Abstract:
Method and apparatus for powering an electric power generator by circumferentially positioning an array of drive magnets on a rotor and positioning a series of electromagnets on a platform surrounding the drive magnets. The electromagnets are energized and provided with a repulsive polarity at exact time and position necessary to repel a corresponding drive magnet on the rotor so as to drive the rotor in one direction. The rotor includes arrays of permanent magnets that induce current in wire coils circumferentially disposed in one or more stators around and in close proximity to the induction magnets.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/182,673, filed May 29, 2009 (May 29, 2009). 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not applicable. 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0005]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0007]    The present invention relates generally to electric motors, electric generators, and electric power generation, and more particularly to a magnetically driven motor and electric power generator. 
         [0008]    2. Discussion of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR §§1.97, 1.98: 
         [0009]    Optimal mechanical efficiency and power conservation in electric motors and electric power generators is an implicit and tacit objective, yet it is of paramount importance. Indeed, it is in the very nature of such machines to be efficient. To that end, a well known means of improving efficiency in motors has been through the reduction of friction between moving parts in contact with one another. Most often that is achieved by introducing a lubricant between the parts. 
         [0010]    Another objective, now also of paramount importance, is that of being environmentally clean. To that end, it is increasingly desirable to employ only those engines and motors that provide motive force, and electrical power generators that provide electrical energy, without the consumption of fossil fuels. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention harnesses the energy contained in the magnetic fields of permanent magnets to drive an electric motor and power generator. More specifically, the present invention provides a way to power an electric power generator by exploiting the motive force available when two magnets having identical polarity are brought into proximity. In the present invention, this is accomplished by circumferentially positioning an array of permanent magnets (“drive magnets”) on a rotor and positioning a series of electromagnets on a platform surrounding the drive magnets. The electromagnets are energized and provided with a repulsive polarity only at the exact time and position necessary to repel a corresponding drive magnet on the rotor so as to drive the rotor in one direction. The rotor includes one or more other circumferentially disposed arrays of permanent magnets (electrostatic “induction magnets”), as well, but these other sets of magnets are employed to induce current in circumferentially disposed wire coils in proximity to the induction magnets. The motor is capable of running on its own power after reaching sufficient rotation speed for the magnets and coils employed, and while energy production is limited to the energy available in the magnetic fields provided by the drive magnets, this motor design allows users to convert that energy into the mechanical energy required to drive a generator, which, in turn, is converted into electrical energy that may be stored in batteries and used at a later time. In its most essential aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a highly efficient and environmental friendly electric power generator for converting the power available in magnetic fields to electric power for storage and later use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic exploded perspective view of the magnetically driven motor and electric power generator of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic perspective view showing a partial assembly thereof; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a schematic perspective view showing a full assembly thereof; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic detailed perspective view taken along section line  2  of  FIG. 1 , showing detail of the elongate permanent disposed in the rotor; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a schematic detailed perspective view taken along section line  3  of  FIG. 1 , showing detail of the elongate electromagnets employed in the inner stator; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic n upper perspective view showing a second preferred embodiment of the magnetically driven motor and electric power generator of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic exploded view thereof; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a schematic upper perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the magnetically driven motor and electric power generator of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a schematic exploded upper perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the motor and electric power generator of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is an upper perspective view thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a lower exploded perspective view showing the lower portion of the apparatus without the stators shown; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is an upper perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of  FIGS. 6-8 , in which the ring of electromagnets has been replaced by a linear induction motor ring. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a first preferred embodiment of a new and improved magnetically driven motor and electric power generator, generally denominated  100  herein. Collectively, these figures show that the inventive apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical inner stator  110  having an outside diameter (not indicated by a reference number), a proximal end  120  and a distal end  130 , an outwardly projecting flange or rim  140  disposed at the distal end, a circumferential midline  150 , and a plurality of arcuate elongate electromagnets  160  embedded in the body of the inner stator along the circumferential midline such that both inner surface  170  (see  FIG. 1 ) and outer surface  180  (see  FIG. 3 ), respectively, are exposed or only lightly protected by a thin layer of non-ferrous material. The inner stator next includes first and second coil rows  190 ,  200 , each having a plurality of circumferentially disposed coil windings  210 . Each row of windings is disposed on one side of the circumferential midline. In addition, the inner stator includes proximal and distal levitation magnet rings  220 ,  230 , respectively, each including a plurality of spaced apart magnets,  240 ,  250 , circumferentially disposed in proximity to the proximal and distal ends of the inner stator. Finally, the inner stator includes a levitation magnet ring  260  comprising a plurality of levitation magnets disposed in the outwardly projecting flange  140 . 
