US20080220882A1 - Torque Converter - Google Patents

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.

Description

• 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
• 1. Field of the Invention
• 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.
• 2. Discussion of the Related Art
• 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
• 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.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a torque converter having an increased output.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a system using a torque converter that reduces frictional wear.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a system using a torque converter that does not generate heat.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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:
• FIG. 1A is a layout diagram of an exemplary flywheel according to the present invention;
• FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary flywheel according to the present invention;
• FIG. 1C is a side view of an exemplary attachment structure of the flywheel according to the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary retaining ring according to the present invention;
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region A ofFIG. 1A showing an exemplary placement of driver magnets within a flywheel according to the present invention;
• FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of an exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention;
• FIGS. 5A and 5B are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention;
• FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention;
• FIGS. 7A and 7B are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention;
• FIG. 8A is a layout diagram of an exemplary generator disk according to the present invention;
• FIG. 8B is a side view of an exemplary shaft attachment to a generator disk according to the present invention;
• FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of exemplary magnetic fields of the flywheel ofFIGS. 1A-C according to the present invention;
• FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary initial magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention;
• FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention;
• FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of another exemplary magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention;
• FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram of another exemplary magnetic compression process of the torque converter according to the present invention;
• FIG. 11D is an enlarged view of region A ofFIG. 11A according to the present invention;
• FIG. 11E is another enlarged view of region A ofFIG. 11A according to the present invention;
• FIG. 11F is another enlarged view of a region A ofFIG. 11A according to the present invention;
• FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic decompression process of the torque converter according to the present invention;
• FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic force pattern of the flywheel ofFIG. 1 during a magnetic compression process ofFIG. 11 according to the present invention;
• FIG. 14 is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention;
• FIG. 15 is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention;
• FIG. 16 is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention;
• FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system using the torque converter according to the present invention; and
• 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
• Reference will now be made in detail to the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
• FIG. 1A is a layout diagram of an exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. InFIG. 1A, aflywheel109 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 anon-magnetic retaining ring116, such as non-magnetic stainless steel or phenolic materials. Theflywheel109 may include a plurality ofmagnets102 disposed within a plurality of equally spaced firstradial grooves101 of theflywheel109, wherein each of themagnets102 may generate relatively strong magnetic fields. In addition, each of themagnets102 may have cylindrical shapes and may be backed by abacking plate203, such as soft iron or steel, disposed within each of the plurality of firstradial grooves101 in order to extend the polar fields of themagnets102 closer to a center C of theflywheel109.
• InFIG. 1A, theflywheel109 may also include a plurality ofsuppressor magnets108 disposed within a plurality of secondradial grooves107 along a circumferential face of theflywheel109. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 3, surfaces110 of themagnets102 may be spaced from a circumferential surface S of theflywheel109 by a distance X, and surfaces of thesuppressor magnets108 may be recessed from the circumferential face S of theflywheel109 by a distance Y.
