WO2019008433A1

WO2019008433A1 - Electromechanical linear momentum drive

Info

Publication number: WO2019008433A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/000725
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kabimba NYIRENDA
Original assignee: Nyirenda Kabimba
Priority date: 2017-07-07
Filing date: 2018-06-29
Publication date: 2019-01-10

Abstract

An Electromechanical device that utilizes the interaction between magnets (101) fixed to the base or frame of the device and electromagnets (102) free to move linearly relative to the rest of the device over at least one segment of their circuit to produce an overall thrust on the device and any load attached to the device without the need to push against an external medium or object or to eject mass. Action and reaction forces between the fixed magnets (101) and movable electromagnets (102) are prevented from cancelling each other out by the movable electromagnets' freedom to move. The electromagnets are prevented from being ejected from the device by being attached to a flexible base (103) such as a belt or chain that runs through a circuit. The flexible base (103) runs over rolling member (105) such as rollers, pulleys, gears or sprockets.

Description

ELECTROMECHANICAL LINEAR MOMENTUM DRIVE

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention involves an electromechanical device that uses the interaction between magnets that are fixed to the base or frame of the device and electromagnets that are attached to or built into a movable flexible base such as a belt or chain. The movable electromagnets move through a circuit with at least one linear segment. The linear segment is in a region where action and reaction forces between the movable electromagnets and fixed magnets occur. The flexible base runs over rotating components such as rollers, sprockets, pulleys or gears through a circuit. The force on the fixed magnets is transmitted to the whole device while the reaction force on the movable electromagnets is not transmitted to the rest of the device because of the freedom of movement of the movable electromagnets. The force on the fixed magnet thus provides thrust for the whole device.

BACKGROUND ART

Several devices exist that generate thrust by pushing against an external medium, external object or by ejecting mass. The devices may use mechanical, electromechanical or chemical means to generate the trust. Helicopters, for example, generate lift by spinning rotors at high speed pushing air downward. The air is external to the helicopter. Rockets on the other hand produce thrust by ejecting gases at high speed in the opposite direction to the thrust they generate. The material of the gases starts off internal to the rocket but is ejected to the outside.

Devices also exist that rely on the interaction between magnetic fields. Conventional rotary electric motors for instance have windings on stators and/or rotors that produce magnetic fields when current is passed through them. A torque is generated by the interaction between the stator and rotor magnetic fields. The rotor turns about the central axis of the motor. The overall effect is not to cause the motor to accelerate linearly. The rotor and "stator" actually tend to rotate in opposite directions about a common axis.

Linear Motors exist that generate linear forces. These forces however do not result in an overall acceleration of the motor unless is pushes against an external object.

The present invention achieves an overall thrust on the whole device without need to push against anything external to itself or to eject mass. The device can thus be the basis for generating thrust in a variety of environments from under water to outer space. It is electromechanical and can thus be safely employed in a wide range of applications.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The invention presented is based on the interaction between sets of fixed magnets and movable electromagnets. The fixed magnets are rigidly attached to the base or frame of the device. Any force exerted on the fixed magnets is transmitted to the rest of the device. The set of movable electromagnets is attached to or built into a flexible movable base such as a belt or chain that allows the movable electromagnets to move through a circuit. The circuit has at least one linear segment. The belt or chain runs over members that are free to rotate such as rollers, sprockets, pulleys or gears. Any force exerted on the set of movable electromagnets is not transmitted to the rest of the device. The force will simply cause the movable electromagnets to move relative to the rest of the device. The fixed magnets may either be permanent magnets or electromagnets. As the fixed magnets and movable electromagnets attract or repel each other, they exert equal and opposite forces on each other. The magnets tend to align with unlike poles facing each other as they pull or push each other. The magnets are not allowed to rotate but move linearly as they try to align. The allowed direction of motion is generally at right angles to the north-south axis of the magnets. The force on the fixed magnets is transmitted to the whole device. The force on the movable electromagnets is equal and opposite to that on the fixed. The two sets of forces can however not cancel each other out as the forces on the movable electromagnets are not transmitted to the rest of the device due to the freedom of movement of the movable electromagnets. Over the active region where the fixed and movable electromagnets try to align, the motion of the movable electromagnets is linear. The movable electromagnets are prevented from shooting out of the device as the motion at the ends over the rollers, sprockets, pulleys or gears is circular. This circular motion is balanced as at any given time there are electromagnets of equal mass going round at opposite ends.

