U.S. patent application number 11/258397 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-30 for dual linear electrodynamic system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Infinia Corporation. Invention is credited to Songgang Qiu.
Application Number | 20060267415 11/258397 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37462439 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060267415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Qiu; Songgang |
November 30, 2006 |
Dual linear electrodynamic system and method
Abstract
An exemplary description provided for patent searches includes a
linear electrodynamic system involving conversions between
electrical power and mechanical motion uses unique magnet
assemblies that move and unique stator assemblies and stator
members shaped and oriented with respect to the moving magnet
assemblies.
Inventors: |
Qiu; Songgang; (Richland,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS WRIGHT TREMAINE, LLP
2600 CENTURY SQUARE
1501 FOURTH AVENUE
SEATTLE
WA
98101-1688
US
|
Assignee: |
Infinia Corporation
Kennewick
WA
|
Family ID: |
37462439 |
Appl. No.: |
11/258397 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60686513 |
May 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
310/12.25 ;
310/12.31; 310/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02K 33/16 20130101;
H02K 41/03 20130101; H02K 35/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
310/012 ;
310/015 |
International
Class: |
H02K 41/00 20060101
H02K041/00; H02K 35/00 20060101 H02K035/00 |
Claims
1. A linear electrodynamic system comprising: a member configured
to reciprocate along a path of travel, the path of travel including
a first position of travel and a second position of travel; a
stator system having a plurality of first stator surface portions
and a plurality of second stator surface portions, each of the
first stator surface portions positioned across from a different
one of the second stator surface portions to define a plurality of
gap portions; and a magnet assembly containing a plurality of
magnets, the magnet assembly fixedly coupled to the member, the
magnet assembly having a first plurality of magnets each positioned
in the magnet assembly to be in a different one of the gap portions
and each being closer than the other magnets of the first plurality
to both the first stator surface portion and the second stator
surface portion of the gap portion when the member is at the first
position of travel, the magnet assembly having a second plurality
of magnets each positioned in the magnet assembly to be in a
different one of the gap portions and each being closer than the
other magnets of the second plurality to both the first stator
surface portion and the second stator surface portion of the gap
portion when the member is at the second position of travel.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the magnets of the first
plurality shares a different one of the plurality of the gap
portions with a different one of the magnets of the second
plurality, the first stator surface portion of the gap portion
being nearest a first surface of the first magnet at the first
position of travel, the first surface having a first polarity, and
the first stator surface being nearest a second surface of the
second magnet at the second position of travel, the second surface
having a second polarity, the first polarity being opposite in
polarity to the second polarity.
3. A system comprising: a first stator portion and a second stator
portion, the first stator portion fixedly coupled to and positioned
across from the second stator portion to form a gap therebetween; a
member configured to reciprocate along a path oriented with respect
to the gap, the path including a first point of travel; and a
magnetic material having a first surface and a second surface, the
magnetic material being arranged to produce a plurality of flux
lines proceeding out of the first surface and returning into the
second surface, the magnetic material coupled to the member and
being positioned in the gap with the plurality of flux lines
proceeding into the first stator portion from the first surface of
the magnetic material and proceeding out of the second stator
portion into the second surface of the magnetic material when the
member is at the first point of travel.
4. A linear electrodynamic system comprising: a member configured
to reciprocate having a path of travel including a first position
of travel and a second position of travel; a holder portion having
an inner surface portion and an outer surface portion, the holder
portion coupled to the member for movement therewith; a magnetic
material coupled to the holder portion; and a first stator portion
and a second stator portion, the first stator portion coupled to
the second stator portion and spaced therefrom, the inner surface
portion of the holder portion being in juxtaposition with the first
stator portion and the outer surface portion of the holder portion
being in juxtaposition with the second stator portion when the
member is at the first position of travel, the magnetic material
positioned between the first stator portion and the second stator
portion when the member is at the second position of travel.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the magnetic material includes a
first side nearest the first stator portion when the member is at
the first position of ravel, the first side being concave.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the inner surface of the holder
portion has a first radius of curvature and a portion of the first
side of the magnetic material has a second radius of curvature
smaller than the first radius of curvature.
7. The system of claim 4 wherein the inner surface of the holder
portion has a first radius of curvature and the magnetic material
includes a first side nearest the first stator portion when the
member is at the first position of travel, the first side being
convex.
