Patent Abstract:
A torque converter for transferring rotational motion between a first axis and a second axis is provided. The torque converter has a first body rotatable about the first axis; a plurality of first magnets mounted to the first body, each of the first magnets having an inner end portion, the inner end portion being located closer to the first axis than to a peripheral portion of the first body; a plurality of first backing plates, each disposed adjacent to the inner end portion of each of the first magnets; a second body rotatable about the second axis; and a plurality of second magnets mounted to the second body. The second magnets magnetically interact with the first magnets to transfer the rotational motion between the first and second axes.

Full Description:
[0001]    The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/758,000 filed on Jan. 16, 2004, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/440,622 filed on Jan. 17, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a torque converter and a system using a torque converter. More specifically, the present invention relates to a torque converter that is capable of multiplying a given torque input based upon compression and decompression of permanent magnetic fields. In addition, the present invention relates to a system that uses a torque converter. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    In general, torque converters make use of mechanical coupling between a generator disk and a flywheel to transmit torque from the flywheel to the generator disk. However, due to frictional forces between the generator disk and the flywheel, some energy provided to the generator disk is converted into frictional energy, i.e., heat, thereby reducing the efficiency of the torque converter. In addition, the frictional forces cause significant mechanical wear on all moving parts of the torque converter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a torque converter that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
         [0007]    An object of the present invention is to provide a torque converter having an increased output. 
         [0008]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a system using a torque converter that reduces frictional wear. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a system using a torque converter that does not generate heat. 
         [0010]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a system using a torque converter than does not have physical contact between a flywheel and a generator disk. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a system using a torque converter that allows an object to be inserted or reside between a flywheel and a generator disk. 
         [0012]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0013]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a torque converter device includes a flywheel rotating about a first axis, the flywheel having a first body portion having a first radius from a circumferential surface and have a first radius of curvature, a first plurality of magnets mounted in the first body portion, each having first ends disposed from the circumferential surface of the first body portion, and each of the first ends of first plurality of magnets having a second radius of curvature similar to the first radius of curvature, a second plurality of magnets mounted in the first body portion, each of the second plurality of magnets being disposed from the circumferential surface of the first body portion, and a generator disk rotatable about a second axis angularly offset with respect to the first axis, the generator disk having a second body portion, and a third plurality of magnets within the second body portion for magnetic coupling with the first and second pluralities of magnets. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, a torque converter device transferring rotational motion from a first body rotatable about first axis to a second body rotatable about and second axis angularly offset with respect to the first axis, the first and second bodies separated by a gap, one of the first and second bodies includes a first plurality of radially mounted magnets, a plurality of backing plates, each disposed adjacent to innermost end portions of the first plurality of magnets, and a magnetic ring disposed apart from each of the backing plates, wherein the backing plates are disposed between an end of the first plurality of radially mounted magnets and the magnetic ring. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, a method of transferring rotational motion from a first body rotatable about a first axis to a second body rotatable about a second axis angularly offset with respect to the first axis includes sequentially compressing magnetic fields of a first plurality of magnets radially mounted in the first body using at least one of a second plurality of magnets mounted in the second body, and decompressing the compressed magnetic fields of the first plurality of magnets as the first body and second body rotate to transfer the rotational motion of the first body to the second body. 
         [0016]    In another aspect, a system for generating electrical power includes a motor, a flywheel rotating about a first axis, the flywheel having a first body portion having a first radius from a circumferential surface and having a first radius of curvature, a first plurality of magnets mounted in the first body portion, each having first ends disposed from the circumferential surface of the first body portion, and each of the first ends of first plurality of magnets having a second radius of curvature similar to the first radius of curvature, a second plurality of magnets mounted in the first body portion, each of the second plurality of magnets being disposed from the circumferential surface of the first body portion, and a generator disk rotatable about a second axis angularly offset with respect to the first axis, the generator disk having a second body portion, and a third plurality of magnets within the second body portion for magnetic coupling to the first and second pluralities of magnets, and at least one electrical generator coupled to the at least one generator disk. 