The overall result is that a general thrust on the whole device is generated. The reaction to this thrust pushes the movable electromagnets to move through their circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following accompanying drawings attached at the end of the document illustrate the invention: Fig. 1 is a plan elevation of an embodiment of the present invention

Fig. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention showing only the movable electromagnets on the flexible base (belt or chain) and rollers. Fig. 3 illustrates the forces on the active electromagnets on the flexible base and the radially transmitted force through the rollers

Fig. 4A and Figure 4B depict possible configuration for the winding and contacts of the movable electromagnets Fig. 5 A and Fig.5B illustrates the alignment the fixed magnets and movable electromagnets are trying to attain, (from Fig.5A to Fig.5B).

Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C show alternative shapes for the fixed magnets.

Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative arrangement where the fixed electromagnets are powered by alternating currents with different phases such that a linearly moving magnetic field is generated with magnetism being induced in the high magnetic permeability pieces on the flexible base.

Fig. 8 illustrates an alternative configuration where the row of fixed magnets (only one magnet shown) is between two sets of moving electromagnets on flexible bases, the axes of the magnets being perpendicular to the face of the flexible base. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

The main parts of the current invention illustrated in the drawings are:

101 Fixed Magnet

102 Movable Electromagnet

102a Electromagnet windings

102b Electromagnet power supply surface

102c Alternative position for power supply surface

103 Belt/Chain

104 ' Means of supplying power to movable electromagnets

105 rollers, sprocket, pulleys or gears

106 contactors

107 Base

108 Bearing housing and supports

109 coupling

201 Fixed electromagnet power by a.c source (with different phases) 202 Piece of high magnetic permeability material

301 Fixed magnet with axis pointing into face of belt

302 Movable Electromagnet with axis pointing into face of belt MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An optimal embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 1. The embodiment incorporates rows of fixed magnets 101 that may be electromagnets or permanent magnets. The permanent magnets may be Neodymium magnets to have strong magnetic fields. The magnets are arranged in pairs facing each other. The North Pole on one magnet faces the South Pole of the magnet opposite. There is a space between the magnet pairs. Within a row, adjacent fixed magnets are oriented in opposite directions and also have a gap between them. The magnets 101 are fixed to the base 107 and are not free to move relative to it.

The electromagnets 102 are in three possible states: switched on and oriented in one direction, off, or on and oriented in the reverse direction depending on their position relative to the gaps and magnets in the fixed magnet rows (see Fig. 1). They are free to move in the space between the fixed magnet pairs. The power supply 104 allows for the electromagnets to be powered but still be free to move. The contactors 106 allow the electromagnets to slide past the power supply while being powered. The electromagnets may be constructed as in figures 4 A and 4B. The windings 102a may be of insulated copper wire. The surfaces 102b and 102c are not insulated and allow electricity to be passed to the conductor forming the coils.

The electromagnets 102 are attached to the flexible base 103 that makes the electromagnets move through a circuit. The flexible base 103 may be a belt or chain that is free to move over rollers, sprocket, pulleys or gears 105. The electromagnets are arranged on the belt or chain as shown in Fig. 2. Only the electromagnets between the fixed magnets can come on. The electromagnets on the other side away from the active region are always off (see Fig. 2). The rollers, sprocket, pulleys or gears are supported in the bearing housing supports 108. The supports 108 house bearings that allow the rollers, sprocket, pulleys or gears to rotate. The supports 108 are themselves fixed to the base 107 and are not free to move relative to it. When the device is switched on, only the movable electromagnets 102 in the active area that are not between a fixed magnet pair come on. The electromagnets directly between the fixed magnet pair remain off. The electromagnet arrangement on the belt is such that there is a misalignment between the active movable electromagnets and the fixed magnets (see Fig. 5A). A force is thus experienced by the electromagnets on belt/chain pulling them between the fixed magnet pair to align the magnets as shown in Fig. 5B. The alignment is, however, never attained as the energized electromagnets lose contact with the power source and switch off. A new set of electromagnets is then switched on producing the misalignment over again and the whole process is repeated. The force, F_1; on the fixed magnets has an equal and opposite reaction force, F₂ which acts on the movable electromagnets (see Fig. 3 and Fig 5 A). The force, F^n the fixed magnets is transmitted to the base and in turn radially to the rollers, sprocket, pulleys or gears as in Fig. 3. Thus the whole device effectively experiences a thrust in the direction of the force on the fixed magnets. The rollers, sprocket, pulleys or gears undergo two motions: rotating about their axes due to the force on the movable electromagnets and translation due to the transmitted radial force via the fixed magnets. Action and reaction between the fixed magnets and movable electromagnets do not cancel out due to the electromagnets being free to move. The force on the movable electromagnets is not transmitted to the rest of the device. It only causes the electromagnets in the active zone on the belt or chain to move backward and the rollers, sprocket, pulleys or gears to rotate about their axes.