• InFIG. 1A, each of the plurality of secondradial grooves107 may be disposed between each of the plurality offirst grooves101. For example, each one of eightsuppressor magnets108 may be disposed within each of eightgrooves107 and each one of eightmagnets102 may be disposed within each of eightgrooves101. Accordingly, an angular separation β between each of the firstradial grooves101 may be twice an angular separation α between adjacent first and secondradial grooves101 and107. Of course, the total number ofmagnets102 and108 and the first andsecond grooves101 and107, respectively, may be changed. Thesuppressor magnets108 in the eightgrooves107 and themagnets102 in the eightgrooves101 of theflywheel109 have their north magnetic fields facing toward the circumferential surface S (inFIG. 3) of theflywheel109 and their south magnetic fields facing radial inward toward a center portion C of theflywheel109. Alternatively, opposite polar arrangement may be possible such that thesuppressor magnets108 and themagnets102 may have their south magnetic fields facing toward the circumferential surface S (inFIG. 3) of theflywheel109 and their north magnetic fields facing radial inward toward a center portion C of theflywheel109.
• InFIG. 1A, backingplates203 may be disposed at end portions of the magnets disposed within the plurality offirst grooves101 at the south poles of themagnets102 in order to form a magnetic field strength along a radial direction toward the circumferential surface S (inFIG. 3) of theflywheel109. Although not specifically shown, each of the backing plates may be attached to theflywheel109 using a fastening system, such as retaining pins and/or bolts, or may be retained within theflywheel109 due to the specific geometry of themagnets102 within thefirst grooves101. Accordingly, interactions of the magnetic fields of themagnets102 within the plurality offirst grooves101 and thesuppressor magnets108 disposed within the plurality ofsecond grooves107 create a magnetic field pattern (MFP), as shown inFIG. 9, of repeating arcuate shapes, i.e., sinusoidal curve, around the circumferential surface S (inFIG. 3) of theflywheel109.
• InFIG. 1A, theflywheel109 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 theflywheel109 may include homogeneous materials in order to ensure a uniformly balanced system. In addition to the circular geometry shown inFIG. 1A, other geometries may be used for theflywheel109. For example, polygonal and triangular geometries may be used for theflywheel109. Accordingly, the number ofmagnets102 and thesuppressor magnets108 and placement of themagnets102 and thesuppressor magnets108 may be adjusted to provide magnetic coupling to a corresponding generator disk111 (inFIG. 8).
• FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. InFIG. 1B, theflywheel109 may include first andsecond body portions109aand109b.Accordingly, the first andsecond grooves101 and107 may be formed assemicircular grooves101aand107ain the first andsecond body portions109aand109b.In addition, although the first andsecond grooves101 and107 are shown to be circular, other geometries may be provided in order to conform to the geometries of themagnets102 and thesuppressor magnets108.
• InFIG. 1A, the total number of themagnets102 and thesuppressor magnets108 may be adjusted according to an overall diameter of theflywheel109. For example, as the diameter of theflywheel109 increases, the total number ofmagnets102 and thesuppressor magnets108 may increase. Conversely, as the diameter of theflywheel109 decreases, the total number ofmagnets102 and thesuppressor magnets108 may decrease. Furthermore, as the diameter of theflywheel109 increases or decreases, the total number ofmagnets102 and thesuppressor magnets108 may increase or decrease, respectively. Alternatively, as the diameter of theflywheel109 increases or decreases, the total number ofmagnets102 and thesuppressor magnets108 may decrease or increase, respectively.
• FIG. 1C is a side view of an exemplary attachment structure of the flywheel according to the present invention. InFIG. 1C, theflywheel109 includes a fastening system having plurality of spacedfastening members122 that may be used to attach a major face of theflywheel109 to ashaft backing plate120. Accordingly, ashaft124 may be fastened to theshaft backing plate120 using a plurality ofsupport members126. InFIG. 1C, theshaft backing plate120 may be formed having a circular shape having a diameter less than or equal to a diameter of theflywheel109. In addition, theshaft124 may extend through theflywheel109 and may be coupled to an expandingflywheel130. The expandingflywheel130 may be spaced from theflywheel109 by a distance X in order to prevent any deteriorating magnetic interference with themagnets102 andsuppressor magnets108 within theflywheel109. The expandingflywheel130 may include structures (not shown) that would increase an overall diameter D of the expandingflywheel130 in order to increase the angular inertia of theflywheel109. Moreover, theshaft124 may extend through the expandingflywheel130 to be supported by a support structure (not shown).