8. The system of claim 4 wherein the magnetic material is recessed
within a wall of the holder portion.
9. The system of claim 4 wherein the magnetic material is affixed o
the outer surface of the holder portion.
10. The system of claim 4 wherein the magnetic material is affixed
to the inner surface of the holder portion.
11. The system of claim 4 wherein the holder portion is shaped as a
portion of a cylinder.
12. A linear electrodynamic system comprising: a member configured
to reciprocate having a path of travel including a first position
of travel and a second position of travel; a holder portion having
an inner surface portion and an outer surface portion, the holder
portion fixedly coupled to the member; a magnetic material coupled
to the holder portion; and a first stator portion and a second
stator portion, the first stator portion coupled to the second
stator portion and spaced therefrom, the inner surface portion of
the holder portion being in juxtaposition with the first stator
portion and the outer surface portion of the holder portion being
in juxtaposition with the second stator portion when the member is
at the first position of travel, the magnetic material being
positioned between the first stator portion and the second stator
portion when the member is at the second position of travel.
13. A linear electrodynamic system comprising: a housing; a member
flexibly coupled with the housing; a holder portion having an inner
surface portion and an outer surface portion, the holder portion
fixedly coupled to the member; a plurality of instances of magnetic
material, the instances of magnetic material affixed to the holder
portion; a stator assembly having stator poles wrapped with
windings, the stator poles having stator ends and positioned in the
stator assembly to extend outward toward the inner surface portion
of the holder portion, the stator ends being in juxtaposition with
the inner surface portion of the holder portion; and a stator
member concentrically juxtapositioned with the outer surface of the
holder portion, the stator poles being fixedly coupled with and
spaced from the stator member by separation spaces, the member
flexibly coupled with the housing to an extent sufficient to
provide travel of the holder portion with the instances of magnetic
material into the separation spaces.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the stator ends are shaped with
an outward flare.
15. A linear electrodynamic system comprising: a housing; a member
flexibly coupled with the housing; a holder portion having an inner
surface portion and an outer surface portion, the holder portion
fixedly coupled to the member; a plurality of instances of magnetic
material, the instances of magnetic material affixed to the holder
portion; a stator assembly having stator poles wrapped with
windings, the stator poles having stator ends and positioned in the
stator assembly to extend inward toward the outer surface portion
of the holder portion, the stator ends being in juxtaposition with
the outer surface portion of the holder portion; and a stator
member concentrically juxtapositioned with the inner surface of the
holder portion, the stator poles being fixedly coupled with and
spaced from the stator member by separation spaces, the member
flexibly coupled with the housing to an extent sufficient to
provide travel of the holder portion with the instances of magnetic
material into the separation spaces.
16. The system of claim 15 comprising a plurality of flexure
bearings and wherein the member is flexibly coupled with the
housing by being fixedly coupled to the flexure bearings.
17. A linear electrodynamic system comprising: a shaft configured
to reciprocate along a longitudinal direction; a plurality of
magnets coupled to and extending from the shaft; and a stator
assembly having stator poles wrapped with windings, the stator
poles having stator ends and positioned in the stator assembly to
extend inward toward the shaft, each of the stator ends having a
surface spaced apart from and positioned across from a surface of
another of the stator ends to form a gap, each magnet positioned on
the shaft to pass through one of the gaps, the magnet being in
juxtaposition with the surfaces of the two stator poles forming the
gap during a portion of the shaft reciprocation.
18. A linear electrodynamic system comprising: a shaft configured
to reciprocate along a longitudinal direction; a plurality of
magnets coupled to and extending from the shaft in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal end at an angle
with respect to another of the magnets; and a stator assembly
having stator poles wrapped with windings, the stator poles having
stator ends, each stator pole positioned in the stator assembly to
extend inward toward the shaft, each of the stator ends shaped to
fit into a different one of the angles between a different pair of
the magnets extending from the shaft.
19. A linear electrodynamic system comprising: a housing; a holder
portion having an inner surface portion and an outer surface
portion, the holder portion positioned inside of the housing; a
plurality of instances of magnetic material, the instances of
magnetic material affixed to the holder portion; a stator assembly
positioned outside of the housing, the stator assembly having
stator poles wrapped with windings, the stator poles having stator
ends and positioned in the stator assembly to extend inward toward
the housing; and a stator member positioned inside of the housing
and fixedly coupled with and spaced from the housing by separation
spaces to allow for travel of the holder portion into the
separation spaces.
