U.S. patent application number 14/011335 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-06 for electromagnetic circulation pump.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ecotech Marine, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ecotech Marine, LLC. Invention is credited to Patrick CLASEN, James A. COX, JR., Justin LAWYER, Timothy MARKS.
Application Number | 20140064987 14/011335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49151336 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140064987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COX, JR.; James A. ; et
al. |
March 6, 2014 |
ELECTROMAGNETIC CIRCULATION PUMP
Abstract
A fluid pump assembly is used in combination with a container
having a wall. The pump assembly comprises a first casing disposed
outside the container, a first magnetic assembly including a
stationary magnetic drive member non-rotatably mounted to the first
casing, a second casing disposed inside the container, and a
rotatable second magnetic assembly mounted to the second casing and
including a rotatable magnetic driven member drivingly coupled to a
fluid motion imparting device. The magnetic drive member comprises
electromagnets non-rotatably mounted within the first casing so
that the electromagnets are provided to be energized in succession
to create a rotating magnetic field for continuously rotating the
rotatable magnetic driven member. The second casing is detachably
securable to the wall solely by the magnetic attraction force
between the magnetic drive member and the magnetic driven
member.
Inventors: |
COX, JR.; James A.; (Oxnard,
CA) ; LAWYER; Justin; (Bethlehem, PA) ;
CLASEN; Patrick; (Bethlehem, PA) ; MARKS;
Timothy; (Bethlehem, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ecotech Marine, LLC |
Allentown |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ecotech Marine, LLC
Allentown
PA
|
Family ID: |
49151336 |
Appl. No.: |
14/011335 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61693497 |
Aug 27, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/53 ;
417/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02K 11/33 20160101;
H02K 5/1282 20130101; F04D 13/027 20130101; F04D 29/628 20130101;
A01K 63/047 20130101; F04D 13/0666 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/53 ;
417/420 |
International
Class: |
F04D 13/02 20060101
F04D013/02 |
Claims
1. A fluid pump kit, comprising: a stationary first magnetic
assembly including a stationary magnetic drive member; a first
casing supporting and housing said first magnetic assembly; a
rotatable second magnetic assembly including a rotatable magnetic
driven member drivingly coupled to a fluid motion imparting device;
a second casing supporting and housing said second magnetic
assembly; and a non-magnetic spacer separating said first and
second magnetic assemblies; said magnetic drive member and said
magnetic driven member being magnetically coupled to each other by
a magnetic attraction force therebetween through said spacer; said
magnetic drive member comprising a plurality of electromagnets
non-rotatably mounted within said first casing and facing said
magnetic driven member, said electromagnets controlled so as to be
energized in succession to create a rotating magnetic field for
continuously rotating said rotatable magnetic driven member; said
magnetic drive member being spaced from said spacer on one side
thereof and said magnetic driven member being spaced from said
spacer on an opposite side thereof; said second casing being
detachably securable to said spacer solely by the magnetic
attraction force between said magnetic drive member and said
magnetic driven member sufficient to support said first and second
casings in a particular position without the use of mechanical
aids.
2. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said magnetic
driven member is a permanent magnet.
3. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 2, wherein said magnetic
driven member further including a driven support disc non-movably
attached to said magnetic driven member.
4. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 3, wherein said driven
support disc is made of magnetically permeable material.
5. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said
stationary magnetic drive member further comprises a drive support
plate, said electromagnets are non-rotatably and angularly
equidistantly mounted on said support plate.
6. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 5, wherein said drive
support plate is made of a ferromagnetic material.
7. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 5, wherein said
electromagnets are non-rotatably attached to said drive support
plate around a first axis equidistantly in a circular pattern so as
to extend substantially parallel to said first axis.
8. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said
electromagnets includes a ferromagnetic core surrounded by an
operably associated electro-magnetic coil so that current passing
through one of the coils generates a magnetic field emanating from
the associated electro-magnetic coil.
9. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 8, wherein each of said
ferromagnetic cores extends toward said magnetic driven member of
said second magnetic assembly substantially parallel to a first
axis of said stationary magnetic drive member.
10. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 8, wherein said
ferromagnetic core is made of pole laminations formed from sheet
metal.
11. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 1, wherein said first
magnetic assembly further comprises a control unit operably
associated with each of said electromagnets for sequentially
energizing each of said electromagnets.
12. A combination of a fluid pump assembly and a container having a
wall, said pump assembly comprising: a first casing disposed
exteriorly of said container on a first side of said wall; a
stationary first magnetic assembly including a stationary magnetic
drive member non-rotatably mounted to said first casing and spaced
from said wall outside said container; a second casing disposed
interiorly of said container on a second side of said wall; and a
rotatable second magnetic assembly mounted to said second casing
and including a rotatable magnetic driven member spaced from said
wall inside said container, said rotatable magnetic driven member
drivingly coupled to a fluid motion imparting device; said magnetic
drive member comprising a plurality of electromagnets non-rotatably
mounted within said first casing and facing said magnetic driven
member, said electromagnets controlled so as to be energized in
succession to create a rotating magnetic field for continuously
rotating said rotatable magnetic driven member; said magnetic drive
member being magnetically coupled to said magnetic driven member by
a magnetic attraction force through said wall for imparting a
rotary driving force to said fluid motion imparting device; said
second casing being detachably securable to said wall solely by the
magnetic attraction force between said magnetic drive member and
said magnetic driven member sufficient to support said first and
second casings in a particular position without the use of
mechanical aids.
13. The combination as defined in claim 12, wherein said magnetic
driven member is a permanent magnet.
14. The combination as defined in claim 13, wherein said magnetic
driven member further including a driven support disc non-movably
attached to said magnetic driven member.
15. The combination as defined in claim 14, wherein said driven
support disc is made of magnetically permeable material.
16. The combination as defined in claim 12, wherein said stationary
magnetic drive member further comprises a drive support plate, said
electromagnets are non-rotatably and angularly equidistantly
mounted on said support plate.
17. The combination as defined in claim 16, wherein said drive
support plate is made of a ferromagnetic material.
18. The combination as defined in claim 16, wherein said
electromagnets are non-rotatably attached to said support plate
around a first axis equidistantly in a circular pattern so as to
extend substantially parallel to said first axis.
19. The combination as defined in claim 12, wherein each of said
electromagnets includes a ferromagnetic core surrounded by an
operably associated electro-magnetic coil so that current passing
through one of the coils generates a magnetic field emanating from
the associated electro-magnetic coil.
20. The fluid pump kit as defined in claim 19, wherein each of said
ferromagnetic cores extends toward said magnetic driven member of
said second magnetic assembly substantially parallel to a first
axis of said stationary magnetic drive member.
21. The combination as defined in claim 19, wherein said
ferromagnetic core is made of pole laminations formed from sheet
metal.
22. The combination as defined in claim 12, wherein said first
magnetic assembly further comprises a control unit operably
associated with each of said electromagnets for sequentially
energizing each of said electromagnets.
23. The combination as defined in claim 12, wherein said stationary
magnetic drive member is adhesively bonded to said first side of
said wall of said container.
24. A method of circulating fluid within a container, comprising
the steps of: providing a first casing having a stationary first
magnetic assembly including a stationary magnetic drive member
non-rotatably mounted to said first casing, said magnetic drive
member comprising a number of electromagnets non-rotatably mounted
within said first casing so as to face said magnetic driven member;
providing a second casing having a rotatable second magnetic
assembly mounted to said second casing and including a rotatable
magnetic driven member drivingly coupled to a fluid motion
imparting device; providing a container having a fluid therein;
positioning said first casing on an exterior side of a wall of said
container and positioning said second casing on an interior side of
said wall of said container within the fluid in coaxial alignment
with said first casing and allowing said first and second casings
to remain in alignment solely as a result of a magnetic attraction
force between said stationary magnetic drive member and said
rotatable magnetic driven member sufficient to support at least the
second casing against gravity without the use of mechanical aids;
energizing said electromagnets in succession so as to create a
rotating magnetic field of said stationary magnetic drive member
and thereby causing cooperating rotation of said rotatable magnetic
driven member and of said fluid motion imparting device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application is related to Application Ser. No.