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary retaining ring according to the present invention. InFIG. 1A, the retainingring116 of theflywheel109 may include a single band of stainless steel material, or may include first and secondretaining ring portions116aand116b,and may includeattachment tabs118a,118b,and118dthat attach to theflywheel109 via fasteners118c.The firstretaining ring portion116amay haveoutermost attachment tabs118aandinnermost tabs118b,and the secondretaining ring portion116bmay haveoutermost attachment tabs118dandinnermost tabs118b.In addition, as shown inFIG. 2, each of theattachment tabs118a,118b,and118dmay include attachment holes318 for use with a fastener118c.Each of theattachment tabs118a,118b,and118dmay be positioned within a region between the first andsecond grooves101 and107. Although not specifically shown, each of theattachment tabs118a,118b,and118dof the first and secondretaining ring portions116aand116bmay be formed to include two of the attachment holes318 for use with two fasteners118c.
• As shown inFIG. 1A, the first and secondretaining ring portions116aand116bmay cover the entire circumferential surface S (inFIG. 3) of theflywheel109. Accordingly, theoutermost attachment tabs118aof the firstretaining ring portion116aand theoutermost attachment tabs118dof the secondretaining ring portion116bmay be fastened to theflywheel109 at adjacent locations to each other. In addition, although each of the first and secondretaining ring portions116aand116bare shown having threeinnermost attachment tabs118b,different pluralities of theinnermost attachment tabs118bmay be used according to the size of theflywheel109, the number ofmagnets102 and108, and other physical features of theflywheel109 components within theflywheel109.
• Although not shown inFIG. 1A, a reinforced tape may be provided along an outer circumference of the retainingring116. Accordingly, the reinforced tape may provide protection from abrasion to the retainingring116.
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region A ofFIG. 1A showing an exemplary placement of driver magnets within a flywheel according to the present invention. InFIG. 3, thesurface110 of themagnet102 may have a radius of curvature R1 similar to the radius R2 of theflywheel109. For example, R1 may be equal to R2, or R1 may be approximately equal to R2. In addition, the surface108aof thesuppressor magnet108 may have a radius of curvature R3 similar to the radiuses R1 and R2. However, the surface108aof thesuppressor magnet108 may simply have a flat shape.
• FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of an exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention. InFIG. 4A, themagnet102 may have afirst surface110 having the radius of curvature R1 that may be similar to the radius R2 of the flywheel109 (inFIG. 3). In addition, as shown inFIG. 4B, themagnet102 may include acylindrical side surface130 that is constant from abottom surface120 of themagnet102 to thefirst surface110 of themagnet102.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention. InFIG. 5A, themagnet202 may have afirst surface210 having the radius of curvature R1 that may be similar to the radius R2 of the flywheel109 (inFIG. 3). In addition, as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, themagnet202 may include acylindrical side surface230 that is tapered from abottom surface220 of themagnet202 to thefirst surface210 of themagnet202. Accordingly, thefirst grooves101 of theflywheel109 may have corresponding sidewalls that conform to the taperedcylindrical side surface230 of themagnet202. In addition, theback plates203 may also have corresponding tapered cylindrical surfaces as those of themagnet202. However, the backing plates may not have tapered cylindrical surfaces as those of themagnet202.
• FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention. InFIG. 6A, themagnet302 may have afirst surface310 having the radius of curvature R1 that may be similar to the radius R2 of the flywheel109 (inFIG. 3). In addition, themagnet302 may have ashoulder portion350 that transitions from aneck portion340 having a first diameter D1 to abody portion330 having a second diameter D2. Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, thebody portion330 of themagnet302 may having a constant diameter D2 from abottom surface320 of themagnet202 to theshoulder portion350 of themagnet302. Accordingly, thefirst grooves101 of theflywheel109 may have corresponding portions that conform to the neck, shoulder, andbody portions340,350, and330 of themagnet302.
