Abstract:
The radial/rotary propulsion system of the present invention features a flywheel having concentric rings of permanent magnets attached to one or both sides. These permanent magnets interact with DC powered electromagnets which, when selectively energized, impart rotary motion to the flywheel. By arranging the permanent magnets in concentric rings, better control of both speed and torques may be obtained. In addition, in a regenerative mode, inertia of the flywheel is reconverted to electrical energy by either additional permanent magnet/coil combinations or through the switching of the electromagnet coils normally used for rotating the flywheel. In alternated embodiments, regeneration is accomplished with alternators interacting with other magnets of the flywheel. The regenerative mode is also helpful in braking the flywheel as its inertial energy is converted to electrical energy. The energy recapture feature is particularly useful when the flywheel is utilized in a self-propelled vehicle powered by self-contained batteries.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a Continuation-in-Part of abandoned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/265,847, filed Mar. 10, 1999, which was in turn a Continuation of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/103,898, filed Oct. 13, 1998. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a magnetically driven flywheel or wheel and, more particularly, the invention features a flywheel equipped with rings of permanent magnets adapted to interact with external, DC, capacitive discharge powered electromagnets to rotate the flywheel. Energy recovery is by the inertia of the flywheel propelling alternators used to generate electrical power to recharge a battery. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   A magnetic wheel drive is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,633 for MAGNETIC WHEEL DRIVE; issued to Donald A. Kelly on Dec. 18, 1979. Kelly teaches a wheel having a series of permanent magnets radially disposed along its circumference. These permanent magnets are arranged to interact with a series of pairs of permanent magnets placed on oscillating, toggle bars powered by an external motive force. The “flipping” of the toggle bars alternately place the north and south poles of the magnet couples in close proximity to the permanent magnets on the wheel. By synchronizing the toggling of the fixed magnets, alternate north and south poles attract oncoming, rotating wheel magnets. By controlling the speed of the toggling, the rotational speed of the wheel may be controlled. 
   In contradistinction, the radial/rotary propulsion system of the instant invention requires no external, toggling of permanent magnet couples. Unlike KELLY, the inventive radial rotary propulsion system uses DC energized electromagnets in a repulsion only modality. The inventive apparatus uses permanent magnets on a flywheel in rings of varying diameters which, in turn, interact with selectively with the DC, capacitive discharge powered electromagnets on one or both sides of the rotating flywheel. The use of concentric rings of permanent magnets helps simplify the speed control of the device and allows more efficient operation over a range of torque requirements. In addition, when the flywheel is not being powered, the inertia of the flywheel allows generation of electrical power which may be used to recharge the battery normally used to power the electromagnets. This helps to re-energize the system so that it can be used for vehicle propulsion or in other similar applications, while decreasing the total drain from the battery system. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,191 for DRIVING ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR WHEELS; issued Feb. 4, 1997 to Chen-Chi Yang, teaches another apparatus for magnetically imparting rotary motion to a wheel. Yang also uses permanent magnets radially arranged at the circumference of a stator (wheel) to interact with external electromagnet coils. A clutch mechanism is provided to selectively couple the rotary motion to an axle. The present invention, on the other hand, utilizes permanent magnets embedded in, or mounted on one or both faces of a flywheel and arranged in concentric rings of varying diameters which, in turn, interact with selectively energizable electromagnets, also arranged in concentric rings so as to interact with corresponding rings of permanent magnets on the flywheel. In the inventive radial/rotary propulsion system, magnetic interaction between the permanent and the electromagnets is always repulsive, unlike YANG who relies upon an arrangement of north-south poles to provide a attraction/repulsion mode of operation. Regenerative elements allow recapture of inertial energy of the flywheel for the purpose of recharging a battery. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,458 for POWER GENERATOR WITH IMPROVED ROTOR; issued Feb. 17, 1998 to Teruo Kawal, another apparatus for imparting rotary motion to a wheel is described. KAWAL utilizes an AC current, preferably three-phase AC, to energize electromagnets to create an alternating magnetic field which interacts with semicircular pole pieces on the perimeter of the wheel. Unlike Applicant&#39;s nonmagnetic wheel, the KAWAL wheel is itself, a relatively complex magnetic structure. The KAWAL system relies upon an alternating north-south pole arrangement to implement an attraction/repulsion mode of operation. The present invention, on the other hand, utilizes a DC, capacitive discharge system to selectively energize the electromagnets which interact with concentric circles of permanent magnets, all having the same polarity within any given magnet ring, the inventive system operating in a repulsion only mode. Also, unlike the KAWAL pole pieces, the permanent magnets of the instant invention need have no special physical shape (i.e., they need not be semicircular, etc.). 