         [0025]    Next, the electric generator apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical rotor  300  having an inside diameter and an outside diameter (not indicated by reference numbers), the inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the inner stator, such that the inner stator can be slidably inserted into the rotor with an acceptable clearance for free rotation, and optimal magnetic levitation relative to both the inner stator and the outer stator  500  (the latter to be described in detail below), and optimal induction during operation (also to be described below). The rotor has a proximal end  310  and a distal end  320 , a proximal and distal levitation magnet ring  330 ,  340 , each disposed in one end of the rotor. Each ring includes a plurality of levitation magnets  350 ,  360 , with one pole (one end) of all magnets exposed or substantially exposed at the rim  370 ,  380  of the respective end of the rotor, such that the levitation magnets  380  in the rotor distal end will be repelled by both the levitation magnets  250  in the distal end  130  and the levitation magnets  270  in the outwardly projecting flange  140  of the inner stator  110 ; likewise, the levitation magnets  370  in the rotor proximal end  310  will be repelled by corresponding rings of levitation magnets in the proximal end and inwardly projecting flange of the outer stator  500 , fully described below. 
         [0026]    Next, the rotor includes a ring  390  of elongate arcuate permanent magnets  400  circumferentially disposed around the circumferential midline  410  of the rotor, as well as two rows  420 ,  430  of permanent magnets  440 ,  450  circumferentially disposed around the rotor at each side of the circumferential midline. When the inner stator is inserted into the rotor, the rotor circumferential midline  410  is concentric with the inner stator circumferential midline  150 , thereby bringing the rotor&#39;s ring  390  and rows  420 ,  430  of permanent magnets into concentric alignment with the electromagnets  160  and rows  190 ,  200  of coil windings in the inner stator  110 . At the same time, the levitation magnets of the rotor are brought into concentric alignment with the levitation magnets in the inner stator. The magnets are preferably neodymium, though other rare earth magnets are also suitable. They may be embedded or framed in the rotor shell and exposed on the sides, but preferably the magnets are covered by a thin layer of material, preferably carbon fiber, on the outer circumference (so as to resist displacement under the influence of centrifugal force during high speed rotation). It should also be noted that magnets in each of the rings and rows have their poles aligned identically to the other magnets in the respective row or ring. 
         [0027]    Next, the inventive magnetically driven electric generator includes a substantially cylindrical outer stator  500 . This element in the assembly includes an inside diameter and an outside diameter (not indicated by reference numbers), the inside diameter being slightly larger than the outside diameter of the rotor, such that the rotor can be slidably inserted into the outer stator with an acceptable clearance for free rotation of the rotor within the outer stator, for optimal magnetic levitation of the rotor relative to the outer stator, and for optimal induction during operation. The outer stator includes a proximal end  510  and a distal end  520 , and an inwardly projecting flange  530  disposed at the distal end with a plurality of levitation magnets  540  disposed in the flange. Proximal and distal levitation magnet rings  550 ,  560 , respectively, are each disposed in close proximity to one end of the outer stator. Each ring includes a plurality of levitation magnets  570 ,  580 , such that the levitation magnets,  540 ,  580  in the outer stator distal end  520  will be repelled by the levitation magnets  360  in the distal end  320  of the rotor  300 ; likewise, the levitation magnets  540  and  570  in the outer stator proximal end  510  will be repelled by the corresponding ring of levitation magnets  350  in the proximal end  310  of the rotor. 
         [0028]    The outer stator includes two rows  590 ,  600  of coil windings  610 ,  620 , circumferentially disposed at either of one side of the circumferential midline  630  of the outer stator. Thus, when the inner stator is inserted into the rotor, and the rotor, in turn, is inserted into the outer stator, the outer stator circumferential midline  630  is concentric with the inner stator circumferential midline  150 , and the rotor&#39;s circumferential midline  410 , thereby bringing the rotor&#39;s rows  420 ,  430  of permanent magnets  440 ,  450  into concentric alignment with the rows  590 ,  600  of windings in the outer stator  500 . At the same time, the levitation magnets of the rotor are concentrically aligned with the levitation magnets in the outer stator. 
