Rotating and pivoting magnet for magnetic navigation
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Abstract
A magnet assembly comprising a magnet mounted for pivoting about a first axis spaced from the magnet, and rotating about a second axis that is perpendicular to and intersects with the first axis. The magnet comprising a plurality of segments each with a magnetization direction such that through a combination of pivoting and rotating the magnet projects a magnetic field in any direction at an operating point spaced from the front of the assembly. The segmented construction with segments of different magnetization directions allows small changes in the orientation of the magnet to substantially change the magnet field direction at a system operating point.
203 Citations
30 Claims
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1-10. -10. (canceled)
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11. A method of making a magnet assembly that generates a magnetic field which is optimized at a predetermined operating point spaced from the center of the magnet, comprising:
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providing a plurality of segments of permanent magnet material configured to be arranged in a parallel manner to form a magnet assembly;
forming a radius of curvature on the top face of each of the plurality of segments, such that the segments when assembled form a generally curved top surface having a radius of curvature that corresponds to the distance between the top face and an intended pivot axis of the assembled magnet;
forming a generally curved back face of each of the plurality of segments, such that the segments when assembled form a shape in accordance with at least one select surface of constant contribution to the predetermined operating point, such that the segments of permanent magnet material will each contribute to the magnetic field generated at the predetermined operating point spaced from the center of the assembled magnet. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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21. A method of making a magnet assembly that generates a magnetic field which is optimized at a predetermined operating point spaced from the center of the magnet, comprising:
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providing a plurality of segments of permanent magnet material that extend from top to bottom of a magnet assembly that is formed when the segments are arranged in a parallel manner;
forming a radius of curvature on the top face of each of the plurality of segments, such that the segments when assembled form a generally curved top surface having a radius of curvature that corresponds to the distance between the top face and an intended pivot axis of the assembled magnet;
forming a generally curved back face of each of the plurality of segments, such that the segments when assembled form a shape in accordance with at least one select surface of constant contribution to the predetermined operating point, such that the segments of permanent magnet material will each contribute to the magnetic field generated at the predetermined operating point spaced from the center of the assembled magnet; and
assembling the plurality of segments to form the magnet assembly.
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Specification