   While in each one of these prior art inventions, apparatus for imparting rotary motion to a wheel through the interaction of permanent magnets with a magnetic field from electromagnets is described, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The radial/rotary propulsion system of the present invention features a flywheel having concentric rings of permanent magnets attached to or embedded in one or both faces. These permanent magnets are arranged on the flywheel such that all magnets in a ring on a given face have the same polarity (i.e., they are all either north or south poles). The magnets interact with DC powered electromagnets which, when selectively energized, typically using capacitive discharge energization, to provide magnetic fields which impart rotary motion to the flywheel. By arranging the permanent magnets in concentric rings and using repulsion only operation, better control of both speed and output torque may be obtained. The use of narrow pulse width DC pulses, such as may be obtained from a capacitive discharge type power supply, also helps to control the inventive radial/rotary propulsion system and facilitates operation at high speed, for example at speed in the vicinity of 6000 rpm. By using narrow, high-energy pulses, necessary energy for high-torque output may be obtained with still operating at high rotational rates. In addition, in a regenerative mode, inertia of the flywheel is reconverted to electrical energy by either additional permanent magnet/coil combinations, or through the switching of the electromagnet coils normally used for rotating the flywheel, or by alternators positioned on the flywheel housing and tensioned against the flywheel. The energy recapture feature is particularly useful when the flywheel is utilized in a self-propelled vehicle powered by self-contained, rechargeable batteries. 
   Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system. 
   It is an additional object of the invention to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system utilizing a flywheel made from a dense, magnetically nonconductive material. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system utilizing permanent magnets mounted on or embedded in the flat faces of the flywheel. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system wherein the permanent magnets on the flat faces of the flywheel are arranged in concentric rings. 
   It is a still further object of the invention to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system wherein the permanent magnets in any ring all have the same polarity. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system wherein the concentric rings of magnets interact with selectively energized, DC powered electromagnets. 
   It is an additional object of the invention to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system wherein the selectively energized, DC powered electromagnets are energized using a capacitive discharge energization system. 
   An additional object of the invention is to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system having the ability to recapture inertial flywheel energy as electrical power. 
   It is again an object of the invention to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system suitable for use in powering a self-propelled vehicle. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system wherein the magnetically driven flywheel is directly attached or forms a part of the wheel of a self-propelled vehicle. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to provide a magnetically powered, rotary propulsion system suitable for use in powering a self-propelled vehicle either by direct wheel drive or a motor incorporating the magnetically powered, rotary propulsion flywheel. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of the permanent magnet equipped flywheel of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side schematic of the radial/rotary propulsion system utilizing the flywheel shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side schematic of the radial/rotary propulsion system showing an energy recapture mechanism including alternators for electrical regeneration; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the permanent magnet equipped flywheel of the invention showing partially embedded magnets; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the permanent magnet equipped flywheel of the invention showing fully embedded magnets; 
       FIG. 6  is a system schematic block diagram of a control system for an electrically powered vehicle using the radial/rotary propulsion system of the invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic view of an electrically powered vehicle utilizing the radial/rotary propulsion system of the invention for the drive wheels; and 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic, plan view of an alternate, simplified embodiment of the magnet equipped flywheel shown in FIG.  2 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are shown a plan view and a side view, respectively, of a first embodiment of the radial/rotary propulsion system of the present invention, generally at reference number  10 . A flywheel  12  is shown mounted on axle  14  through bearing assembly  16 . Bearing assembly  16  is typically a one-way bearing to allow rotation of flywheel  12  in a single, predetermined direction and/or to allow coupling of the rotational motion of flywheel  12  to axle  14 . Making bearing  16  a one-way bearing simplifies the electrical control (not shown) and guarantees rotation of flywheel  12  in a known direction at start-up. If a two-way bearing is used, an additional mechanism (not shown) for coupling the rotational motion of flywheel  12  to axle  14  must be provided. Such mechanisms are well known to those skilled in the art. Flywheel  12  is composed of a dense but magnetically nonconductive material. Brass, bronze, or certain nonmagnetic stainless steel alloys have been found suitable. A composite structure having a dense material such as lead bonded between structurally rigid plates could also be employed. The greater the mass of flywheel  12 , the smoother the performance of the inventive radial/rotary propulsion system. Bearing assembly  16  allows flywheel  12  to rotate freely about axle  14  in a single, predetermined direction, assuming that bearing assembly  16  is a one way bearing. Permanent magnets  18 ,  20  are affixed to a side surface (i.e., face) of flywheel  12 . Magnets  18 ,  20  may be affixed to flywheel  12  using a structural adhesive or any mechanical fastening means suitable to withstand the centrifugal forces to which the magnets  18 ,  20  are subjected. Such fastening means are well known to those skilled in the art. Magnets  18  are arranged in a substantially circular pattern at a first radius from the center of axle  14  forming a first magnet group  22 . Likewise, magnets  20  are arranged in a substantially circular pattern at a second, smaller radius from the center of axle  14 . Any number of magnets may be used in first magnet group  22  or second magnet group  24 , although an even number is preferable, the magnets  18 ,  20  being arranged so that all magnets in magnet groups  22 ,  24  present the same polarity (i.e., the poles presented for interaction with external electromagnets are all are north poles or all are south poles). Permanent magnets  18 ,  20  must be spaced far enough apart around the face of flywheel  12  so as to provide a break in the magnetic fields generated by adjacent magnets. If sufficient space is not provided, either the inventive system will not operate at all, or will operate inefficiently. Permanent magnets  18 ,  20  may be provided on one or both faces of flywheel  12 . 