         [0017]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a layout diagram of an exemplary flywheel according to the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of an exemplary flywheel according to the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1C  is a side view of an exemplary attachment structure of the flywheel according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary retaining ring according to the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of region A of  FIG. 1A  showing an exemplary placement of driver magnets within a flywheel according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are views of an exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8A  is a layout diagram of an exemplary generator disk according to the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of an exemplary shaft attachment to a generator disk according to the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of exemplary magnetic fields of the flywheel of  FIGS. 1A-C  according to the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary initial magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11A  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11B  is a schematic diagram of another exemplary magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11C  is a schematic diagram of another exemplary magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11D  is an enlarged view of region A of  FIG. 11A  according to the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11E  is another enlarged view of region A of  FIG. 11A  according to the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 11F  is another enlarged view of a region A of  FIG. 11A  according to the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic decompression process of the torque converter according to the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic force pattern of the flywheel of  FIG. 1  during a magnetic compression process of  FIG. 11  according to the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system using the torque converter according to the present invention; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram of another exemplary system using the torque converter according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0045]    Reference will now be made in detail to the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0046]      FIG. 1A  is a layout diagram of an exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. In  FIG. 1A , a flywheel  109  may be formed from a cylindrical core of composite material(s), such as nylon, and may be banded along a circumferential edge of the flywheel by a non-magnetic retaining ring  116 , such as non-magnetic stainless steel or phenolic materials. The flywheel  109  may include a plurality of magnets  102  disposed within a plurality of equally spaced first radial grooves  101  of the flywheel  109 , wherein each of the magnets  102  may generate relatively strong magnetic fields. In addition, each of the magnets  102  may have cylindrical shapes and may be backed by a backing plate  203 , such as soft iron or steel, disposed within each of the plurality of first radial grooves  101  in order to extend the polar fields of the magnets  102  closer to a center C of the flywheel  109 . 
         [0047]    In  FIG. 1A , the flywheel  109  may also include a plurality of suppressor magnets  108  disposed within a plurality of second radial grooves  107  along a circumferential face of the flywheel  109 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 3 , surfaces  110  of the magnets  102  may be spaced from a circumferential surface S of the flywheel  109  by a distance X, and surfaces of the suppressor magnets  108  may be recessed from the circumferential face S of the flywheel  109  by a distance Y. 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 1A , each of the plurality of second radial grooves  107  may be disposed between each of the plurality of first grooves  101 . For example, each one of eight suppressor magnets  108  may be disposed within each of eight grooves  107  and each one of eight magnets  102  may be disposed within each of eight grooves  101 . Accordingly, an angular separation β between each of the first radial grooves  101  may be twice an angular separation α between adjacent first and second radial grooves  101  and  107 . Of course, the total number of magnets  102  and  108  and the first and second grooves  101  and  107 , respectively, may be changed. The suppressor magnets  108  in the eight grooves  107  and the magnets  102  in the eight grooves  101  of the flywheel  109  have their north magnetic fields facing toward the circumferential surface S (in  FIG. 3 ) of the flywheel  109  and their south magnetic fields facing radial inward toward a center portion C of the flywheel  109 . Alternatively, opposite polar arrangement may be possible such that the suppressor magnets  108  and the magnets  102  may have their south magnetic fields facing toward the circumferential surface S (in  FIG. 3 ) of the flywheel  109  and their north magnetic fields facing radial inward toward a center portion C of the flywheel  109 . 