초록 ▼

A self-adjusting magnetic bearing automatically adjusts the parameters of an axially unstable magnetic bearing such that its force balance is maintained near the point of metastable equilibrium. Complete stabilization can be obtained with the application of weak restoring forces either from a mechan

A self-adjusting magnetic bearing automatically adjusts the parameters of an axially unstable magnetic bearing such that its force balance is maintained near the point of metastable equilibrium. Complete stabilization can be obtained with the application of weak restoring forces either from a mechanical bearing (running at near-zero load, thus with reduced wear) or from the action of residual eddy currents in a snubber bearing. In one embodiment, a torque is generated by the approach of a slotted pole to a conducting plate. The torque actuates an assembly which varies the position of a magnetic shunt to change the force exerted by the bearing. Another embodiment achieves axial stabilization by sensing vertical displacements in a suspended bearing element, and using this information in an electrical servo system. In a third embodiment, as a rotating eddy current exciter approaches a stationary bearing, it heats a thermostat which actuates an assembly to weaken the attractive force between the two bearing elements. An improved version of an electromechanical battery utilizing the designs of the various embodiments is described.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A self-adjusting magnetic bearing, comprising:a stationary bearing element;a rotatable bearing element magnetically levitated by said stationary bearing element;wherein said self-adjusting magnetic bearing is intrinsically radially stable; andactive means for automatically adjusting

[ I claim:] [1.] A self-adjusting magnetic bearing, comprising:a stationary bearing element;a rotatable bearing element magnetically levitated by said stationary bearing element;wherein said self-adjusting magnetic bearing is intrinsically radially stable; andactive means for automatically adjusting the magnetic parameters of said stationary bearing element with respect to said rotatable bearing element, resulting in axial stability, such that the force balance of said self-adjusting magnetic bearing is maintained near the point of metastable equilibrium,wherein said stationary bearing element comprises at least one first annular iron pole piecewherein said rotatable bearing element comprises at least one second annular iron pole piece fixedly attached to an annular conducting plate comprising non-magnetic material,wherein said at least one first annular pole piece and said at least one second annular pole piece are configured to exert magnetically attractive forces upon each other such that said rotatable bearing element tends to be pulled toward said stationary bearing element, andwherein said means for automatically adjusting the magnetic parameters comprises a stationary drive screw supporting an assembly comprising a magnetic shunt pair with an internal thread, each shunt of said shunt pair supporting a slotted pole.