20. A linear electrodynamic system comprising: a housing; a member
flexibly coupled with the housing; a holder portion having an inner
surface portion and an outer surface portion, the holder portion
fixedly coupled to the member; a plurality of instances of magnetic
material, the instances of magnetic material affixed to the holder
portion; a first stator assembly having first stator poles wrapped
with windings, the first stator poles having stator ends and
positioned in the stator assembly to extend inward toward the outer
surface portion of the holder portion; a second stator assembly
having second stator poles wrapped with windings, the second stator
poles having stator ends and positioned in the second stator
assembly to extend outward toward the inner surface portion of the
holder portion, the first stator poles being fixedly coupled with
and spaced from the second stator poles to allow for travel of the
holder portion between the first stator poles and the second stator
poles.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein portions of the housing are
positioned between the first stator poles and the second stator
poles.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0001] Linear electrodynamic systems including linear alternators
and linear motors are used in conversions between electrical power
and mechanical motion. Increases in conversion efficiencies and
reductions in material usage and costs involved with production of
these systems can be desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0002] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a magnet pair.
[0003] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a magnet assembly including a
plurality of the magnet pairs of FIG. 1.
[0004] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an exemplary stator
member.
[0005] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an exemplary stator
assembly.
[0006] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an exemplary linear
electrodynamic assembly including the magnet assembly of FIG. 2,
the stator member of FIG. 3, and the stator assembly of FIG. 4.
[0007] FIG. 6 is an elevational end view of the linear
electrodynamic assembly of FIG. 5.
[0008] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of the linear
electrodynamic assembly of FIG. 5 showing illustrative magnetic
flux lines.
[0009] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an exemplary slotted magnet
assembly.
[0010] FIG. 9 is an isometric cross-sectional view of an exemplary
slotted mover having the slotted magnet assembly shown in FIG. 8
and an exemplary support member.
[0011] FIG. 10 is an isometric cross-sectional view of an exemplary
linear electrodynamic system with the slotted mover of FIG. 9 shown
in a first end position.
[0012] FIG. 11 is an isometric cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 with
the slotted mover shown in a mid-position.
[0013] FIG. 12 is an isometric cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 with
the slotted mover shown in a second end position.
[0014] FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of
the linear electrodynamic assembly of FIG. 5 showing detail of the
stator assembly.
[0015] FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a
first exemplary alternative linear electrodynamic assembly showing
detail of a first exemplary alternative stator assembly.
[0016] FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a
second exemplary alternative linear electrodynamic assembly showing
detail of a second exemplary alternative stator assembly.
[0017] FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a
third exemplary alternative linear electrodynamic assembly showing
detail of a third exemplary alternative stator assembly.
[0018] FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a
fourth exemplary alternative linear electrodynamic assembly showing
detail of a fourth exemplary alternative stator assembly and a
first exemplary alternative stator member.
[0019] FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a
fifth exemplary alternative linear electrodynamic assembly showing
detail of a fifth exemplary alternative stator assembly and the
first exemplary alternative stator member.
[0020] FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a
sixth exemplary alternative linear electrodynamic assembly showing
detail of a sixth exemplary alternative stator assembly and the
first exemplary alternative stator member.
[0021] FIG. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a
seventh exemplary alternative linear electrodynamic assembly
showing detail of a seventh exemplary alternative stator assembly
and the first exemplary alternative stator member.
[0022] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional isometric view of a first
exemplary alternative linear electrodynamic system including the
seventh alternative linear electrodynamic assembly.
[0023] FIG. 21A is schematic end view of the first alternative
linear electrodynamic system showing assembly detail.
[0024] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of second exemplary version of
the linear electrodynamic assembly of FIG. 5 having a second
exemplary non-recessed version of the magnet assembly of FIG.
2.
[0025] FIG. 23 is an end view of the second version of the linear
electrodynamic assembly shown in FIG. 22.
[0026] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of an eighth exemplary
alternative linear electrodynamic assembly having an eighth
exemplary alternative stator assembly and a second exemplary
alternative stator member.
[0027] FIG. 25 is an end plan view of the eighth alternative linear
electrodynamic assembly shown in FIG. 24
[0028] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a second exemplary version
of the eighth alternative linear electrodynamic assembly shown in
FIGS. 24 and 25.