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 1A , backing plates  203  may be disposed at end portions of the magnets disposed within the plurality of first grooves  101  at the south poles of the magnets  102  in order to form a magnetic field strength along a radial direction toward the circumferential surface S (in  FIG. 3 ) of the flywheel  109 . Although not specifically shown, each of the backing plates may be attached to the flywheel  109  using a fastening system, such as retaining pins and/or bolts, or may be retained within the flywheel  109  due to the specific geometry of the magnets  102  within the first grooves  101 . Accordingly, interactions of the magnetic fields of the magnets  102  within the plurality of first grooves  101  and the suppressor magnets  108  disposed within the plurality of second grooves  107  create a magnetic field pattern (MFP), as shown in  FIG. 9 , of repeating arcuate shapes, i.e., sinusoidal curve, around the circumferential surface S (in  FIG. 3 ) of the flywheel  109 . 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 1A , the flywheel  109  may be formed of plastic material(s), such as PVC and Plexiglas. In addition, the flywheel may be formed of molded plastic material(s), and may be formed as single structure. The material or materials used to form the flywheel  109  may include homogeneous materials in order to ensure a uniformly balanced system. In addition to the circular geometry shown in  FIG. 1A , other geometries may be used for the flywheel  109 . For example, polygonal and triangular geometries may be used for the flywheel  109 . Accordingly, the number of magnets  102  and the suppressor magnets  108  and placement of the magnets  102  and the suppressor magnets  108  may be adjusted to provide magnetic coupling to a corresponding generator disk  111  (in  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0051]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of an exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. In  FIG. 1B , the flywheel  109  may include first and second body portions  109   a  and  109   b.  Accordingly, the first and second grooves  101  and  107  may be formed as semicircular grooves  101   a  and  107   a  in the first and second body portions  109   a  and  109   b.  In addition, although the first and second grooves  101  and  107  are shown to be circular, other geometries may be provided in order to conform to the geometries of the magnets  102  and the suppressor magnets  108 . 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 1A , the total number of the magnets  102  and the suppressor magnets  108  may be adjusted according to an overall diameter of the flywheel  109 . For example, as the diameter of the flywheel  109  increases, the total number of magnets  102  and the suppressor magnets  108  may increase. Conversely, as the diameter of the flywheel  109  decreases, the total number of magnets  102  and the suppressor magnets  108  may decrease. Furthermore, as the diameter of the flywheel  109  increases or decreases, the total number of magnets  102  and the suppressor magnets  108  may increase or decrease, respectively. Alternatively, as the diameter of the flywheel  109  increases or decreases, the total number of magnets  102  and the suppressor magnets  108  may decrease or increase, respectively. 
         [0053]      FIG. 1C  is a side view of an exemplary attachment structure of the flywheel according to the present invention. In  FIG. 1C , the flywheel  109  includes a fastening system having plurality of spaced fastening members  122  that may be used to attach a major face of the flywheel  109  to a shaft backing plate  120 . Accordingly, a shaft  124  may be fastened to the shaft backing plate  120  using a plurality of support members  126 . In  FIG. 1C , the shaft backing plate  120  may be formed having a circular shape having a diameter less than or equal to a diameter of the flywheel  109 . In addition, the shaft  124  may extend through the flywheel  109  and may be coupled to an expanding flywheel  130 . The expanding flywheel  130  may be spaced from the flywheel  109  by a distance X in order to prevent any deteriorating magnetic interference with the magnets  102  and suppressor magnets  108  within the flywheel  109 . The expanding flywheel  130  may include structures (not shown) that would increase an overall diameter D of the expanding flywheel  130  in order to increase the angular inertia of the flywheel  109 . Moreover, the shaft  124  may extend through the expanding flywheel  130  to be supported by a support structure (not shown). 
         [0054]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary retaining ring according to the present invention. In  FIG. 1A , the retaining ring  116  of the flywheel  109  may include a single band of stainless steel material, or may include first and second retaining ring portions  116   a  and  116   b,  and may include attachment tabs  118   a,    118   b,  and  118   d  that attach to the flywheel  109  via fasteners  118   c.  The first retaining ring portion  116   a  may have outermost attachment tabs  118   a  and innermost tabs  118   b,  and the second retaining ring portion  116   b  may have outermost attachment tabs  118   d  and innermost tabs  118   b.  In addition, as shown in  FIG. 2 , each of the attachment tabs  118   a,    118   b,  and  118   d  may include attachment holes  318  for use with a fastener  118   c.  Each of the attachment tabs  118   a,    118   b,  and  118   d  may be positioned within a region between the first and second grooves  101  and  107 . Although not specifically shown, each of the attachment tabs  118   a,    118   b,  and  118   d  of the first and second retaining ring portions  116   a  and  116   b  may be formed to include two of the attachment holes  318  for use with two fasteners  118   c.    