• FIGS. 7A and 7B are views of another exemplary driver magnet according to the present invention. InFIG. 7A, themagnet402 may have afirst surface410 having the radius of curvature R1 that may be similar to the radius R2 of the flywheel109 (inFIG. 3). In addition, themagnet402 may have ashoulder portion450 that transitions from aneck portion440 having a first diameter D1 to abody portion430 having a second diameter D2. Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, thebody portion430 of themagnet402 may having a constant diameter D2 from abottom surface420 of themagnet402 to theshoulder portion450 of themagnet402. Accordingly, thefirst grooves101 of theflywheel109 may have corresponding portions that conform to the neck, shoulder, andbody portions440,450, and430 of themagnet402.
• FIG. 8A is a layout diagram of an exemplary generator disk according to the present invention. InFIG. 8A, agenerator disk111, preferably made from a nylon or composite nylon disk, may include tworectangular magnets301 opposing each other along a first common center line CL1 through a center portion C of thegenerator disk111, wherein each of therectangular magnets301 may be disposed along a circumferential portion of thegenerator disk111. In addition, additionalrectangular magnets302 may be provided between the tworectangular magnets301, and may be opposing each other along a second common center line CL2 through a center portion C of thegenerator disk111 that is perpendicular to the first common center line CL1. Alternatively, the additionalrectangular magnets302 may be replaced with non-magnetic weighted masses in order to prevent anunbalanced generator disk111.
• InFIG. 8A, each of the tworectangular magnets301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets302 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 CL1 and CL2, wherein a thickness of the tworectangular magnets301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets302 or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may be less than the first length L. In addition, each of the tworectangular magnets301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets302, may have a relatively large magnetic strength, wherein surfaces of the tworectangular magnets301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets302, parallel to a major surface of thegenerator disk111 may be one of south and north poles. Moreover, either an even-number or odd-number ofmagnets301 may be used, and interval spacings between themagnets301 may be adjusted to attain a desired magnetic configuration of thegenerator disk111.
• FIG. 8B is a side view of an exemplary shaft attachment to a generator disk according to the present invention. InFIGS. 8A and 8B, thegenerator disk111 includes a plurality of spacedfastening members305 that may be used to attach thegenerator disk111 to ashaft backing plate306. Accordingly, ashaft307 may be fastened to theshaft backing plate306 using a plurality ofsupport members308. InFIG. 8B, theshaft backing plate306 may be formed having a circular shape having a diameter less than or equal to a diameter of thegenerator disk111.
• InFIGS. 8A and 8B, thegenerator disk111 may be formed of the same, or different materials from the materials used to form the flywheel109 (inFIG. 1A). Moreover, the geometry of thegenerator disk111 may be circular, as shown inFIG. 8A, or may be different, such polygonal and triangular shapes. In addition, the total number of themagnets301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets302 or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may be adjusted according to an overall diameter of theflywheel109 and/or thegenerator disk111. For example, as the diameter of theflywheel109 and/or thegenerator disk111 increases, the total number and size of themagnets301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets302 or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may increase. Conversely, as the diameter of theflywheel109 and/orgenerator disk111 decreases, the total number and size of themagnets301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets302 or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may decrease. Furthermore, as the diameter of theflywheel109 and/or thegenerator disk111 increases or decreases, the total number and size of themagnets301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets302 or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may increase or decrease, respectively. Alternatively, as the diameter of theflywheel109 and/or thegenerator disk111 increases or decreases, the total number and size of themagnets301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets302 or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may decrease or increase, respectively.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of exemplary magnetic fields of the flywheel ofFIG. 1 according to the present invention. InFIG. 9, interactions of the magnetic fields of themagnets102 and thesuppressor magnets108 create a magnetic field pattern (MFP) of repeating arcuate shapes, i.e., sinusoidal curve, around the circumferential surface S of theflywheel109. Accordingly, thebacking plates203 and thesuppressor magnets108 provide for displacement of the south fields of themagnets102 toward the center C of theflywheel109.