[0029] FIG. 27 is an end plan view of the second version of the
eighth alternative linear electrodynamic assembly of FIG. 26.
[0030] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a ninth exemplary
alternative linear electrodynamic assembly having a ninth exemplary
alternative stator assembly and a third exemplary alternative
stator member.
[0031] FIG. 29 is an end view of the ninth alternative linear
electrodynamic assembly shown in FIG. 28.
[0032] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a second exemplary version
of the ninth alternative linear electrodynamic assembly shown in
FIGS. 28 and 29.
[0033] FIG. 31 is an end view of the second exemplary version of
the ninth alternative linear electrodynamic assembly of FIG.
30.
[0034] FIG. 32 is an end view of a tenth exemplary alternative
linear electrodynamic assembly including the fourth alternative
stator assembly shown in FIG. 17, the stator assembly shown in FIG.
4, and the magnet assembly shown in FIG. 2, and without a stator
member.
[0035] FIG. 33 is an isometric view of a fourth exemplary
alternative magnet assembly.
[0036] FIG. 34 is an isometric view of an eleventh exemplary
alternative linear electrodynamic assembly including the fourth
alternative magnet assembly of FIG. 33 and a tenth exemplary
alternative stator assembly.
[0037] FIG. 35 is an elevational side from a first side position of
the eleventh alternative linear electrodynamic assembly of FIG. 34
showing positioning of magnets.
[0038] FIG. 36 is an elevational side from a second side position
of the eleventh alternative linear electrodynamic assembly of FIG.
34 showing positioning of magnets.
[0039] FIG. 37 is an end view of the eleventh alternative linear
electrodynamic assembly of FIG. 34 showing illustrative magnetic
flux lines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] As will be discussed in greater detail herein, an innovative
linear electrodynamic system and method is disclosed to convert
linear mechanical motion into an electrical current such as for a
linear alternator for heat engines including Stirling cycle
engines, or to convert electrical current into linear mechanical
motion such as for a linear motor associated with mechanical
cooling devices. The linear electrodynamic system uses magnets
coupled to a moving shaft and positioned to move between stator
components. By virtue of being positioned to move between stator
elements, for each magnet of the linear electrodynamic system,
magnetic flux lines pass from a stator component on a first side of
the magnet to another stator component on a second side of the
magnet.
[0041] The linear electrodynamic system can use multiple exemplary
magnet pairs 100 shown in FIG. 1 having a first magnet 102 with a
south pole surface 102s and a north pole surface 102n and having a
second magnet 104 adjacent to the first magnet 102. The second
magnet 104 has a south pole surface 104s and a north pole surface
104n on opposite sides of the magnet pair 100 as are on the first
magnet 102 so that the magnet pair has an alternating south pole
and north pole arrangement on both sides of the magnet pair. The
first magnet 102 can be a single magnet or a composite of smaller
magnets or laminations of magnetic material and be composed of
various conventionally known magnetic materials. The second magnet
104 can also be a single magnet or a composite. Both the first
magnet 102 and the second magnet 104 have a width, W.
[0042] Shown in FIG. 1, the magnet pair 100 is slightly curved such
that the first magnet 102 has its south pole surface 102s and the
second magnet 104 has its north pole surface 104n on the convex
side of the magnet pair. Furthermore, the first magnet 102 has its
north pole surface 102n and the second magnet 104 has its south
pole surface 104s on the concave side of the magnet pair 100. As
will be seen with alternative exemplary implementations, the magnet
pair 100 can be curved in other ways depending upon the particular
implementation of the linear electrodynamic system.
[0043] An exemplary magnet assembly 106, shown in FIG. 2, has a
holder portion 108 with a first illustrative edge 110, a second
illustrative edge 111, an exterior surface 112, and an interior
surface 113. The holder portion 108 typically is an integral part
of a larger assembly as discussed below. Consequently, the first
illustrative edge 110 and the second illustrative edge 111 may not
be actual edges since the holder portion 108 may not be necessarily
a separately distinct member as utilized. The magnet pairs 100 are
positioned in the holder portion 108 such that the north pole
surface 104n of the second magnet 104 is near the first
illustrative edge 110 for every other one of the magnet pairs. For
the other of the magnet pairs 100, the north pole surface 104n of
the second magnet 104 is near the second illustrative edge 111. The
north pole surface 104n of the second magnet 104 is positioned in
the holder portion 108 to substantially coincide with the exterior
surface 112 of the holder portion. Similarly, the south pole
surface 104s of the second magnet 104 substantially coincides with
the interior surface 113 of the holder portion.