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , the first and second retaining ring portions  116   a  and  116   b  may cover the entire circumferential surface S (in  FIG. 3 ) of the flywheel  109 . Accordingly, the outermost attachment tabs  118   a  of the first retaining ring portion  116   a  and the outermost attachment tabs  118   d  of the second retaining ring portion  116   b  may be fastened to the flywheel  109  at adjacent locations to each other. In addition, although each of the first and second retaining ring portions  116   a  and  116   b  are shown having three innermost attachment tabs  118   b,  different pluralities of the innermost attachment tabs  118   b  may be used according to the size of the flywheel  109 , the number of magnets  102  and  108 , and other physical features of the flywheel  109  components within the flywheel  109 . 
         [0056]    Although not shown in  FIG. 1A , a reinforced tape may be provided along an outer circumference of the retaining ring  116 . Accordingly, the reinforced tape may provide protection from abrasion to the retaining ring  116 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of region A of  FIG. 1A  showing an exemplary placement of driver magnets within a flywheel according to the present invention. In  FIG. 3 , the surface  110  of the magnet  102  may have a radius of curvature R 1  similar to the radius R 2  of the flywheel  109 . For example, R 1  may be equal to R 2 , or R 1  may be approximately equal to R 2 . In addition, the surface  108   a  of the suppressor magnet  108  may have a radius of curvature R 3  similar to the radiuses R 1  and R 2 . However, the surface  108   a  of the suppressor magnet  108  may simply have a flat shape. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are views of an exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention. In  FIG. 4A , the magnet  102  may have a first surface  110  having the radius of curvature R 1  that may be similar to the radius R 2  of the flywheel  109  (in  FIG. 3 ). In addition, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the magnet  102  may include a cylindrical side surface  130  that is constant from a bottom surface  120  of the magnet  102  to the first surface  110  of the magnet  102 . 
         [0059]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention. In  FIG. 5A , the magnet  202  may have a first surface  210  having the radius of curvature R 1  that may be similar to the radius R 2  of the flywheel  109  (in  FIG. 3 ). In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the magnet  202  may include a cylindrical side surface  230  that is tapered from a bottom surface  220  of the magnet  202  to the first surface  210  of the magnet  202 . Accordingly, the first grooves  101  of the flywheel  109  may have corresponding sidewalls that conform to the tapered cylindrical side surface  230  of the magnet  202 . In addition, the back plates  203  may also have corresponding tapered cylindrical surfaces as those of the magnet  202 . However, the backing plates may not have tapered cylindrical surfaces as those of the magnet  202 . 
         [0060]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention. In  FIG. 6A , the magnet  302  may have a first surface  310  having the radius of curvature R 1  that may be similar to the radius R 2  of the flywheel  109  (in  FIG. 3 ). In addition, the magnet  302  may have a shoulder portion  350  that transitions from a neck portion  340  having a first diameter D 1  to a body portion  330  having a second diameter D 2 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the body portion  330  of the magnet  302  may having a constant diameter D 2  from a bottom surface  320  of the magnet  202  to the shoulder portion  350  of the magnet  302 . Accordingly, the first grooves  101  of the flywheel  109  may have corresponding portions that conform to the neck, shoulder, and body portions  340 ,  350 , and  330  of the magnet  302 . 
         [0061]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention. In  FIG. 7A , the magnet  402  may have a first surface  410  having the radius of curvature R 1  that may be similar to the radius R 2  of the flywheel  109  (in  FIG. 3 ). In addition, the magnet  402  may have a shoulder portion  450  that transitions from a neck portion  440  having a first diameter D 1  to a body portion  430  having a second diameter D 2 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the body portion  430  of the magnet  402  may having a constant diameter D 2  from a bottom surface  420  of the magnet  402  to the shoulder portion  450  of the magnet  402 . Accordingly, the first grooves  101  of the flywheel  109  may have corresponding portions that conform to the neck, shoulder, and body portions  440 ,  450 , and  430  of the magnet  402 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 8A  is a layout diagram of an exemplary generator disk according to the present invention. In  FIG. 8A , a generator disk  111 , preferably made from a nylon or composite nylon disk, may include two rectangular magnets  301  opposing each other along a first common center line CL 1  through a center portion C of the generator disk  111 , wherein each of the rectangular magnets  301  may be disposed along a circumferential portion of the generator disk  111 . In addition, additional rectangular magnets  302  may be provided between the two rectangular magnets  301 , and may be opposing each other along a second common center line CL 2  through a center portion C of the generator disk  111  that is perpendicular to the first common center line CL 1 . Alternatively, the additional rectangular magnets  302  may be replaced with non-magnetic weighted masses in order to prevent an unbalanced generator disk  111 . 