• 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, andFIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic decompression process of the torque converter according to the present invention. In each ofFIGS. 10,11, and12, the schematic view is seen from a rear of the generator disk, i.e., the surface opposite to the surface of thegenerator disk111 having the tworectangular magnets301, and theflywheel109 is located behind thegenerator disk111. In addition, theflywheel109 is rotating in a downward clockwise direction and thegenerator disk111 is rotating along a counterclockwise direction, wherein thegenerator disk111 may be spaced from theflywheel109 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 themagnets102 will now simply be referred to asdriver magnets102.
• InFIG. 10, one of the tworectangular magnets301 disposed on thegenerator disk111 begins to enter one of the spaces within a magnetic field pattern (MFP) of theflywheel109 between two north poles generated by thedriver magnets102. Thedriver magnets102 may be disposed along a circumferential center line of theflywheel109, or may be disposed along the circumference of theflywheel109 in an offset configuration. The gap between thedriver magnets102 in theflywheel109 is a position in which the MFP where the south pole field is the closest to the circumferential surface S (inFIG. 9) of theflywheel109.
• InFIG. 10, as theflywheel109 rotates along the downward direction, the north pole of one of the tworectangular magnets301 on thegenerator disk111 facing the circumferential surface S (inFIG. 9) of theflywheel109 enters adjacent north magnetic field lines of thedriver magnets102 along a shear plane of the tworectangular magnets301 and thedriver magnets102. Accordingly, the shear force required to position one of the tworectangular magnets301 between theadjacent driver magnets102 is less than the force required to directly compress the north magnetic field lines of the tworectangular magnets301 between theadjacent driver magnets102. Thus, the energy necessary to position one of the tworectangular magnets301 between adjacent ones of thedriver magnets102 is relatively low.
• In addition, the specific geometrical interface between the driver andrectangular magnets102 and301 provides for a relatively stable repulsive magnetic field. For example, the cylindrical surface130 (inFIG. 4) of theadjacent driver magnets102, as well as the cylindrical surfaces of the otherexemplary driver magnets202,302, and402 inFIGS. 5,6, and7, generate specific magnetic fields from thecurved surfaces110 and the bottom surfaces120 of thedriver magnets102. In addition, the planar surfaces P (inFIG. 8) of therectangular magnet301 entering the adjacent magnetic fields of theadjacent driver magnets102 generate another specific magnetic field. Accordingly, the interaction of the magnetic fields of the driver andrectangular magnets102 and301, and more specifically, the manner in which the magnetic fields of the driver andrectangular magnets102 and301 are brought into interaction, i.e., along a magnetic shear plane, create a relatively stable repulsive magnetic field.
• In addition, although thesuppressor magnet108 also provides a repelling force to thedriver magnet102, the force of repulsion of thesuppressor magnet108 is relatively less than the repulsive force of therectangular magnet301. However, as will be explained with regard toFIG. 12, thesuppressor magnet108 provides an additional repulsion force when the magnetic fields of the driver andrectangular magnets102 and301 are decompressed.
• InFIG. 11A, once therectangular magnet301 on thegenerator disk111 fully occupies the gap directly between the north poles of twoadjacent driver magnets102 of theflywheel109, the weaker north pole (as compared to the north poles of the driver andrectangular magnets102 and301) of thesuppressor magnet108 on theflywheel109 is repelled by the presence of the north pole of therectangular magnet301 on thegenerator disk111. Thus, both the north and south magnetic fields of the MFP below the outer circumference of theflywheel109 are compressed, as shown at point A (inFIG. 13).