[0044] A stator member 114 is shown in FIG. 3 to be substantially
cylindrical with an outer surface 116 and an inner surface 118. In
this first depicted implementation, the stator member 114 is sized
to concentrically receive therewithin in coaxial arrangement the
magnet assembly 106 further discussed below. The stator member 114
has a width substantially equal to the width, W, of the first
magnet 102 and the second magnet 104.
[0045] A stator assembly 120 is shown in FIG. 4 as having a pole
support 122 and stator poles 124 extending from the pole support.
The stator poles 124 include a mid-portion 126 and an end portion
128. The end portion 128 is shown to be flared with an expanded end
surface 130. A representative winding 132 is shown wound around the
mid-portion 126 of one of the stator poles 124, which is partially
held in place by the flared end portion 128. The end portions 128
of the stator poles 124 each have a width substantially equal to
the width, W, of the first magnet 102 and the second magnet 104. As
further shown, the windings 132 are wound around the mid-portion
126 of each of the stator poles 124.
[0046] A linear electrodynamic assembly 134 is shown in FIGS. 5 and
6 as having the stator assembly 120 concentrically positioned
inside of the magnet assembly 106 in coaxial arrangement. In turn,
the magnet assembly 106 is concentrically positioned inside of the
stator member 114 in coaxial arrangement. In operation, the magnet
assembly 106 reciprocates along a path of travel substantially
parallel with a Z axis shown in FIG. 5. Consequently, for each of
the stator poles 124, one of the first magnets 102 and one of the
second magnets 104 consecutively pass by both the end surface 130
of the stator pole and the inner surface 118 of the stator member
114 as the magnet assembly 106 axially reciprocates.
[0047] Magnetic flux lines 135 are shown in FIG. 7, each completing
a loop through adjacent ones of the stator poles 124. In tracing
one of the loops, each of the flux lines 135 emits from the south
pole surface 102s of one of the first magnets 102 (for instance,
positioned adjacent the stator pole 124 at the 6:00 position of
FIG. 7) into the stator member 114. The flux line 135 then follows
along inside of the stator member 114 to enter into the north pole
surface 104n of one of the second magnets 104 (for instance,
positioned adjacent the stator pole 124 between 3:00 and 6:00
positions of FIG. 7). The flux line 135 then travels through the
second magnet 104 and through the stator pole 124 adjacent the
second magnet, on through the pole support 122, on through the
stator pole 124 adjacent the first magnet 102 in the loop, and on
through the first magnet to complete the loop.
[0048] A slotted magnet assembly 136 is shown in FIG. 8 as having a
slotted holder portion 137 containing the magnet pairs 100 as
described above for the magnet assembly 106. The slotted holder
portion 137 has slots 138 that are used to allow for more compact
linear electrodynamic system implementations. The slots 138 are
sized to allow a full range of motion of the first magnets 102 and
the second magnets 104 to align each of them with the stator member
114 and the end surfaces 130 of the stator poles 124 at different
points of travel of the magnet assembly 106. The slotted holder
portion 137 is shown as part of a slotted mover 139 in FIG. 9 in
combination with a coupler portion 140. The coupler portion 140 is
used to secure the slotted mover 139 as described further
below.
[0049] In the implementation depicted above, the stator member 114
is configured for concentric positioning in juxtaposition with the
outer surface 112 of the holder portion 108 and the magnet pairs
100, and the stator assembly 120 is configured for concentric
positioning in juxtaposition with the inner surface 113 of the
holder portion. In other implementations, the stator member 114 is
configured for concentric positioning in juxtaposition with the
inner surface 113 and the stator assembly 120 is configured for
concentric positioning in juxtaposition with the outer surface
112.