61/693,497 filed Aug. 27, 2012 by Cox, Jr., which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and to which
priority is claimed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to fluid pump assemblies in
general, and more particularly to a fluid pump that is magnetically
supported in position and in which a driving force is transmitted
to a fluid motion imparting device through the medium of magnetic
force by a solid state electromagnetic motor.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In order to properly care for fish and other aquatic
organisms contained within a reef aquarium, adequate circulation is
required. The role of circulation is twofold: first, circulation
acts to constantly mix the aquarium water itself, ensuring that
proper chemistry is maintained throughout the entire aquarium.
Adequate circulation maintains the equilibrium of oxygen and carbon
dioxide by increasing the rate at which water flows from the bottom
of the tank to the top, where it can take in these compounds from
the air. The second role of circulation is related to the nature of
the inhabitants of a reef aquarium. Because many reef inhabitants
are sessile (they do not move), circulation is the only means by
which nutrients such as food and oxygen are brought to these
animals and the only means by which waste is expelled. In the
ocean, corals and other sessile animals have the benefit of large
waves crashing into the reef in a random but consistent fashion.
Within the constraints of a glass box or aquarium, a pump is used
as a substitute.
[0006] Prior aquarium circulating devices and pumps feature two
aspects that make them less ideal than the present invention.
First, designs featuring epoxy sealed motors within the aquarium
have the unfortunate side effect of being relatively large and
distracting to the intrinsic beauty of an aquarium, add unwanted
heat to the aquarium through direct contact with the motor stator,
and require that electricity be brought into the aquarium itself
via a power cord or a battery sealed into the motor assembly.
Second, some prior designs utilize a mechanical bracket which hangs
over the top of the aquarium in order to support the pump within
the aquarium. In some prior pumps in which the motor and the
centrifugal propeller are magnetically coupled through the glass,
brackets are used to support and align the rotating component
within the aquarium. The prior designs are unsatisfactory because
they are bulky due to the motor being placed within the aquarium or
due to the brackets supporting the motor outside the aquarium.
Furthermore, the prior designs required that the pump be located at
a location determined by the location of the bracket or be on the
bottom of the aquarium due to the weight of the pump.
[0007] Moreover, current magnetic pump designs use a brushless
electric rotary motor attached to a first permanent magnet
(magnetic drive member) and clamping it to a second permanent
magnet (magnetic driven member) through a substrate to drive a
propeller. Problems may arise over time with the moving parts
wearing down and creating excessive resistance as well as noisy
operation. The following design according to the present invention
removes those moving components and replaces them with a solid
state electromagnetic motor, which has no moving parts.
[0008] The present invention attempts to remedy the drawbacks of
the prior art and provides a fluid pump assembly adapted to be
mounted to an aquarium without the use of mechanical aids, such as
brackets. The disclosed pump can be located anywhere on the
surfaces of the aquarium, thus maximizing the aesthetic effects of
the aquarium and facilitating water circulation by allowing the
pump to be located at a location achieving optimized fluid flow
based upon the interior characteristics of the aquarium.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a fluid pump assembly for use
in a fluid container.
[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a fluid pump kit comprising a stationary first magnetic
assembly including a stationary magnetic drive member, a first
casing supporting and housing said first magnetic assembly, a
rotatable second magnetic assembly including a rotatable magnetic
driven member drivingly coupled to a fluid motion imparting device,
a second casing supporting and housing the second magnetic
assembly, and a non-magnetic spacer separating the first and second
magnetic assemblies. The magnetic drive member and the magnetic
driven member are magnetically coupled to each other by a magnetic
attraction force therebetween through the spacer. The magnetic
drive member comprises a number of electromagnets non-rotatably
mounted within the first casing so as to face the magnetic driven
member. The electromagnets are controlled so as to be energized in
succession to create a rotating magnetic field for continuously
rotating the rotatable magnetic driven member. The magnetic drive
member is spaced from the spacer on one side thereof, while the
magnetic driven member is spaced from the spacer on an opposite
side thereof. The second casing is detachably securable to the
spacer solely by the magnetic attraction force between the magnetic
drive member and the magnetic driven member sufficient to support
the first and second casings in a particular position without the
use of mechanical aids.