The overall effect is that a thrust on the whole device is generated in one direction while the reaction to this thrust makes the moveable electromagnets undergo a cyclic motion through a circuit. The device does not need to push against anything external to itself or to eject mass to generate the thrust. Alternatively, the movable electromagnets can be built into the belt or chain instead of simply being fixed on the surface. The motion of the electromagnets maybe transmitted to an external load such a generator or flywheel through means such as the coupling 109. This is a way of regulating the speed of the movable electromagnets. A back electromotive force (emf) will tend to be generated in the electromagnets due to motion relative to the fixed magnets. This will tend to reduce the overall thrust generated. Limiting the speed of the movable electromagnets can help reduce the back emf. Gears may also be used to transmit the motion of the movable electromagnets to a load. Other means such as a braking system may be incorporated to slow down or stop the movable electromagnets. Means of cooling the windings of the electromagnets may be incorporated. Furthermore, superconductors may also be used to build the electromagnets. Varying the electric currents of the electromagnets controls the magnitude of the thrust generated. The thrust can be reversed by changing the directions of the currents powering the electromagnets.

The fixed magnets may be bar magnets or have other shapes as shown in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C. The U-shaped fixed magnet in Fig. 6C has north and south poles of the same magnet facing each other with a gap between them and would thus not need to be in pairs.

When the fixed magnets are permanent magnets the power supply to the movable electromagnets is dc. When the fixed magnets are electromagnets, a d.c or an a.c power supply may be used. Varying the strength and direction of currents in the fixed electromagnets can also be used to control the strength and direction of the thrust generated. When a.c is used, the fixed and movable electromagnets are connected in series so that their currents are in phase. Multiple rows of movable electromagnets on flexible bases and multiple rows of fixed magnets may be used. The orientation of the magnetic fields may also be perpendicular to the face of the belts as those for the fixed magnets 301 and movable electromagnets 302 in Fig. 8.

The device may also be arranged as in Fig. 7. The fixed electromagnets 201 are powered by an a.c power source. Currents of different phases are arranged in such a way that a moving magnetic field effect is produced. Instead of powered movable electromagnets sitting on the belt, pieces 202 of high magnetic permeability are used. Magnetism is induced in the pieces of high magnetic permeability. When the magnetic field from the fixed electromagnets moves, a misalignment is produced between the fields from the fixed magnets and those induced on the pieces. Action and reaction come into play to restore alignment. This interaction produces thrust in the direction of the force on the fixed magnets. The movable pieces move in the direction of the moving magnetic field which is opposite to that of the generated thrust. Since the moving magnetic field keeps moving, alignment is never attained.

Several units of the invention may also be assembled together. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The device can be used as a means of generating thrust for transportation vehicles and lifting devices. Any application requiring a linear force can be effected using this method. Vehicles based on this invention could move on land, on or under water, in the air or in space. Aircraft utilizing this device would be capable of vertical takeoff and landing. As the device relies on internal interactions to generate thrust an external medium is not required to push against. The device can thus also be used to generate thrust in free space. It only requires a source of electric power. As a lifting device it can have a wide range of applications from domestic to industrial. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. It can also be used in drones. Drones based on the device would be highly manoeuvrable. The device could also be used in Recreational vehicles and toys.