   A series of electromagnets  26 ,  28  are positioned with their poles as close as possible to the first magnet group  22  and second magnet group  24 , respectfully. Electrical leads  30 ,  32  are connected to a controller/sequencer  40  ( FIG. 6 ) which selectively applies power, generally from a capacitive discharge power supply circuit (not shown), typically forming a part of controller/sequencer  40 . Power for electromagnets  26 ,  28  is provided by battery  38  (FIG.  6 ). By properly sequencing and controlling the pulse width and amplitude of the DC pulses applied to electromagnets  26 ,  28 , the rotational speed and torque output from the radial/rotary propulsion system may be controlled. If a two-way (not one-way) bearing assembly  16  has been used, the direction of rotation may also be controlled. The use of short duration pulses facilitates high speed operation. By using a capacitive discharge type power supply, even with narrow pulses, enough energy may be imparted to the flywheel to maintain high torque output at these high operating speeds. Typically, magnets diametrically opposed (i.e., 180° apart from one another on the flywheel) are pulsed simultaneously. This minimizes lateral thrust forces on bearing  16  and thereby prevents excessive wear on bearing  16  as well as minimizing friction among bearing  16 , flywheel  12  and axle  14 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a plan view of a simplified embodiment of the present invention, generally at reference number  60 . In this simplified embodiment, flywheel  12  is connected to axle  14  by means of bearing  16 . Magnet group  22 , however, consists of only two magnets  18 , disposed on flywheel  12  diametrically opposed to one another. Likewise, magnet group  24  consists of only two magnets  18 , also shown diametrically opposed to one another. While magnet groups  22  and  24  are depicted having an orthogonal relationship to one another, it should be obvious to those skilled in the art that any angular relationship between magnet groups  22  and  24  could be chosen to meet a particular operating requirement or circumstance. Likewise, a combination of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the embodiment of  FIG. 8  could also be created. Such an embodiment (not shown) could have two magnets in magnet group  22  and a large number of magnets in magnet group  24 , or vice-versa. 
   Referring now again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is important that a spacing between individual magnets  18  and  20  be chosen so that any magnetic interference between adjacent magnets is held below a critical operating threshold. Failure to provide sufficient spacing between magnets  18 ,  20  may, worst case, prevent operation of the inventive propulsion system. If insufficient spacing is provided, the system may be partially operative but efficiency and/or range of control may suffer. 
   The radial/rotary propulsion system of the instant invention also features a regeneration system to recapture electrical energy from flywheel inertia during a coast (non driven) mode of operation. Typically the regeneration is implemented using separate components (i.e., magnets, pick-up coils, alternators, etc.) than those used to drive flywheel  12 . This will be described in detail hereinbelow. It is possible, however, by using appropriate control circuitry (not shown), to utilize the drive components, particularly electromagnets  26 ,  28  so that when they are no longer operating in a driven mode, they may be used in a reverse process during a coast (non driven or recovery) mode of operation, to recapture the inertia of flywheel as electrical energy. The recaptured energy may be used to partially recharge battery  38  (FIG.  6 ). In one embodiment, permanent magnets  18  and/or  20  interact with electromagnets  26 ,  28 , respectively, to act as a generator. This requires a special switching arrangement (not shown) in controller/sequencer  40  ( FIG. 6 ) to accomplish this function. Such switching arrangements are well known to those in the electrical engineering arts and form no part of the instant invention. In alternate embodiments, additional magnets and coils, as are described in detail hereinbelow, may be used to perform the regeneration function. 