[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a fluid pump assembly used in combination with a
container having a wall for holding an amount of fluid. The fluid
pump assembly comprises a first casing disposed exteriorly of the
container on a first side of the wall, a stationary first magnetic
assembly including a stationary magnetic drive member non-rotatably
mounted to the first casing and spaced from the wall outside the
container, a second casing disposed interiorly of the container on
a second side of the wall, and a rotatable second magnetic assembly
mounted to the second casing and including a rotatable magnetic
driven member spaced from the wall inside said container. The
rotatable magnetic driven member is drivingly coupled to a fluid
motion imparting device. The magnetic drive member comprises a
number of electromagnets non-rotatably mounted within the first
casing so as to face the magnetic driven member. The electromagnets
are controllable activated so as to be energized in succession to
create a rotating magnetic field for continuously rotating the
rotatable magnetic driven member. The magnetic drive member is
magnetically coupled to the magnetic driven member by a magnetic
attraction force through the wall for imparting a rotary driving
force to the fluid motion imparting device. The second casing is
detachably securable to the wall solely by the magnetic attraction
force between the magnetic drive member and the magnetic driven
member sufficient to support the first and second casings in a
particular position without the use of mechanical aids.
[0012] The invention furthermore includes a method of circulating
fluid within a container. The method comprises the steps of
providing a first casing having a stationary first magnetic
assembly including a stationary magnetic drive member non-rotatably
mounted to the first casing, a second casing having a rotatable
second magnetic assembly mounted to the second casing and including
a rotatable magnetic driven member drivingly coupled to a fluid
motion imparting device, and a container having a fluid therein.
The magnetic drive member comprises a number of electromagnets
non-rotatably mounted within the first casing so as to face the
magnetic driven member. The method of the present invention further
comprises the steps of positioning the first casing on an exterior
side of a wall of the container and positioning the second casing
on an interior side of the wall of the container within the fluid
in coaxial alignment with the first casing and allowing the first
and second casings to remain in alignment solely as a result of a
magnetic attraction force between the stationary magnetic drive
member and the rotatable magnetic driven member sufficient to
support at least the second casing against gravity without the use
of mechanical aids. In order to actuate a fluid pump assembly, the
electromagnets are controllably energized in succession so as to
create a rotating magnetic field extending from the stationary
magnetic drive member and causing cooperating rotation of the
rotatable magnetic driven member and of the fluid motion imparting
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute
a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the
exemplary embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In such drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a fluid pump kit including
a fluid pump assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 1B is a sectional view of the fluid pump kit including
the fluid pump assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the fluid pump assembly
according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention in
combination with a fluid container;
[0017] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a magnetic drive member of
a first magnetic assembly having six electromagnets and a second
magnetic assembly of the fluid pump assembly of FIGS. 1A-2;
[0018] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the magnetic drive member
of the first magnetic assembly having four electromagnets and the
second magnetic assembly of the fluid pump assembly of FIGS.
1A-2
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a control circuit of a control
unit of the first magnetic assembly; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a control circuit of a control
unit of the first magnetic assembly according to the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND EXEMPLARY
METHODS
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be
noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not
limited to the specific details, representative devices and
methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in
connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.
[0022] This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description. In the
description, relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical,"
"front," "rear," "upper", "lower", "top" and "bottom" as well as
derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation
as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under
discussion and to the orientation relative to a vehicle body. These
relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are
not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms concerning
attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and
"interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are
secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly
through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid
attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
The term "operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or
connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as
intended by virtue of that relationship. Additionally, the word "a"
as used in the claims means "at least one".
[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a fluid pump kit 8 comprising a fluid
pump assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, generally depicted with the reference numeral 10, in the
form of a kit. The fluid pump assembly 10 comprises a first casing
12 housing a first magnetic assembly 14, and a second casing 32
housing a second magnetic assembly 34 operatively associated with a
fluid motion imparting device 38 for imparting motion to a fluid
when rotated by the second magnetic assembly 34, such as a
propeller, if the fluid pump assembly of the present invention is
used for an aquarium, or an impeller, if the fluid pump assembly of
the present invention is used for an foot spa. The fluid pump kit 8
further comprises a non-magnetic spacer 42 separating the first and
second magnetic assemblies 14 and 34, respectively. The
non-magnetic spacer 42 has a first side 4a and a second side 42b
oriented opposite and substantially parallel to each other. The
first side 42a of the spacer 42 is in contact with the first casing
12, while the second side 42b is in contact with the second casing
32. The spacer 42 may be rubber or other non-magnetic polymer and
has a thickness of approximately 0.5 inches.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts the fluid pump assembly 10 in accordance with
the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, used in
combination with a container 2 provided for holding an amount of
fluid 7, such as liquid. It will be appreciated that the container
2 may be of any appropriate form, such as an aquarium. The
container 2 comprises a bottom wall 4 and a side wall 6 extending
substantially vertically upwardly from the bottom wall 4. The
bottom wall 4 and the side wall 6 of the container 2 define a
compartment 5 holding the liquid 7. The side wall 6 of the
container 2 has a first side 6a and a second side 6b oriented
opposite and substantially parallel to each other.