Claims

CLAIMS Having now particularly described and ascertained my said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is:

1. An electromechanical device that generates thrust, without having to push against an external medium or object or to eject mass, comprising: movable electromagnets attached to or built into a flexible base such as a belt or chain that runs over rollers, pulleys, sprockets or gears, the belt or chain allowing the movable electromagnets to move through a circuit with at least one linear segment, the belt also preventing the said electromagnets from being ejected from the device;

fixed magnets that are rigidly attached to the base or frame of the devise that pull the whole device with them as they try to align with the active movable electromagnets, the movable electromagnets passing between the rows of the fixed magnets, the rows of fixed magnets having opposite magnetic poles facing each other, adjacent fixed magnets within a row being oriented in opposite directions with a gap between them;

Contactors that allow the movable electromagnets to be powered and become active but still be free to move relative to the rest of the device, the moveable electromagnets going off when they move away from the contactors;

an active region over which the movable electromagnets in the linear segment of their circuit are on and oriented in one direction, off, or on and oriented in the reverse direction depending on their position relative to the gaps and magnets in the fixed magnet rows, thrust being generated as the active movable electromagnets try to align with the fixed magnets, final alignment being prevented by the active electromagnets switching off by losing contact with the contactors and a new set of electromagnets being switched on, the action and reaction forces not cancelling out due to the moveable electromagnets being free to move.

2. An electromechanical device as in claim 1, wherein the fixed magnets are permanent magnets.

3. An electromechanical device as in claim 2, wherein the permanent magnets are Neodymium magnets.

4. An electromechanical device as in claim 1, wherein the fixed magnets are electromagnets .

5. An electromechanical device as in claim 1, wherein the power supply to the movable electromagnets is a direct current (d.c) supply.

6. An electromechanical device as in claim 4, wherein both fixed and movable electromagnets are powered by a d.c power source.

7. An electromechanical device as in claim 4, wherein the power supply to both fixed and movable electromagnets is an alternating current (a.c) power supply.

8. An electromechanical device as in claim 7, wherein the fixed electromagnets and movable electromagnets are electrically connected in series.

9. An electromechanical device as in claim 1, wherein the axes of the movable electromagnets are at right angles to the belts or chain to which they are attached.

10. An electromechanical device as in claim 1, wherein means of cooling the electromagnets is incorporated.

11. An electromechanical device as in claim 4, wherein the fixed electromagnets are made of superconductors.

12. An electromechanical device as in claim 1, in which means of controlling the current supplied to the movable electromagnets are used in order to control the magnitude and direction of the overall thrust generated.

13. An electromechanical device as in claim 4, in which means of controlling the current supplied to the fixed electromagnets are used in order to control the magnitude and direction of the overall thrust generated.

14. An electromechanical device as in claim 1, in which a braking system is included to slow down or stop the motion of the movable electromagnets.

15. An electromechanical device as in claim 1, wherein means are incorporated to transmit the motion of the electromagnets on belt or chain to a generator or other load in order to limit the speed of the movable electromagnets hence reducing the back emf generated in the device.

16. An electromechanical device as in claim 1, where in U-shaped magnets that have north and south poles facing each other are used as fixed magnet.

17. An electromechanical device as in claim 1 comprising multiple rows of fixed and movable electromagnets.

18. An electromechanical device that generates thrust, without having to push against an external medium or object or to eject mass, comprising:

Sets of fixed electromagnets that are rigidly attached to the base or frame of the device that are powered by an a.c power source with adjacent electromagnets having different phases, the phases being arranged to create a linearly moving magnetic field;

Sets of high magnetic permeability pieces attached to a belt or chain that allows the said pieces to move though a circuit, the circuit having at least one linear segment, the belt or chain passing between the rows of fixed electromagnets and over rollers, pulleys, sprockets or gears that allow the said pieces to move relative to the rest of the device, magnetism being induced in the said pieces by the fixed electromagnets;

a region over which the fixed electromagnets induce magnetism in the pieces of high magnetic permeability that are in the linear segment of their circuit, misalignment being produced when the magnetic field generated by the fixed electromagnets moves linearly, thrust then being produced when the fixed electromagnets try to realign with the high magnetic permeability pieces with induced magnetism, the force acting on the fixed electromagnets being transmitted to the whole device but the force on the high magnetic permeability pieces not being transmitted due to the pieces' freedom to move, final alignment never being attained as the magnetic field from the fixed electromagnets keeps moving.

19. An electromechanical device as in claim 18 wherein the electromagnets are made using superconductors.

20. An electromechanical device comprising multiple units as in claim 1 or claim 18 assembled together.