   More typically, separate components are used to implement the regeneration mode. Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the regeneration system. In an this embodiment, an additional set of permanent magnets  34 , also arranged in a substantially circular pattern, typically at a radius between the two radii associated with magnets  18  and  20 , are also affixed to flywheel  20 . Special alternator pick-up coils  36 , optimized as electrical generating structures are deployed as nearly as possible to magnets  34 . In this embodiment, no special switching arrangement of electromagnets  26 ,  28  is required and simple regeneration circuitry (not shown), well known to those skilled in the circuit design art, my be used. The regeneration circuit also serves as a brake for flywheel  12  because, as inertial energy is converted to electrical energy, the rotation of flywheel  12  is slowed and, ultimately, stopped. This is useful when the radial/rotary propulsion system of the invention is used to power a land vehicle by direct wheel power application. Energy which would normally be wasted may be scavenged by the regeneration system, thereby both saving wear on mechanical brakes and allowing a greater operating range for the vehicle between battery charges. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , magnets  18 ′,  20 ′ are shown partially embedded in flywheel  12 . This type of mounting arrangement provides a more secure containment of magnets  18 ′,  20 ′ than does simple surface mounting. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown another embodiment of a magnet placement. Magnets  18 ″ and  20 ″ are shown extending completely through flywheel  12 . Magnets  18 ′,  20 ′ (FIG.  4 ),  18 ″ and  20 ″ are shown projecting beyond the surface of flywheel  12 . This is not necessary and, indeed, it may be preferable in some environments to keep the surfaces of magnets  18 ′,  20 ′,  18 ″ and  20 ″ flush with the surface of flywheel  12 . 
   In operation, the placement of magnets in at least two concentric rings allows for excellent control of both velocity and torque from the radial/rotary propulsion system. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a system schematic block diagram of the instant invention. A rechargeable battery  38  is connected to a controller/sequencer  40 . Recharge power for battery  38  is applied to controller/sequencer  40  at recharge input (alternator) connection  42 . Throttle  44  and brake  46  control signals are applied to controller/sequencer  40 . It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the throttle and brake signals may be generated by a wide variety of transducers known to those skilled in the art. In addition, it will be obvious to those skilled in the design of land vehicles that inputs other than throttle and brake may be required to make a fully functional vehicle control system. These inputs could readily be added to controller/sequencer  40 , if required. Controller/sequencer  40  includes capacitive discharge circuits (not shown) which allow energy from battery  38  to relatively slowly charge one or more capacitors (not shown). When controller/sequencer  40  energized one or more electromagnets  26 ,  28 , a high energy, short duration pulse may be provided to electromagnets  26 ,  28 . Capacitive discharge circuits are also well known to those skilled in the electrical engineering arts. Controller/sequencer  40  provides a plurality of outputs to electromagnets  26 ,  28  (FIG.  2 ). There may be as many outputs from controller/sequencer  40  as there are electromagnets  26 ,  28 , each electromagnet being individually controlled. In alternate embodiments, groups of electromagnets associated with each of the first magnet group  22  ( FIG. 1 ) and/or the second magnet group  24  ( FIG. 1 ) could be combined (i.e., multiple electromagnets in each group could be simultaneously energized) thereby reducing the number of switching components (not shown) within controller/sequencer  40  and simplifying the electromagnet wiring (not shown). Under most circumstances, electromagnets  26 ,  28  which correspond to magnets  18 ,  20  which are diametrically opposed, will be fired simultaneously. This practice tends to equalize lateral thrust stresses on bearing  16  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and tends to provide smoother control of the inventive system. It should, however, be obvious to those skilled in the motor control arts that alternate control arrangements could be provided to accommodate a particular operating circumstance or environment 
   Referring finally to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a schematic of a typical electrically powered vehicle, reference number  50 . The vehicle  50  chosen for purposes of disclosure is equipped with four wheels. It should be obvious that the radial/rotary propulsion system of the invention could readily be applied to many different vehicle configurations from a unicycle to a multi-wheeled transport vehicle. Front wheels  52 , each equipped with a radial/rotary propulsion system, are coupled to a steering wheel  54  by means of steering box  56 . Vehicle  50  is also equipped with a pair of rear wheels  58  which may also be equipped with the radial/rotary propulsion system of the instant invention. In still other embodiments, four wheel drive could be provided, front and rear wheel being independently equipped with the radial/rotary propulsion system of the present invention. In alternate embodiments, only rear wheels  58  may be equipped with the radial/rotary propulsion systems. In still other embodiments, the vehicle could remain essentially conventional and only the engine be eliminated and replaced with a radial, rotary propulsion system mounted to the transmission. Controller/sequencer  40  is shown located in the front of vehicle  50  but could readily be located any convenient place within the body of vehicle  50 . Battery  38  ( FIG. 6 ) has not been shown in vehicle  50 . In common practice, battery  38  is made from multiple cells of the lead/acid type which many be distributed through the vehicle as required for good weight distribution and acceptable body styling, 
   It should be obvious that in alternate embodiments, electromagnets could be deployed on or in the flywheel in concentric, circular patterns and permanent magnets could be located adjacent the flywheel. Power to the electromagnets could be provided through slip rings or in other manners well known in the art. 
   It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.