[0025] The first casing 12 of the fluid pump assembly 10 is
disposed outside the container 2 and houses the first magnetic
assembly 14, while the second casing 32 is disposed inside the
container 2 submersed within the liquid 7 and houses the second
magnetic assembly 34 operatively associated with an impeller, such
as a propeller 38. A material such as ABS, Teflon or ultra high
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW) may be used for both first and
second casings 12 and 32, respectively. A protective shroud 33 is
attached to the second casing 32 around the propeller 38 to prevent
aquarium inhabitants from contacting the spinning impeller 38 and
for permitting water to circulate in response to rotation of
impeller 38.
[0026] The second magnetic assembly 34 includes a magnetic driven
member 35 and a driven support disc 36 non-movably attached (i.e.,
fixed) to the magnetic driven member 35 by any appropriate means
known in the art, such as by adhesive bonding, for rotation about a
second axis 37. The second magnetic assembly 34 (i.e., both the
magnetic driven member 35 and the driven support disc 36) are
drivingly coupled to the propeller 38 by a driven shaft 40. In
other words, the driven shaft 40 is coaxial with the second axis
37.
[0027] The magnetic driven member 35 is a permanent magnet formed
from a magnetic material, such as neodymium or any other high
performance magnetic material offering low physical volume and high
magnetic flux, mounted within the second casing 32. The magnetic
driven member 35 has at least one pair of magnetic poles (N) and
(S). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
magnetic driven member 35 is a 2-pole magnet in the form of
circular disk and has a pair of magnetic poles (N) and (S). In such
an arrangement of the magnetic driven member 35, the magnetic poles
(N) and (S) are oriented in a two-dimensional array, such as
radially along the disc 35. Alternatively, the magnetic driven
member 35 can have a plurality of pairs of magnetic poles (N) and
(S). The magnetic material of the magnetic driven member 35 in
accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is grade N35SH to N45H permanent magnet, having a surface magnetic
field of about 2400 G.
[0028] The driven support disc 36 is made of magnetically permeable
material, such as steel, and is attached to and covers a distal
side of the magnetic driven member 35 opposite the first magnetic
assembly 14. The driven support disc 36 short circuits the magnetic
flux of the magnetic driven member 35 and thereby increases the
efficiency of the pump assembly 10.
[0029] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, both the magnetic driven member 35 and the driven
support disc 36 are geometrically substantially identical, i.e.,
both are in the form of a circular disk and have the same outer
diameter and thickness. Alternatively, the magnetic driven member
35 and the driven support disc 36 may have different thickness
and/or outer diameter.
[0030] Moreover, the second casing 32 is situated against the
second side 6b of the container 2, and the magnetic driven member
35 is mounted in the second casing 32 so that the axis 37 of
rotation of the driven shaft 40 is substantially perpendicular to
the second side 6b of the container 2.
[0031] As further illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 2, the magnetic
driven member 35 is disposed adjacent to the spacer 42 or the side
wall 6 of the container 2, and is axially spaced from the second
side 42b or the second side 6b thereof with a small gap 39. The
mounting of the magnetic driven member 35 and the propeller 38 in
the second casing 32 includes a bearing 41 of suitable material
properties to support the driven shaft 40, transmit to the second
casing 32 the clamping forces caused by the first and second
magnetic assemblies 14 and 34, and minimize the friction of
rotation. When used for salt water applications, the bearing 41
should be a plastic composition, Teflon or UHMW with a suitably
hard and smooth mating surface, such as made from metal or ceramic
material.