• InFIG. 11A, a centerline CL3 of theflywheel109 is aligned with a centerline CL4 of themagnet301 of thegenerator disk111 during magnetic field compression of thedriver magnets102, thesuppressor magnet108, and themagnet301 of thegenerator disk301. Accordingly, placement of the rotation axis of theflywheel109 and the rotation axis of thegenerator disk111 must be set such that the centerline CL3 of theflywheel109 is aligned with the centerline CL4 of themagnet301 of thegenerator disk111.
• However, as shown inFIGS. 11B and 11C, placement of the rotation axis of theflywheel109 and the rotation axis of thegenerator disk111 may be set such that the centerline CL3 of theflywheel109 may be offset from the centerline CL4 of themagnet301 of thegenerator disk111 by a distance X. Accordingly, the magnetic field compression of thedriver magnets102, thesuppressor magnet108, and themagnet301 of thegenerator disk301 may be altered in order to provide specific repulsion forces between thedriver magnets102, thesuppressor magnet108, and themagnet301 of thegenerator disk301.
• FIG. 11D is an enlarged view of region A ofFIG. 11A according to the present invention. InFIG. 11D, a distance X between facing surfaces of the driver magnet102 (and likewise theother driver magnet102 adjacent to the opposing end of themagnet301 of the generator disk111) is set in order to provide specific magnetic field compression of thedriver magnets102 and themagnet301 of thegenerator disk111. Preferably, the distance X may be set to zero, but may be set to a value to ensure that no torque slip occurs between theflywheel109 and thegenerator disk111. The torque slip is directly related to the magnetic field compression strength of thedriver magnets102 and themagnet301, as well as the magnetic strength and geometries of thedriver magnets102 and themagnet301.
• FIG. 11E is another enlarged view of region A ofFIG. 11A according to the present invention. InFIG. 11, thedriver magnet102 may have a cross-sectional geometry that includes a polygonal shape, wherein a side of the polygonal shapeddriver magnet102 may be parallel to a side of themagnet301 of the generator disk11. However, the distance X between facing surfaces of the driver magnet102 (and likewise theother driver magnet102 adjacent to the opposing end of themagnet301 of the generator disk111) is set in order to provide specific magnetic field compression of thedriver magnets102 and themagnet301 of thegenerator disk111. Preferably, the distance X may be set to zero, but may be set to a value to ensure that no torque slip occurs between theflywheel109 and thegenerator disk111.
• FIG. 11F is another enlarged view of a region A ofFIG. 11A according to the present invention. InFIG. 11F, pairs ofdriver magnets102aand102bmay be provided in theflywheel109. Thedriver magnets102aand102bmay be provided along centerlines CL3A and CL3B, respectively, and may be spaced apart from the centerline CL3 of theflywheel109, as well as the aligned centerline CL4 of themagnet301 of thegenerator disk111. Accordingly, the magnetic field compression of the pair ofdriver magnets102aand102band themagnet301 of thegenerator disk301 may be altered in order to provide specific repulsion forces between the pair ofdriver magnets102aand102b,thesuppressor magnet108, and themagnet301 of thegenerator disk301. As with the polygonal shaped geometry of thesingle driver magnets102, inFIG. 11E, the pair ofdriver magnets102aand102bmay have polygonal shaped geometries. In addition, similar to the distance X, as shown inFIGS. 11D and 11E, distances between facing surfaces of the pair ofdriver magnets102aand102b(and likewise the other pair ofdriver magnets102aand102badjacent to the opposing end of themagnet301 of the generator disk111) is set in order to provide specific magnetic field compression of the pair ofdriver magnets102aand102band themagnet301 of thegenerator disk111. Preferably, the distance X may be set to zero, but may be set to a value to ensure that no torque slip occurs between theflywheel109 and thegenerator disk111.
• InFIG. 12, as therectangular magnet301 on thegenerator disk111 begins to rotate out of the compressed magnetic field position and away from theflywheel109, the north pole of therectangular magnet301 is strongly pushed away by the repulsion force of the north pole of the trailingdriver magnet102 on theflywheel109 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 (inFIG. 9) of theflywheel109. The spring back force (i.e., magnetic decompression force) of the north pole in the MFP provides added repulsion to therectangular magnet301 of thegenerator disk111 as therectangular magnet301 moves away from theflywheel109.
• Next, another initial magnetic compression process is started, as shown inFIG. 10, and the cycle of magnetic compression and decompression repeats. Thus, rotational movement of theflywheel109 and thegenerator disk111 continues.