[0050] For exemplary linear electrodynamic systems using the
slotted mover 139, a support member 142, shown in FIG. 9, has an
outer stator support portion 144 that can be used to support one of
the stator member 114 or the stator assembly 120 configured to be
concentrically juxtapositioned with the outer surface 112 of the
slotted holder portion 137. The support member 142 has an inner
stator support portion 146 that can be used to support one of the
stator member 114 or the stator assembly 120 configured to be
concentrically juxtapositioned with the inner surface 113 of the
slotted holder portion 137. The support member 142 has coupler
portions 148 to attach the inner stator support portion 146 to the
outer stator support portion 144 with slots 149 that receive the
slotted mover 139. The slotted mover 139 is aligned with the
support member 142 so that the slots 138 of the slotted mover
receive the coupler portions 148 of the slotted mover therein
during reciprocal motion of the slotted mover.
[0051] An exemplary implementation of a linear electrodynamic
system 150 is shown in FIGS. 10-12 having the coupler portion 140
of the slotted mover 139 coupled to a shaft 152. FIGS. 10, 11, and
12 show the slotted mover in three positions of its reciprocal
movement: a first end position (FIG. 10), a mid-position (FIG. 11),
and a second end position (FIG. 12). The shaft 152 is further
coupled to an inner flexure bearing 154 and an outer flexure
bearing 156 to allow the shaft and the slotted mover 139 to
reciprocate along the Z axis shown. The shaft 152 is further
coupled to a mechanical system (not shown) to either extract work
from the linear electrodynamic system 150 if the linear
electrodynamic system is used as a motor or to supply work to the
linear electrodynamic system when the linear electrodynamic system
is used as an alternator.
[0052] The inner flexure bearing 154 is affixed to a cylindrical
support member 158, which in turn is affixed to the end portions
128 of the stator poles 124 of the stator assembly 120 configured
in this implementation to be concentrically juxtapositioned with
the inner surface 113 of the slotted holder portion 137 of the
slotted mover 139. The end portions 128 of the stator poles 124 are
also shown affixed to the inner stator support portion 146 of the
support member 142. The stator member 114 is configured in this
implementation for concentric juxtapositioning with the outer
surface 112 of the slotted holder portion 137 of the slotted mover
139. The stator member 114 can be affixed to the outer stator
support portion 144. The linear electrodynamic system 150 further
has a housing 160 that contains its components and can provide
structural support. For instance, the housing 160 can be affixed to
the support member 142 to be coupled to both the stator member 114
and the stator assembly 120. Furthermore, the housing 160 can serve
as a pressure vessel and extend to house a thermodynamic component
such as a Stirling cycle engine or cooler coupled with the linear
electrodynamic system 150 through the shaft 152. Power lines 162
are shown being routed through the housing 160 to the windings 132
on the stator poles 124.
[0053] A fragmentary cross-sectional view of the linear
electrodynamic assembly 134 is depicted in FIG. 13 to show detail
regarding shape of the stator pole 124 and how it is joined to the
pole support 122. In this case the mid-portion 126 of the stator
pole 124 is relatively narrow and is integral with the end portion
128, which is flared. The stator pole 124 also is shown as being
integral with the pole support 122.
[0054] A fragmentary cross-sectional view of a first exemplary
alternative of the linear electrodynamic assembly 134 having a
first exemplary alternative of the stator assembly 120 is depicted
in FIG. 14 to show detail regarding shape of a first exemplary
alternative of the stator pole 124 and how it is joined to the pole
support 122. In this case the mid-portion 126 of the stator pole
124 is relatively wide and has a central opening such that the end
portion 128 is not flared. The stator pole 124 of this first
alternative is shown as being integral with the pole support
122.
[0055] A fragmentary cross-sectional view of a second exemplary
alternative of the linear electrodynamic assembly 134 having a
second exemplary alternative of the stator assembly 120 is depicted
in FIG. 15 to show detail regarding shape of a second exemplary
alternative of the stator pole 124 and how it is joined to the pole
support 122. In this case the mid-portion 126 of the stator pole
124 is relatively narrow and is shown as a separate piece from the
flared end portion 128. As assembled, the mid-portion 126 and the
end portion 128 can either be glued, press fit, or coupled together
in other ways. The stator pole 124 of this second alternative is
shown as being integral with the pole support 122.
[0056] A fragmentary cross-sectional view of a third exemplary
alternative of the linear electrodynamic assembly 134 having a
third exemplary alternative of the stator assembly 120 is depicted
in FIG. 16 to show detail regarding shape of a third exemplary
alternative of the stator pole 124 and how it is joined to the pole
support 122. In this case the mid-portion 126 of the stator pole
124 is relatively narrow and is shown as a separate piece from, and
is inserted into, the flared end portion 128. In assembly the
mid-portion 126 and the end portion 128 can either be glued, press
fit, or coupled together in other ways. The stator pole 124 of this
third alternative is shown as being integral with the pole support
122.
