Linear generator with tangential induction

• US 9,502,927 B2
• Filed: 04/21/2011
• Issued: 11/22/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nigel Andrew Atherton
• Original Assignee: Nigel Andrew Atherton
• Inventors: Atherton, Nigel Andrew
• Primary Examiner(s): Desai, Naishadh
• Application Number:
  US13/643,212
• Publication Number:
  US 20130127268A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,042 Days
• Field of Search: 310/46, 310/15, 310/20, 310/27, 310/37
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/22 transferred to the indicator by electric or magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/49 using eddy currents
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 1/06 characterised by the shape, form or construction
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 49/04 of the eddy-current hysteresis type
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 49/10 of the permanent-magnet type
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 7/06 Means for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 7/1853 driven by intermittent forces

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to an electricity generator system. The system comprises: a conductor; a magnet; and conversion means. The magnet is configured such that motion of the conductor relative to the magnet induces a current in the conductor and the induced current in the conductor causes motion of the magnet. The conversion means are configured to convert motion of the magnet to electricity.

Claims

1. An electricity generator system for providing electricity to external components, the system comprising:

a conductor;

a magnet; and

conversion means, comprising a coil around at least a portion of the magnet, configured to convert motion of the magnet to electricity,

wherein the magnet is configured such that motion of the conductor relative to the magnet induces a current in the conductor and the induced current in the conductor causes motion of the magnet via the magnetic field created by the induced current; and

wherein the caused motion of the magnet is converted to electricity by the conversion means to enable the electricity to be provided to an external component.

2. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

3. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet comprises a cylindrical magnet with diametric poles.

4. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet comprises a spherical magnet.

5. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet comprises more than two poles.

6. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is not physically coupled to the conductor.

7. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is mounted on a spindle held in bearings.

8. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is mounted on a flexible member.

9. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is free to move within a casing.

10. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the magnet is free to rotate or roll about any axis.

11. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the motion of the magnet induces a current in the coil.

12. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is configured so that the conductor moves tangentially to the magnet.

13. An electricity generator for providing electricity to external components to a generator comprising:

a magnet; and

conversion means wherein the conversion means comprises a coil around at least a portion of the magnet configured to convert motion of the magnet to electricity;

wherein the magnet is configured such that motion of a conductor relative to the magnet induces a current in the conductor and the induced current in the conductor causes motion of the magnet via the magnetic field created by the induced current, and

wherein the caused motion of the magnet is converted to electricity by the conversion means to enable the electricity to be provided to an external component.

14. A motion detector comprising an electricity generator as claimed in claim 13.