Ellipsoid generator

• US 20040124729A1
• Filed: 12/09/2003
• Published: 07/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Harmonic Drive Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Harmonic Drive Incorporated
• Inventors: Long, Johnny D.
• Granted Patent: US 6,879,076 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 310/156.38
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 1/02 characterised by the magnetic material
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 1/2726 the rotor consisting of a single magnet or two or more axially juxtaposed single magnets
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 5/1672 radially supporting the rotary shaft at both ends of the rotor H02K5/1677 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 51/00 Dynamo-electric gears, i.e. dynamo-electric means for transmitting mechanical power from a driving shaft to a driven shaft and comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 7/06 Means for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa

Abstract

A dynamoelectric device that is highly adaptable to a broad range of applications while providing robust output and energy conversion. The magnetic pole faces of the rotor lie in an ellipsoid. With or without a rotor shaft, the device allows options of either physical connection or contact-less, magnetic coupling. Surrounding the rotor is a brush-less stator having a bobbin-type, axial-centered coil conductor that provides a total capture of magnetic flux emanating from a rotor having an entire surface area of uniform flux density. Devices without a rotor shaft, and those having an air gap filled with ferrofluid, provide a two part generator with remarkable efficiency that is easily waterproofed and mechanically stable.

Claims

1. A dynamoelectric device comprising:

a permanent magnet rotor of ellipsoid shape having at least one N and S pole faces along the surface area of the shape, having stable and substantially uniform magnetic flux along the surface area;

a stator having means whereby the rotor is supported for movement about an axis; and

at least one coil of electrically conductive material axially centered with the rotor.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for support of the rotor for movement about an axis is a contoured housing of sufficient width and length to contain the rotor.

3. The device of claim 2 whereby said housing fully encases said rotor and provides an air gap dimension between the rotor and stator.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said air gap contains a viscous substance.

5. The device of claim 4 whereas said viscous substance is ferrofluid.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein said viscous substance is pneumatic pressure.

7. The device of claim 4 wherein said viscous substance is hydraulic pressure.

8. The device of claim 1 whereby rotor support means includes magnetic pressure.

9. The device of claim 1 whereby rotor support means includes a shaft that does not extend beyond the stator coil, having means for support and pivotal movement of the rotor.

10. The device of claim 1 whereby rotor support means includes a shaft that extends beyond the stator coil, having means for support and pivotal movement of the rotor.

11. The device of claims 1-10 whereby the at least one coil of conductor material lies outside the rotor.

12. The device of claims 1-10 whereby the at least one coil of conductor material lies inside the rotor which is hollow.

13. The device of claim 1 whereby rotor support for movement about an axis includes pivot means that lies outside the stator coil, whereby a connecting member is attached to the permanent magnet rotor and extends laterally through an open area unobstructed by the coil structure, and whereby a yoke is further connected and extended for pivot means at yoke ends.

14. The device of claim 1 whereby the electrically conductive coil is a preformed, self-supporting type coil structure.

15. The device of claim 1 including means for accelerating the rotor of said device.

16. The device of claim 1 including means for accelerating the stator of said device.

17. The device of claim 1 including means for counter-rotating the rotor and stator.

18. The device of claims 15-17 whereby means for acceleration includes magnetic coupling.

19. The device of claim 18 whereby an additional magnetic field is provided.

20. The device of claim 19 whereby the additional magnetic field is a moving magnet.

21. The device of claim 19 whereby the additional magnetic field is provided by another dynamoelectric device.

22. The device of claim 19 whereby the additional magnetic field is provided by an electromagnet.

23. The device of claims 15-17 whereby acceleration means includes magnetic coupling with a moving ferrous material.

24. The device of claims 15-17 whereby magnetic coupling includes a stationary ferrous material.

25. The device of claim 1 whereby additional ferrous material is provided for directing the path of magnetic flux.

26. The device of claim 1 whereby the device is a generator.

27. The device of claim 1 whereby the device is a motor.

28. The device of claim 1 whereby the device is an oscillator.

29. The device of claim 1 whereby the device is a transformer.

30. The device of claim 1 whereas the device is multi-use.