[0057] A fragmentary cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary
alternative of the linear electrodynamic assembly 134 having a
fourth exemplary alternative of the stator assembly 120 and a first
exemplary alternative of the stator member 114 is depicted in FIG.
17 including detail regarding shape of a fourth exemplary
alternative of the stator pole 124 and how it is joined to the pole
support 122. In this case the mid-portion 126 of the stator pole
124 is relatively narrow and is integral with the flared end
portion 128 and the pole support 122. The stator assembly 120 is
configured to position the end surfaces 130 of the stator poles 124
to be external to the housing 160. The housing 160 is
juxtapositioned between the stator assembly 120 and the outer
surface 112 of the holder portion 108 of the magnet assembly 106.
In this implementation, since the stator poles 124 are external to
the housing 160, assembly and maintenance issues may be lessened.
The stator member 114 is positioned to be adjacent the inner
surface 113 of the holder portion 108 of the magnet assembly
106.
[0058] A fragmentary cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary
alternative of the linear electrodynamic assembly 134 having a
fifth exemplary alternative of the stator assembly 120 and the
first exemplary alternative of the stator member 114 is depicted in
FIG. 18 including detail regarding shape of a fifth exemplary
alternative of the stator pole 124 and how it is joined to the pole
support 122. In this case the mid-portion 126 of the stator pole
124 is relatively wide with a central opening and is integral with
the non-flared end portion 128 and the pole support 122. The stator
assembly 120 is configured to position the end surfaces 130 of the
stator poles 124 adjacent the housing 160 and facing the outer
surface 112 of the holder portion 108 of the magnet assembly 106.
The stator member 114 is positioned to be adjacent the inner
surface 113 of the holder portion 108 of the magnet assembly
106.
[0059] A fragmentary cross-sectional view of a sixth exemplary
alternative of the linear electrodynamic assembly 134 having a
sixth exemplary alternative of the stator assembly 120 and the
first exemplary alternative of the stator member 114 is depicted in
FIG. 19 including detail regarding shape of a sixth exemplary
alternative of the stator pole 124 and how it is joined to the pole
support 122. In this case the mid-portion 126 of the stator pole
124 is relatively narrow and is integral with the flared end
portion 128, but is shown as a separate piece from the pole support
122. As assembled, the mid-portion 126 could be glued, press fit,
or otherwise coupled together with the pole support 122. The stator
assembly 120 is configured to position the end surfaces 130 of the
stator poles 124 adjacent the housing 160 and facing the outer
surface 112 of the holder portion 108 of the magnet assembly 106.
The stator member 114 is positioned to be adjacent the inner
surface 113 of the holder portion 108 of the magnet assembly
106.
[0060] A fragmentary cross-sectional view of a seventh exemplary
alternative of the linear electrodynamic assembly 134 having a
seventh exemplary alternative of the stator assembly 120 and the
first exemplary alternative of the stator member 114 is depicted in
FIG. 20 including detail regarding shape of a seventh exemplary
alternative of the stator pole 124 and how it is joined to the pole
support 122. In this case the mid-portion 126 of the stator pole
124 is relatively narrow and is integral with the flared end
portion 128, but is shown as a separate piece from the pole support
122. As assembled, the mid-portion 126 uses a key and keyway with
the pole support 122 as shown in FIG. 20. The stator assembly 120
is configured to position the end surfaces 130 of the stator poles
124 adjacent the housing 160 and facing the outer surface 112 of
the holder portion 108 of the magnet assembly 106. The stator
member 114 is positioned to be adjacent the inner surface 113 of
the holder portion 108 of the magnet assembly 106.
[0061] An isometric view of an exemplary alternative implementation
of the linear electrodynamic system 150 using the seventh exemplary
alternative of the electrodynamic assembly 134 is shown in FIG. 21.
Since this implementation uses the magnet assembly 106, which is
not slotted, the housing 160 is used to tie the outer stator
support portion 144 to the inner stator support portion 146. The
stator member 116 is shown in FIG. 21A in two sections, which are
press fit together during assembly.