         [0063]    In  FIG. 8A , each of the two rectangular magnets  301 , as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets  302  or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may have a first length L extending along a direction perpendicular to the first and second common center lines CL 1  and CL 2 , wherein a thickness of the two rectangular magnets  301 , as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets  302  or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may be less than the first length L. In addition, each of the two rectangular magnets  301 , as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets  302 , may have a relatively large magnetic strength, wherein surfaces of the two rectangular magnets  301 , as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets  302 , parallel to a major surface of the generator disk  111  may be one of south and north poles. Moreover, either an even-number or odd-number of magnets  301  may be used, and interval spacings between the magnets  301  may be adjusted to attain a desired magnetic configuration of the generator disk  111 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of an exemplary shaft attachment to a generator disk according to the present invention. In  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the generator disk  111  includes a plurality of spaced fastening members  305  that may be used to attach the generator disk  111  to a shaft backing plate  306 . Accordingly, a shaft  307  may be fastened to the shaft backing plate  306  using a plurality of support members  308 . In  FIG. 8B , the shaft backing plate  306  may be formed having a circular shape having a diameter less than or equal to a diameter of the generator disk  111 . 
         [0065]    In  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the generator disk  111  may be formed of the same, or different materials from the materials used to form the flywheel  109  (in  FIG. 1A ). Moreover, the geometry of the generator disk  111  may be circular, as shown in  FIG. 8A , or may be different, such polygonal and triangular shapes. In addition, the total number of the magnets  301 , as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets  302  or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may be adjusted according to an overall diameter of the flywheel  109  and/or the generator disk  111 . For example, as the diameter of the flywheel  109  and/or the generator disk  111  increases, the total number and size of the magnets  301 , as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets  302  or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may increase. Conversely, as the diameter of the flywheel  109  and/or generator disk  111  decreases, the total number and size of the magnets  301 , as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets  302  or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may decrease. Furthermore, as the diameter of the flywheel  109  and/or the generator disk  111  increases or decreases, the total number and size of the magnets  301 , as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets  302  or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may increase or decrease, respectively. Alternatively, as the diameter of the flywheel  109  and/or the generator disk  111  increases or decreases, the total number and size of the magnets  301 , as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets  302  or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may decrease or increase, respectively. 
         [0066]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of exemplary magnetic fields of the flywheel of  FIG. 1  according to the present invention. In  FIG. 9 , interactions of the magnetic fields of the magnets  102  and the suppressor magnets  108  create a magnetic field pattern (MFP) of repeating arcuate shapes, i.e., sinusoidal curve, around the circumferential surface S of the flywheel  109 . Accordingly, the backing plates  203  and the suppressor magnets  108  provide for displacement of the south fields of the magnets  102  toward the center C of the flywheel  109 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary initial magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention,  FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention, and  FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic decompression process of the torque converter according to the present invention. In each of  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 , the schematic view is seen from a rear of the generator disk, i.e., the surface opposite to the surface of the generator disk  111  having the two rectangular magnets  301 , and the flywheel  109  is located behind the generator disk  111 . In addition, the flywheel  109  is rotating in a downward clockwise direction and the generator disk  111  is rotating along a counterclockwise direction, wherein the generator disk  111  may be spaced from the flywheel  109  by a small air gap, such as within a range of about three-eighths of an inch to about 0.050 inches. Alternatively, the small air gap may be determined by specific application. For example, systems requiring a larger configuration of the flywheel and generator disk may require larger or smaller air gaps. Similarly, systems requiring more powerful or less powerful magnets may require air gaps having a specific range of air gaps. Moreover, for purposes of explanation the magnets  102  will now simply be referred to as driver magnets  102 . 