[0032] The first magnetic assembly 14 is in the form of a solid
state electro-magnetic motor non-rotatably mounted within the first
casing 12 and coaxial to a first axis 15. The first magnetic
assembly 14 includes a stationary (i.e., non-rotatable) magnetic
drive member 16, and a control unit 18. The magnetic drive member
16 is coaxial to the first axis 15 and stationary (i.e.,
non-rotatable) relative to each other and to the first casing 12.
The first magnetic assembly 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 2,
is attached to a power source 22 separate from the first casing 12
through electric wires 23. The first magnetic assembly 14 may also
be powered by a battery attached to the electric wires 23. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 2, the stationary magnetic drive member
16 is axially spaced from the first side 42a of the spacer 42 or
the first side 6a of the side wall 6 of the container 2 with a
small gap 24. Alternatively, the stationary magnetic drive member
16 is supported upon the first side 6a of the side wall 6 of the
container 2 by an adhesive material, such as a double-sided
adhesive tape disposed between the stationary magnetic drive member
16 and the side wall 6 of the container 2, which adhesively bonds
the stationary magnetic drive member 16 to the first side 6a of the
side wall 6 of the container 2.
[0033] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B-3B, the magnetic drive member
16 comprises a circular drive support plate 25 non-rotatably
mounted within the first casing 12 and a number of substantially
identical electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.n fixedly mounted
angularly equidistantly about the support plate 25 so as to face
the magnetic driven member 36 of the second magnetic assembly 34.
The circular drive support plate 25 is coaxial to the first axis 15
and substantially orthogonal thereto. According to the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the drive support plate 25 is
made of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel. In the exemplary
embodiment of FIGS. 1B-3B, the electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.n are
non-rotatably attached to the support plate 25 around the axis 15
equidistantly in a circular pattern so as to extend substantially
parallel to the axis 15 by any appropriate means known in the art,
such as by adhesive bonding or by threaded fasteners. In other
words, each of the electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.n, the support
plate 25 and the control unit 18 is stationary (i.e.,
non-rotatable) relative to each other and to the first casing 12.
Thus, in the case of the electro-magnetic drive member 16, there
would be no moving parts on the outside of the container 2.
[0034] As illustrated in detail in FIG. 3A, the solid state
electromagnetic motor 14 according to the exemplary embodiment of
the present invention utilizes 6 individual electromagnets
26.sub.1-26.sub.6 placed equidistantly in a circular pattern
coaxial to the axis 15 (two electromagnets adjacent to each other
yielding opposite magnetic fields). It will be appreciated that the
solid state electromagnetic motor 14 may include more or less than
6 electromagnets, such as 4, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Each of the
electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 extends substantially parallel to
the axis 15. Moreover, each of the electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6
includes a ferromagnetic (or iron) core 27.sub.1-27.sub.6,
respectively, placed inside a corresponding electro-magnetic coil
28.sub.1-28.sub.6, respectively, and extending substantially
orthogonally from the support plate 25 toward the magnetic driven
member 36 of the second magnetic assembly 34, and substantially
parallel to the axis 15. Thus, the magnetic driven member 36 of the
second magnetic assembly 34 has 2 poles of magnet, while the
magnetic drive member 16 has 6 (six) winding poles (A+, B+, C+, A-,
B-, C-). The ferromagnetic cores 27.sub.1-27.sub.6 of the
electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 are preferably made of stacks of
thin steel sheets, or laminations, oriented parallel to the
magnetic field, with an insulating coating on the surface. The
insulation layers prevent eddy current from flowing between the
sheets. Any remaining eddy currents must flow within the cross
section of each individual lamination, which reduces losses
greatly. An alternative is to use a ferrite core, which is a
nonconductor. The electro-magnetic coils 28.sub.1-28.sub.6 use AWG
32 with an input current 1.1 A, which has 646 AT (AmperTurn), or
AWG 29 with an input current 2.0 A having the maximum of 734 AT
(AmperTurn). AWG (American Wire Gauge) is a standardized wire gauge
system used since 1857 predominantly in the United States and
Canada for the diameters of round, solid, nonferrous, electrically
conducting wire. The number of turns in each of the
electro-magnetic coils 28.sub.1-28.sub.6 is about 1200.