[0062] A second exemplary version of the linear electrodynamic
assembly 134 is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 as having a second
exemplary version of the magnet assembly 106 in which the first
magnet 102 and the second magnet 104 are affixed to the outer
surface 112 of the holder portion 108. The stator member 114 is so
sized to accommodate for additional dimensional thickness of the
magnet assembly 106 caused by this positioning of the first magnet
102 and the second magnet 104. In other implementations the magnet
pairs 100 can be affixed to the inner surface 113 of the holder
portion 108.
[0063] An eighth exemplary alternative of the linear electrodynamic
assembly 134 is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 with an eighth exemplary
alternative of the stator assembly 120 and a second exemplary
alternative of the stator member 114. In this implementation the
end surfaces 130 of the stator poles 124 are concave. Portions of
the inner surface 118 of the stator member 114 are convex that are
adjacent the first magnets 102 and the second magnets 104. To
accommodate this shaping of the stator poles 124 and the stator
member 114, the first magnets 102, the second magnets 104, and
portions of the holder portion 108 have convex surfaces adjacent
the stator poles and concave surfaces adjacent the stator member.
The size of the radii of curvature of these surfaces are varied for
different implementations.
[0064] A second exemplary version of the eighth linear
electrodynamic assembly 134 is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 in which
the first magnets 102 and the second magnets 104 are affixed to the
outer surface 112 of the holder portion 108.
[0065] A ninth exemplary alternative of the linear electrodynamic
assembly 134 is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 with a ninth exemplary
alternative of the stator assembly 120 and a third exemplary
alternative of the stator member 114. Here the end surfaces 130 of
the stator poles 124 are convex. Portions of the inner surface 118
of the stator member 114 are concave that are adjacent the first
magnets 102 and the second magnets 104. To accommodate this shaping
of the stator poles 124 and the stator member 114, the first
magnets 102, the second magnets 104, and portions of the holder
portion 108 have concave surfaces adjacent the stator poles and
convex surfaces adjacent the stator member. The concave surfaces
have radii of curvature that are smaller than those of the holder
portion 108 and the magnet pairs 100 in the first implementation
shown in FIG. 2.
[0066] A second exemplary version of the ninth alternative linear
electrodynamic assembly 134 is shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 in which
the first magnets 102 and the second magnets 104 are affixed to the
outer surface 112 of the holder portion 108.
[0067] A tenth exemplary alternative of the linear electrodynamic
assembly 134 is shown in FIG. 32 as using the magnet assembly 106
shown in FIG. 2 and the stator assembly 120 shown in FIG. 4.
Furthermore, the fourth alternative stator assembly of FIG. 17 is
used instead of using the stator member 114. Other implementations
may use other alternatives of the stator assembly 120 and the
magnet assembly 106.
[0068] A fourth exemplary alternative of the magnet assembly 106 is
shown in FIG. 33 as having the magnet pairs 100 affixed directly to
the shaft 152. The magnet pairs 100 are arranged on the shaft 152
in an X pattern since there are four of the magnet pairs 100 used
with each adjacent two of the magnet pairs forming a V pattern. In
other implementations other numbers of the magnet pairs 100 are
used for other patterns.
[0069] An eleventh exemplary alternative of the linear
electrodynamic assembly 134 is shown in FIG. 34 has having the
fourth alternative magnet assembly 106 with a tenth exemplary
alternative of the stator assembly 120 with the stator poles 124
each having two of the end surfaces 130 opposingly angled in a
shape to be positioned within the V pattern of two of the magnet
pairs 100. In this eleventh alternative of the linear
electrodynamic assembly 134, each side of the first magnets 102 and
the second magnets 104 are near one of the end surfaces 130 of the
stator poles 124. Consequently, the stator member 114 is not used.
FIGS. 35 and 36 further show how the first magnets 102 and the
second magnets 104 are arranged on the shaft 152. Flux lines are
shown in FIG. 37 to loop through a first of the magnet pairs 100,
through a first one of the stator poles 124, through a portion of
the pole support 122 to a second one of the stator poles adjacent
the first stator pole, through the second one of the stator poles
back to the first of the magnet pair.
[0070] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For
instance, particular four and eight pole exemplary implementations
were depicted herein, however, other even numbers of poles could
also be used in other implementations. Accordingly, the invention
is not limited except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *