AXIAL-LOADING MEGNETIC RELUCTANCE DEVICE

摘要

A magnetic bearing retains a rotatable shaft in a selected position by magnetic coupling between a circular magnet and one or more magnet arrays. Each magnetic coupling completes a magnetic circuit. The magnet arrays focus magnetic flux towards the circular magnet to facilitate magnetic coupling. Magnet arrays configured in Halbach series may be employed. Magnet arrays configured as electromagnets may also be employed. The shaft may be attached either to the circular magnet or the magnet arrays. Shaft rotation does not affect the magnetic circuit, but axial displacement of the shaft disrupts the magnetic circuit and increases magnetic reluctance. Increasing magnetic reluctance inhibits axial displacement. The shaft thereby supports a load while rotating freely, constrained to a selected position by forces of magnetic reluctance. A centering bearing may be employed to maintain gap distance between circular magnet and one or more magnet arrays.

主权项

1. A magnetic bearing for a rotating shaft, comprising:
a generally elongate shaft with a linear axis and configured for rotation around said linear axis with said shaft held within a predetermined position on said linear axis by magnetic forces; a plurality of magnet arrays surrounding said linear axis of said shaft, with each magnet array comprised of at least one magnet, configured to form at least a first and second zone of increased magnetic flux, wherein the first zone comprises a north magnetic pole and the second zone comprises a south magnetic pole, with adjacent zones alternating in magnetic polarity; at least one circular element comprised of ferromagnetic material, operationally connected to said shaft, and magnetically coupled to said magnet arrays so as to complete a magnetic circuit, such that each said circular element is substantially held between two adjacent zones of magnetic flux created by said magnet arrays; and a means for centering the shaft so as to maintain a predetermined gap distance between said one or more magnet arrays and said circular element; wherein said shaft is substantially held in a preselected position by reluctance magnetic forces between one or more of said magnet arrays and said at least one circular element.