         [0029]    Principle of Operation: The clearance provided between the rotor and both the inner stator and outer stator allows for levitation of the rotor under the influence of the constellation of levitation magnets. The magnetically suspended rotor is driven by timed electro-magnetic pulses delivered to the electromagnets  160  in the inner stator  110  from a power control unit (not shown, but well known in the art). When energized, the electromagnets repel the permanent magnets  400  in the rotor  300 , which creates electron flow as the larger neodymium magnets  440 ,  450  pass the inner stator coil windings  210 ,  220  and the outer stator coil windings  590 ,  600 . This flow increases with increased RPMs, as in standard generators. The energy source of ongoing operation of the electromagnetic drive is eventually drawn from the current created by the generator itself and uses only a fraction of the generator output for this purpose. 
         [0030]    Referring next to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the magnetically driven motor and electric power generator of the present invention. This embodiment in its entirety bears reference number  700  herein. Collectively, these figures show that the inventive apparatus comprises generally cylindrical upper and lower inner stators  710 ,  715 , respectively, each having a proximal end  720 ,  725 , a distal end  730 ,  735 , an annular structural ring formed in the distal end  740 ,  745 , an outer circumferential dimension  750 ,  755 , and a plurality of coil windings  760 ,  765  embedded in the annular structural ring or otherwise affixed to the body of its respective inner stator in an array of columns or rows such that both the inner and outer surfaces  770 ,  775 , and  780 ,  785 , respectively, of the coil containers are exposed or only lightly protected by a thin layer of non-ferrous material. 
         [0031]    Next, the inventive magnetic electric generator apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical rotor  900  having an inside diameter and an outside diameter (not indicated by reference numbers), the inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter or outside circumferential dimension of the upper and lower inner stators, such that the inner stators insert into the rotor with an acceptable clearance for free rotation, and optimal magnetic levitation relative to both the upper and lower outer stators  1100 ,  1105  (the latter elements to be described in detail below), and optimal induction during operation (also to be described below). The rotor has an upper end  910  and a lower end  920 , and a circumferential midline  930 . An upper and lower row of permanent magnets  940 ,  950  are each arrayed in rows on the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the circumferential midline. Upper and lower structural rings  960 ,  970  integrally connect with a medial circumferential ring  980  with vertical slats  990  to form the framework within which the magnets are disposed. 
         [0032]    Next, it will be seen that a plurality of permanent magnets  1000  are circumferentially disposed around the circumferential midline  930  and medial ring  980  of the rotor. The magnets are oriented with exposed poles angled rearwardly relative to the direction of rotation of the rotor. An axially oriented spindle  1010  having a center axle  1020  spans the distance from the upper to lower edges of the rotor and is affixed to the medial ring with radially extending spokes or a concentrically disposed solid plate or disk (not shown) which connects to the inner wall of the rotor at the circumferential midline. 
         [0033]    Next, the inventive magnetically driven electric generator includes substantially cylindrical upper and lower outer stators  1100 ,  1105 . Each outer stator in the assembly includes an inside diameter and an outside diameter (not indicated by reference numbers), the inside diameters being slightly larger than the outside diameter of the rotor, such that the rotor inserts into the outer stators with an acceptable clearance for free rotation of the rotor within the outer stators, and for optimal magnetic levitation of the rotor relative to the outer stators, and for optimal induction during operation. The upper and lower outer stators each include a proximal end  1110 ,  1115  and a distal end  1120 ,  1125 , and an inwardly projecting ring or cap  1130 ,  1135  disposed at the respective distal ends and to which the upper and lower inner stators are affixed in a spaced apart relationship such that the rotor is disposed between the inner stators and outer stators with a small clearance. 
         [0034]    Each of the upper and lower outer stators also includes either cross members  1140 ,  1145  or end plates having, both possible structures including a center bearing or bushing  1025  in which each end of axle  1020  is journalled. A plurality of outwardly extending arches  1050  connect to the upper cap  1130  of the upper outer stator  1100  and arc downwardly to a terminus  1155  generally coplanar with the cap  1135  on lower outer stator  1105 . 
         [0035]    A support ring  1160  is attached or integrally affixed to the arches for structural support and to provide a structural element for affixing a plurality of electromagnets  1170 , which angle away from the direction of rotation of the rotor so as to orient the magnetic pole  1175  (which is opposite the exposed pole of permanent magnets  1000  on rotor  900 ), such that the permanent magnets  1000  on rotor  900  are repelled and driven by the electromagnets  1170  in support ring  1160 . 
         [0036]    The upper and lower outer stators each include a row  1190 ,  1195 , respectively, of coil windings  1200 ,  1205 , circumferentially disposed around the stators and having exposed sides, in the same manner as those of the inner stators. Thus, when the rotor is inserted between the upper and lower inner and outer stators and the axle journalled in the upper and lower bushings, the rotor circumferential midline  930  is concentric with the support ring  1160 , thereby bringing the rotor&#39;s permanent magnets  1000 , into concentric alignment with electromagnets  1170 , and the upper and lower inner and outer stators are held in a spaced apart relationship, the former to accommodate and allow movement of the center plate or spokes  1140  extending from spindle  1010 , and the latter to accommodate and allow free movement of the rotor. The space or gap  1210  between the upper and lower outer stators is shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a third preferred embodiment  1300  of the inventive magnetically driven motor and electric power generator of the present invention. In this embodiment all of the structural and operative elements are identical to those of the second preferred embodiment, except that electromagnets  1170  are replaced by a high speed linear synchronous motor or linear induction motor ring (LSM ring)  1310  comprising a plurality of electromagnets configured in an annular array. In effect, this is the same device as that shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , but includes a substantially continuous ring of electromagnets rather than an array of a relatively small or limited number of spaced apart magnets. 
         [0038]    In either of the second and third embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4 through 5 , respectively, the electromagnets may be pulsed (that is, turned on and off) in a sequence. Additionally, they can be provided with power in a precise manner so as to control the rotation speed of the rotor. The electric pulses can be timed by a circuit that includes optical infrared sensors disposed around the circumferential LSM ring  1310  or support ring  1160 , and which sense the proximity of a surface of magnets  1000 , adjusting the pulse timing according to the then current speed of the rotor. 
         [0039]    Referring next to  FIGS. 6-8 , there is shown a fourth preferred embodiment of the magnetically driven motor and electric power generator of the present invention, generally denominated  1400  herein. In this embodiment, the inventive apparatus includes generally cylindrical upper and lower stators  1420 ,  1425 , respectively, each having a proximal (upper) edge or end  1570 ,  1575  (as viewed from the top down), a distal (lower) edge or end,  1580 ,  1585  an annular structural mounting ring,  1590 ,  1595 , first and second sets  1650 ,  1655 , respectively, of coil windings,  1660 ,  1665 , circumferentially disposed around the upper and lower stator drums,  1593 ,  1597 , respectively, and having exposed sides, or sides lightly covered with a thin layer of non-ferrous material. Each stator in the assembly includes an inside diameter and outside diameter (not indicated by reference numbers), the stator inside diameters being slightly larger than the outside diameter of the rotor  1410 , such that the rotor inserts into the stators with an acceptable clearance for free rotation of the rotor within the stators, and for optimal induction during operation. As is shown, each of the upper and lower stator coil rings,  1660 ,  1665  are affixed to their respective stator drum, which is, in turn, attached to a structural mounting ring,  1590 ,  1595 , the upper of which attaches to top plate,  1600 , and the bottom of which attaches to base plate,  1605 . 
         [0040]    The supportive frame for this embodiment includes an upper (top) plate  1605  and lower (base) plate  1605 , each including a center bearing or bushing  1608 , in which a bearing  1610  on center axle  1550  is seated. A plurality of outer columnar supports  1620  connect at connection points  1625  upper and lower plates,  1600 ,  1605 . A plurality of levitation magnets  1680  are disposed in the distal (lower) end  1450  of the rotor  1410  and in an annular channel  1603  in the base plate  1605 , and the absence of bearings or other surface contacts allows the rotor to spin on center axle with greatly reduced friction. 