         [0068]    In  FIG. 10 , one of the two rectangular magnets  301  disposed on the generator disk  111  begins to enter one of the spaces within a magnetic field pattern (MFP) of the flywheel  109  between two north poles generated by the driver magnets  102 . The driver magnets  102  may be disposed along a circumferential center line of the flywheel  109 , or may be disposed along the circumference of the flywheel  109  in an offset configuration. The gap between the driver magnets  102  in the flywheel  109  is a position in which the MFP where the south pole field is the closest to the circumferential surface S (in  FIG. 9 ) of the flywheel  109 . 
         [0069]    In  FIG. 10 , as the flywheel  109  rotates along the downward direction, the north pole of one of the two rectangular magnets  301  on the generator disk  111  facing the circumferential surface S (in  FIG. 9 ) of the flywheel  109  enters adjacent north magnetic field lines of the driver magnets  102  along a shear plane of the two rectangular magnets  301  and the driver magnets  102 . Accordingly, the shear force required to position one of the two rectangular magnets  301  between the adjacent driver magnets  102  is less than the force required to directly compress the north magnetic field lines of the two rectangular magnets  301  between the adjacent driver magnets  102 . Thus, the energy necessary to position one of the two rectangular magnets  301  between adjacent ones of the driver magnets  102  is relatively low. 
         [0070]    In addition, the specific geometrical interface between the driver and rectangular magnets  102  and  301  provides for a relatively stable repulsive magnetic field. For example, the cylindrical surface  130  (in  FIG. 4 ) of the adjacent driver magnets  102 , as well as the cylindrical surfaces of the other exemplary driver magnets  202 ,  302 , and  402  in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 , generate specific magnetic fields from the curved surfaces  110  and the bottom surfaces  120  of the driver magnets  102 . In addition, the planar surfaces P (in  FIG. 8 ) of the rectangular magnet  301  entering the adjacent magnetic fields of the adjacent driver magnets  102  generate another specific magnetic field. Accordingly, the interaction of the magnetic fields of the driver and rectangular magnets  102  and  301 , and more specifically, the manner in which the magnetic fields of the driver and rectangular magnets  102  and  301  are brought into interaction, i.e., along a magnetic shear plane, create a relatively stable repulsive magnetic field. 
         [0071]    In addition, although the suppressor magnet  108  also provides a repelling force to the driver magnet  102 , the force of repulsion of the suppressor magnet  108  is relatively less than the repulsive force of the rectangular magnet  301 . However, as will be explained with regard to  FIG. 12 , the suppressor magnet  108  provides an additional repulsion force when the magnetic fields of the driver and rectangular magnets  102  and  301  are decompressed. 
         [0072]    In  FIG. 11A , once the rectangular magnet  301  on the generator disk  111  fully occupies the gap directly between the north poles of two adjacent driver magnets  102  of the flywheel  109 , the weaker north pole (as compared to the north poles of the driver and rectangular magnets  102  and  301 ) of the suppressor magnet  108  on the flywheel  109  is repelled by the presence of the north pole of the rectangular magnet  301  on the generator disk  111 . Thus, both the north and south magnetic fields of the MFP below the outer circumference of the flywheel  109  are compressed, as shown at point A (in  FIG. 13 ). 
         [0073]    In  FIG. 11A , a centerline CL 3  of the flywheel  109  is aligned with a centerline CL 4  of the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111  during magnetic field compression of the driver magnets  102 , the suppressor magnet  108 , and the magnet  301  of the generator disk  301 . Accordingly, placement of the rotation axis of the flywheel  109  and the rotation axis of the generator disk  111  must be set such that the centerline CL 3  of the flywheel  109  is aligned with the centerline CL 4  of the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111 . 
         [0074]    However, as shown in  FIGS. 11B and 11C , placement of the rotation axis of the flywheel  109  and the rotation axis of the generator disk  111  may be set such that the centerline CL 3  of the flywheel  109  may be offset from the centerline CL 4  of the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111  by a distance X. Accordingly, the magnetic field compression of the driver magnets  102 , the suppressor magnet  108 , and the magnet  301  of the generator disk  301  may be altered in order to provide specific repulsion forces between the driver magnets  102 , the suppressor magnet  108 , and the magnet  301  of the generator disk  301 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 11D  is an enlarged view of region A of  FIG. 11A  according to the present invention. In  FIG. 11D , a distance X between facing surfaces of the driver magnet  102  (and likewise the other driver magnet  102  adjacent to the opposing end of the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111 ) is set in order to provide specific magnetic field compression of the driver magnets  102  and the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111 . Preferably, the distance X may be set to zero, but may be set to a value to ensure that no torque slip occurs between the flywheel  109  and the generator disk  111 . The torque slip is directly related to the magnetic field compression strength of the driver magnets  102  and the magnet  301 , as well as the magnetic strength and geometries of the driver magnets  102  and the magnet  301 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 11E  is another enlarged view of region A of  FIG. 11A  according to the present invention. In  FIG. 11 , the driver magnet  102  may have a cross-sectional geometry that includes a polygonal shape, wherein a side of the polygonal shaped driver magnet  102  may be parallel to a side of the magnet  301  of the generator disk  11 . However, the distance X between facing surfaces of the driver magnet  102  (and likewise the other driver magnet  102  adjacent to the opposing end of the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111 ) is set in order to provide specific magnetic field compression of the driver magnets  102  and the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111 . Preferably, the distance X may be set to zero, but may be set to a value to ensure that no torque slip occurs between the flywheel  109  and the generator disk  111 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 11F  is another enlarged view of a region A of  FIG. 11A  according to the present invention. In  FIG. 11F , pairs of driver magnets  102   a  and  102   b  may be provided in the flywheel  109 . The driver magnets  102   a  and  102   b  may be provided along centerlines CL 3 A and CL 3 B, respectively, and may be spaced apart from the centerline CL 3  of the flywheel  109 , as well as the aligned centerline CL 4  of the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111 . Accordingly, the magnetic field compression of the pair of driver magnets  102   a  and  102   b  and the magnet  301  of the generator disk  301  may be altered in order to provide specific repulsion forces between the pair of driver magnets  102   a  and  102   b,  the suppressor magnet  108 , and the magnet  301  of the generator disk  301 . As with the polygonal shaped geometry of the single driver magnets  102 , in  FIG. 11E , the pair of driver magnets  102   a  and  102   b  may have polygonal shaped geometries. In addition, similar to the distance X, as shown in  FIGS. 11D and 11E , distances between facing surfaces of the pair of driver magnets  102   a  and  102   b  (and likewise the other pair of driver magnets  102   a  and  102   b  adjacent to the opposing end of the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111 ) is set in order to provide specific magnetic field compression of the pair of driver magnets  102   a  and  102   b  and the magnet  301  of the generator disk  111 . Preferably, the distance X may be set to zero, but may be set to a value to ensure that no torque slip occurs between the flywheel  109  and the generator disk  111 . 
         [0078]    In  FIG. 12 , as the rectangular magnet  301  on the generator disk  111  begins to rotate out of the compressed magnetic field position and away from the flywheel  109 , the north pole of the rectangular magnet  301  is strongly pushed away by the repulsion force of the north pole of the trailing driver magnet  102  on the flywheel  109  and by the magnetic decompression (i.e., spring back) of the previously compressed north and south fields in the MFP along the circumferential surface S (in  FIG. 9 ) of the flywheel  109 . The spring back force (i.e., magnetic decompression force) of the north pole in the MFP provides added repulsion to the rectangular magnet  301  of the generator disk  111  as the rectangular magnet  301  moves away from the flywheel  109 . 
         [0079]    Next, another initial magnetic compression process is started, as shown in  FIG. 10 , and the cycle of magnetic compression and decompression repeats. Thus, rotational movement of the flywheel  109  and the generator disk  111  continues. 
         [0080]      FIG. 14  is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. In  FIG. 14 , a flywheel  209  may include all of the above-described features of the flywheel  109  (in  FIGS. 1A-C ), but may include suppressor magnets  208  disposed from the circumferential surface S of the flywheel  209  by a distance X. For example, the distance X may be less that a depth of the first grooves  101 , and may be disposed between adjacent backing plates  203 . Similar to the relative angular displacements α and β of the driver and suppressor magnets  102  and  301 , the relative positioning of the suppressor magnets  208  may be disposed between the driver magnets  102 . Thus, the suppressor magnets  208  may further displace the south magnetic fields of the driver magnets  102  transmitted by the backing plates  203  toward the center C of the flywheel  209 . Moreover, the different exemplary driver magnets of  FIGS. 4-7  may be incorporated into the flywheel  209  of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 15  is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. In  FIG. 15 , a flywheel  309  may include all of the above-described features of the flywheel  109  (in  FIGS. 1A-C ), but may include suppressor magnets  308  disposed from an end portion of the backing plates  203  by a distance X. In addition, the suppressor magnets  308  may be placed along a centerline of the driver magnets  102 . Thus, the suppressor magnets  208  may further displace the south magnetic fields of the driver magnets  102  transmitted by the backing plates  203  toward the center C of the flywheel  309 . Moreover, the different exemplary driver magnets of  FIGS. 4-7  may be incorporated into the flywheel  309  of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 16  is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. In  FIG. 16 , a flywheel  409  may include all of the above-described features of the flywheel  109  (in  FIGS. 1A-C ), but may include a suppressor magnet ring  408  concentrically disposed with the center C of the flywheel  409 . Thus, the suppressor magnet ring  408  may further displaces the south magnetic fields of the driver magnets  102  transmitted by the backing plates  203  toward the center C of the flywheel  409 . Moreover, the different exemplary driver magnets of  FIGS. 4-7  may be incorporated into the flywheel  409  of  FIG. 16 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system using the torque converter according to the present invention. In  FIG. 17 , a system for generating power using the torque converted configuration of the present invention may include a motor  105  powered by a power source  101  using a variable frequency motor control drive  103  to rotatably drive a shaft  407  coupled to the flywheel  109 , as well as any of the flywheels of FIGS.  1  and  14 - 16 . In addition, the generator disk  111  may be coupled to a drive shaft  113 , wherein rotation of the generator disk  111  will cause rotation of the drive shaft  113 . For example, a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft  113  may be disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft  107 . 
         [0084]    In  FIG. 17 , the drive shaft  113  may be coupled to a rotor  119  of an electrical generator comprising a plurality of stators  117 . An exemplary generator is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/973,825, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Specifically, the rotor  119  may include an even number of magnets, and each of the stators  117  may include an odd number of coils, wherein each of the coils includes an amorphous core. The amorphous cores do not produce any heat during operation of the electrical generator. Rotation of the rotor  119  may cause the electrical generator to produce an alternating current output to a variable transformer  121 , and the output of the variable transformer  121  may be provided to a load  123 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram of another exemplary system using the torque converter according to the present invention. In  FIG. 18 , a plurality of the generator disks  111  may be clustered around and driven by a single flywheel  109 , as well as any of the flywheels of FIGS.  1  and  14 - 16 , wherein the generator disks  111  may each be coupled to AC generators similar to the configuration shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0086]    The present invention may be modified for application to mobile power generation source systems, as drive systems for application in stealth technologies, as an alternative for variable speed direct drive systems, as drive systems for pumps, fans, and HVAC systems. Moreover, the present invention may be modified for application to industrial, commercial, and residential vehicles requiring frictionless, gearless, and/or fluidless transmissions. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified for application in frictionless fluid transmission systems through pipes that require driving of internal impeller systems. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified for application in onboard vehicle battery charging systems, as well as power systems for aircraft, including force transmission systems for aircraft fans and propellers. 
         [0087]    In addition, the present invention may be modified for application in zero or low gravity environments. For example, the present invention may be applied for use as electrical power generations systems for space stations and interplanetary vehicles. 
         [0088]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the torque converter and system using the same of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7