[0035] Each of the individual electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 (or
electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.4) is energized in succession and
thus creates a magnetic pulse (or field) that continuously rotates
in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the axis 15. The
control unit 18 includes a microprocessor 29 (shown in FIGS. 4 and
5) used to energize each of the electromagnets 26.sub.i-26.sub.6
(or electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.4) in succession. In turn, the
continuously rotating magnetic pulse causes the second magnetic
assembly 34 (which is in the form of the permanent magnet 35) to
follow the magnetic pulses of the magnetic drive member 16 and,
subsequently, spinning the propeller 38. Moreover, the
microprocessor 29 of the control unit 18 may be used to alternate
the current applied to the electromagnetic coils 28.sub.1-28.sub.6
of the electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 in such a way that speed of
the propeller 38 is controllable.
[0036] In a properly assembled condition, the axis 15 of the
magnetic drive member 16 and the axis 37 of magnetic driven member
35 are substantially coaxial. In other words, the first magnetic
assembly 14 and the propeller 38 are magnetically coupled to each
other by the magnetic drive member 16 and the magnetic driven
member 35 through the side wall 6 of the container 2 so as to
magnetically couple the first magnetic assembly 14 to the impeller
38.
[0037] The first casing 12 housing the first magnetic assembly 14,
and the second casing 32 housing the second magnetic assembly 34
are detachably held together by magnetic attraction between the
magnetic driven member 35 of the second magnetic assembly 34 and
the ferromagnetic cores 27.sub.1-27.sub.6 of the electromagnets
26.sub.1-26.sub.6 and the drive support plate 25 of the first
magnetic assembly 14. The magnetic attraction is very high. The
spacer 42, which may be made from rubber or some non-magnetic
polymer, has sufficient thickness to reduce the attractive force
between the magnetic assemblies 14, 34 sufficient to allow the
casings 12,32 to be separated prior to installation. More
specifically, the drive support plate 25 and the ferromagnetic
cores 27.sub.1-27.sub.6 of the magnetic drive member 16 and the
magnetic driven member 35 generate sufficient magnetic attraction
therebetween to clamp the first casing 12 and the second casing 32
against the spacer 42 with sufficient force to support both casings
against gravity in a particular position without the use of
mechanical aids. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first casing
12 and the second casing 32 are detachably connected to the side
wall 6 of the container 2 solely by the magnetic attraction force
between the drive support plate 25 and the ferromagnetic cores
27.sub.1-27.sub.6 of the magnetic drive member 16 and the magnetic
driven member 35 against gravity in a particular position without
the use of mechanical aids. Optionally, a rubber gasket or other
compressible member may be placed between
[0038] When installed and the electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 of
the first magnetic assembly 14 are activated, the first magnetic
assembly 14 creates the rotating magnetic field, thereby causing
the second magnetic assembly 34 to rotate due to the attractive
magnetic forces between opposing poles on the magnetic driven
member 35 and the electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 of the magnetic
drive member 16. As the second magnetic assembly 34 is drivingly
connected to the propeller 38, the rotation of the magnetic field
of the magnetic drive member 16 causes corresponding rotation of
the propeller 38 due to the magnetic coupling between the magnetic
drive member 16 and the magnetic driven member 35. Thus, the
magnetic drive member 16 is magnetically coupled to the magnetic
driven member 16 by a magnetic attraction force through the side
wall 6 of the container 2 for imparting a rotary driving force to
the fluid motion imparting device 38.
[0039] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the first casing 12 and the second casing 32 are
detachably held together solely by clamping the side wall 6 of the
container 2 from opposite sides thereof by a magnetic attraction
force between the drive support plate 25 and the ferromagnetic
cores 27.sub.1-27.sub.6 of the magnetic drive member 16 and the
magnetic driven member 35. The second casing 32 is detachably
connected to the first side 6b of the side wall 6 of the container
2 solely by the magnetic attraction between the magnetic drive
member 16 and the magnetic driven member 35, as described
hereinabove. The rotation of the magnetic field of the magnetic
drive member 16 causes corresponding rotation of the propeller 38
due to the magnetic coupling between the magnetic drive member 16
and the magnetic driven member 35.
