5 and 4. Output energy via 4 could be by non-contact magnetic fields or by frictional transfer.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing a system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. There is show a circular base 11 and a plurality of secondary magnetic means 12 fixed to the base 11 and forming a continuous endless path with fixed spacing between each magnet. Shunt arms 13 which are driven by external means via a centre pulley 14 in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrows have fixed at their extremity ferromagnetic primary magnetic means (shunts) 15 which are capable of absorbing a redirecting the magnetic field of the secondary magnetic means 12. Shunt arms 13 of which there are two, but can be of any number. Primary magnetic means (shunts) 15 follow the circular path of the secondary magnetic means 12. A movable third magnetic means 16, 16A is made up of an equal number of magnets and with the same spacing to match that of the secondary magnetic means 12 and are mounted on an outer ring base 17. All of the third magnetic means 16, 16A are permanent magnets presenting the same polarity as the secondary magnets 12 resulting in a repelling force between the sets (12, 16, 16A). It can be seen that the third magnetic means 16, 16A are movable on an outer ring base 17 and supported by a power/travel converter 18 (one showing) so permitting the third magnetic means 16, 16A to move towards and away from the secondary magnets 12. The third magnetic means move forward whenever primary magnetic means (shunt) 15 interposes itself between the secondary and third magnetic means 12, 16, 16A thereby creating an attraction on the movable third magnetic means 16A. When primary magnetic means (shunt) 15 moves on, third magnetic means 16 is now exposed to the repelling force between the magnets 12, 16, and the third magnetic means 16 is repelled backwards. Output power is converted to rotary output via converter 18 and rack 19 engaged with rotary motion output gear 20.

Figure 5 is a diagram of the system of Figure 4 from an alternative view; the same numbering is used as in Figure 4. There is shown in Figure 5 a secondary magnetic means 12, a third magnetic means 16, shunt arms 13 and drive pulley 14. It can be seen that the third magnetic means 16A has been drawn forward towards primary magnetic means (shunt) 15 due to a magnetic attraction and further, it can be seen that all third magnetic means 16 are held out due to the exposed repelling force between the like poles of the secondary and third means 12, 16. Output power is converted to rotary output via converter 18 and rack 19 engaged with rotary motion output gear 20.

Claims

Claims'

1. A system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, comprising:

a first magnetic means positioned along a first path;

a second magnetic means positioned along a second path;

a third magnetic means positioned along a third path;

wherein the first path is disposed between the second and third paths;

wherein the second magnetic means and the third magnetic means are arranged face to face with each other;

wherein at least one of the first, second or third magnetic means

/ are fixed in position; and

wherein motion of the first, third, or second and third magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:

the second magnetic means is fixed in position along the second path; and wherein motion of the first magnetic means along the first path causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein: the first magnetic means is fixed in position along the first path;

the second magnetic means is fixed in position along the second path; and

wherein motion of the third magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein: the first magnetic means is fixed in position along the first path;

and wherein motion of the second and third sets of magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction transverse to the third path.

5. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first magnetic means is attached to a rotor arm.

6. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third magnetic means is attached to a rotor arm.

7. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second and third magnetic means are attached to a rotor arm.

8. A system as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the rotor arm is pivot-able around a central shaft.

9. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first magnetic means are all of a ferromagnetic material.

10. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the secondary magnetic means are all permanent magnets of the horseshoe design

(two poles).

11. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the third magnetic means are of ferromagnetic material.

12. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the third magnetic means are all permanent magnets of the horseshoe design (two poles)

13. A system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the second magnetic means attracts by their magnetic field the third magnetic means to a forward position against a resistive force which can direct output energy or stored as potential energy.

14. A system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the second magnetic means repels the third magnetic means.

15. A system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the first magnetic means when aligned between the second magnetic means and the third magnetic means absorbs the magnetic field and short-cuts its path back to the secondary magnetic means and so releasing the third magnetic means from its forward position.

16. A system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first magnetic means when aligned between the second magnetic means and the third magnetic means absorbs the magnetic field and short-cuts its path back to the secondary magnetic means and so depriving the third magnetic means of its active holding force which allows it to return to its non-active position to reset itself or release its stored energy.

17.As system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the third magnetic means function as output power solenoids and can be in an active or de- active position.

18. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the third magnetic means is connected to a power output means.

19. A system as claimed in claim 13, 16, 17 or 18, wherein the resistive force is provided by a spring.

20. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the power output means are driven by the transverse displacement of the third magnetic means which can be physically or magnetically connected to an output means of choice.

21. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first, second and third^' paths are an endless loop, preferably circular.

22.A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second and third magnetic means are parallel to each other.

23.A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first magnetic means can cover the faces of at least 4 magnets of the second magnetic means.

24.A system as claimed in any of claims 17 to 24, wherein the rotor arms rotate at a speed that ensures the output power solenoids have time to return fully to their off load position (reset) and have time to return to through their full stroke once the first magnetic means have moved past.

25.A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein motion of the first, third, or second and third magnetic means causes the displacement of the third magnetic means in a direction perpendicular to the third path.

26.A system for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, substantially as hereinbefore described with specific reference to Figures

1 , 2, 3A, 3B, 3C₁ 4 and 5.

27.A transducer for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, comprising: a first magnetic means positioned along a first path;

a second magnetic means positioned along a second path;

a third magnetic means positioned along a third path; wherein the first path is disposed between the second and third paths;

wherein at least one of the first, second or third magnetic means are fixed in position; and

28. A transducer for converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy, substantially as hereinbefore described with specific reference to Figures 1 , 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4 and 5.