         [0041]    The substantially cylindrical rotor,  1410 , has an inside diameter and an outside diameter (not indicated by reference numbers), the outside diameter being slightly smaller that the inside diameter of the upper and lower stator mounting rings,  1590 ,  1595 . The rotor  1410  has an upper end,  1440  and a lower end,  1450 , and a circumferential midline,  1460 . An upper and lower set of permanent magnets,  1470 ,  1480  are each circumferentially arrayed in rows on the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the circumferential midline,  1460 . Upper and lower structural rings,  1490 ,  1500  integrally connect with a medial circumferential ring  1510  with vertical slats  1520  to form framework within which the rows of magnets  1470 ,  1480  are disposed. 
         [0042]    As in the earlier embodiments, this embodiment includes a magnetic drive assembly that includes a plurality of drive magnets  1530 , which are also permanent magnets, and which are circumferentially disposed around the circumferential midline,  1460  and medial ring,  1510  of the rotor. The magnets are oriented with exposed poles angled rearwardly relative to the direction of rotation of the rotor. An axially oriented spindle  1540  having a center axle,  1550  spans the distance from the upper to lower edges of the rotor and is affixed to the medial ring with radially extending spokes (not shown) or a concentrically disposed solid plate or disc (not shown) which connects to the inner wall of the rotor at the circumferential midline. 
         [0043]    Upper and lower support rings,  1630 ,  1635  are attached or integrally affixed to the supports  1620  to provide a structural base and ceiling for securing and sandwiching a plurality of electromagnets  1640 , which angle away from the direction of rotation of the rotor so as to orient the magnetic pole  1645  (which is identical in polarity from the exposed pole of permanent magnets  1530  on rotor  1410 ), such that the permanent magnets  1530  are repelled and driven by the electromagnets  1640  in support rings  1630 ,  1635  when energized. 
         [0044]    A sensor mounting ring  1240  has a plurality of electromagnet tripping sensors  1230  (photo coupled interrupter modules) mounted thereon. The tripping sensors are connected to a power supply circuit. The sensor mounting ring is affixed to the upper plate  1600 , such that each tripping sensor corresponds to a single electromagnet,  1640 . Next, a propeller vane,  1220  having photo interrupter blades  1225  corresponding in number to the number of permanent magnets  1530  in medial ring  1510 , is positioned on center axle  1550 , such that when blades  1225  interrupt the beams from sensors  1230 , the power supply circuit causes a corresponding electromagnet  1640  to be energized, thereby creating an identical polarity to the outward facing pole of the most proximate permanent magnet  1530 , and thus creating magnetic repulsion which causes rotor  1410  to spin. 
         [0045]    As will be readily appreciated by those with skill, the principle of operation of the above-described fourth preferred embodiment is in all material respects identical to that of the first through third embodiments. 
         [0046]    In each embodiment, the structural and operative elements are configured to enable the motor and generator to run independently of the power supply when the rotor has achieved sufficient angular momentum. In this respect, the power supply may be conceived of as a motor starting circuit which selectively and periodically energizes the electromagnet as long as necessary for the system to become self-powering and at which point the permanent magnets are the sole motive force operating on the rotor to sustain rotation. In certain systems, a shunt circuit can be connected to the output of the wire coils to function as a charging circuit. Such a circuit includes a plurality or a bank of capacitors that taps into the output circuit when the rotor is at optimal operating speed, and delivers current in pulses to the capacitors, but with a frequency that does not impose too significant a load on the rotor so as to drag it to a stop. Rather, the charging circuit is controlled so as to permit the rotor to rebuild to optimal speed after current is siphoned off. The capacitors periodically discharge into batteries. 
         [0047]    In  FIG. 9  there is shown a fifth preferred embodiment of the inventive magnetically driven electric power generator. In this instance, the medial assembly of electromagnets shown in  FIGS. 6-8  is replaced by a linear synchronous motor or linear induction motor ring (LSM ring)  1710  comprising a plurality of electromagnets configured in an annular array. Again, this is essentially the same device as that shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , but includes a substantially continuous ring of electromagnets rather than an array of a relatively small or a limited number of spaced apart magnets. 
         [0048]    The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. 
         [0049]    Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which shall be defined by the claims filed concurrently with a successor non-provisional, regular national utility patent application.