• FIG. 14 is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. InFIG. 14, aflywheel209 may include all of the above-described features of the flywheel109 (inFIGS. 1A-C), but may includesuppressor magnets208 disposed from the circumferential surface S of theflywheel209 by a distance X. For example, the distance X may be less that a depth of thefirst grooves101, and may be disposed betweenadjacent backing plates203. Similar to the relative angular displacements α and β of the driver andsuppressor magnets102 and301, the relative positioning of thesuppressor magnets208 may be disposed between thedriver magnets102. Thus, thesuppressor magnets208 may further displace the south magnetic fields of thedriver magnets102 transmitted by thebacking plates203 toward the center C of theflywheel209. Moreover, the different exemplary driver magnets ofFIGS. 4-7 may be incorporated into theflywheel209 ofFIG. 14.
• FIG. 15 is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. InFIG. 15, aflywheel309 may include all of the above-described features of the flywheel109 (inFIGS. 1A-C), but may includesuppressor magnets308 disposed from an end portion of thebacking plates203 by a distance X. In addition, thesuppressor magnets308 may be placed along a centerline of thedriver magnets102. Thus, thesuppressor magnets208 may further displace the south magnetic fields of thedriver magnets102 transmitted by thebacking plates203 toward the center C of theflywheel309. Moreover, the different exemplary driver magnets ofFIGS. 4-7 may be incorporated into theflywheel309 ofFIG. 15.
• FIG. 16 is a layout diagram of another exemplary flywheel according to the present invention. InFIG. 16, aflywheel409 may include all of the above-described features of the flywheel109 (inFIGS. 1A-C), but may include asuppressor magnet ring408 concentrically disposed with the center C of theflywheel409. Thus, thesuppressor magnet ring408 may further displaces the south magnetic fields of thedriver magnets102 transmitted by thebacking plates203 toward the center C of theflywheel409. Moreover, the different exemplary driver magnets ofFIGS. 4-7 may be incorporated into theflywheel409 ofFIG. 16.
• FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system using the torque converter according to the present invention. InFIG. 17, a system for generating power using the torque converted configuration of the present invention may include amotor105 powered by apower source101 using a variable frequency motor control drive103 to rotatably drive ashaft407 coupled to theflywheel109, as well as any of the flywheels of FIGS.1 and14-16. In addition, thegenerator disk111 may be coupled to adrive shaft113, wherein rotation of thegenerator disk111 will cause rotation of thedrive shaft113. For example, a longitudinal axis of thedrive shaft113 may be disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thedrive shaft107.
• InFIG. 17, thedrive shaft113 may be coupled to arotor119 of an electrical generator comprising a plurality ofstators117. 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, therotor119 may include an even number of magnets, and each of thestators117 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 therotor119 may cause the electrical generator to produce an alternating current output to avariable transformer121, and the output of thevariable transformer121 may be provided to aload123.
• FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary system using the torque converter according to the present invention. InFIG. 18, a plurality of thegenerator disks111 may be clustered around and driven by asingle flywheel109, as well as any of the flywheels of FIGS.1 and14-16, wherein thegenerator disks111 may each be coupled to AC generators similar to the configuration shown inFIG. 17.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Claims (9)

1. A torque converter for transferring rotational motion between a first axis and a second axis, the torque converter comprising:

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,

wherein the second magnets magnetically interact with the first magnets to transfer the rotational motion between the first and second axes.

2. The converter ofclaim 1, further comprising a magnetic ring disposed around the periphery of the first body.

3. The converter ofclaim 2, wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-perpendicular.

4. The converter ofclaim 3, wherein the first and second bodies are separated by a gap.

5. The converter ofclaim 2, wherein the first and second bodies are separated by a gap.

6. The converter ofclaim 1, wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-perpendicular.

7. The converter ofclaim 7, wherein the first and second bodies are separated by a gap.

8. The converter ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second bodies are separated by a gap.

9. The converter ofclaim 1, wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-perpendicular.

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