Advanced magnetically-stabilized couplings and bearings, for use in mechanical drives
US5986372A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2025/2445
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Several aspects: (1) a wobble-absorbing magnetic bearing ("WAMB") has driving/driven surfaces, and magnetically clamped between them e. g. balls for free motion in one or more directions. A groove (preferably V-) in at least one surface guides the balls to limit motion as to one degree of freedom so the bearing transmits torque. (2) a WAMB system for a precision drive that transmits torque through a wobble absorber to move an object, guarded from transmitted-torque effects. Motion due to torque is best shunted to a passive surface using a partially floating member moved laterally by the motion, balls between floater and surface, and a magnet to clamp floater against surface, through the balls. (3) a torque-transmitting WAMB has unmagnetized bearing surfaces, with balls between for free motion of the surfaces in one direction; a magnet separate from all the surfaces and balls clamps the balls firmly between the surfaces. (4) a torque-transmitting WAMB with bearing surfaces, and balls between for free motion of the surfaces in one direction. At least one surface or ball is magnetized to clamp balls in place. A separate magnet augments firm clamping. (5) a WAMB without ferrolubricant,…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.