[0040] Moreover, the first casing 12 and the second casing 32
automatically come into coaxial alignment (so that the first axis
15 is coaxial with the second axis 37) by virtue of the magnetic
attraction provided by the magnetic assemblies 14 and 34
communicating magnetically with each other. The first casing 12 and
the second casing 32 are prevented from rotating and held against
gravity by means of at least one first friction member 44 attached
to an inner face 12a of the first casing 12 facing the first side
6a of the side wall 6 of the container 2, and at least one second
friction member 46 attached to an outer face 12b of the second
casing 32 facing the second side 6b of the side wall 6 of the
container 2. The friction members 44 and 46 are made from material
with a relatively high friction coefficient and preferably are
formed from a resilient material.
[0041] As best shown in FIG. 1A, a series of slots 100 extend
longitudinally along the second casing 32 parallel to the second
axis 37 of the propeller 38. A series of contoured openings 102 are
formed in an end 104 of the protective shroud 33 of the second
casing 32. Also illustrated in FIG. 3 is a nut 106 that secures the
propeller 38 to the shaft 40.
[0042] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a
magnetic air gap between the permanent magnet of the magnetic
driven member 35 and the electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 (or
electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.4) of the magnetic drive member 16
is about 1.08''. The pump 10 spins at about 2200-2300 rpm. The
magnetic material of the magnetic driven member 35 in accordance
with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is grade
N35SH permanent magnet, having a surface magnetic field of about
2400 G. The current input voltage for the electromagnets
26.sub.1-26.sub.6 (or electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.4) is 12 V
(upper limit of 40 V) and input current is 1.1.about.1.2 A, but has
an upper limit of around 2 A. The design parameters, such as magnet
grade, number of poles, winding turns, wire gauge number are
flexible and are determined through the design.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a control circuit of the control unit of
a magnetic assembly, which utilizes 6 individual electromagnets
26.sub.1-26.sub.6 placed equidistantly in a circular pattern
coaxial to the axis 15. The control circuit of FIG. 4 shows the 6
individual electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 capable of energizing
in succession by using a decade counter to send a reference signal
to the MOSFETs 30 and 32, which energize one of the electromagnets
26.sub.1-26.sub.6 at any given time. The control circuit of FIG. 4
allows the magnetic driven member 35 to follow the magnetic pulses
essentially spinning the propeller 38. The control circuit of FIG.
4 attains a maximum RPM of 1800 of the speed of the propeller 38,
which fell short of the 2200 RPM that needs to be achieved. Higher
RPM proved to be a problem due to the short on time of the magnetic
field as the speed increased which made the magnetic driven member
35 drift, no longer tracking the electromagnetic pulses. In order
to achieve higher RPMs multiple sets of two coils need to be
energized to attain longer on times at higher RPMs.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a control circuit of the control unit 18
of the first magnetic assembly 14 which utilizes 6 individual
electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 placed equidistantly in a circular
pattern coaxial to the axis 15, according to the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, designed to energize more than
one of the electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 at any given time, as
opposed to the control circuit of FIG. 4. Multiple reference
signals are sent to each MOSFET 30, 32 using microcontroller
control system firmware that allow the electromagnets to energize
longer, allowing the strength of the electromagnet to achieve full
power keeping the permanent magnet (i.e., the magnetic driven
member 35) on track with the electromagnetic pulses and rotate the
magnetic driven member 35 with the electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6
at higher RPM, thus solving the problem of the permanent magnet
drifting.
[0045] Another concern is how to track the magnetic driven member
35 at any given time to ensure that the electromagnets
26.sub.1-26.sub.6 are energizing at the proper time. This proved to
be challenging due to the interference of the flux generated by the
electromagnets. Utilizing the back EMF through the existing
circuitry allows the driver to recognize where the magnetic driven
member 35 is at any given time and to automatically make
appropriate adjustments as needed. Accordingly, the control unit 18
measures the back EMF that is created by the driven magnet 35
rotating past the un-driven electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6. This
signal would be interpreted by the microprocessor 29. Moreover, the
control unit 18 monitors rotation of the driven magnetic assembly
34 and adjusts drive current and magnetic field of the
electromagnets 26.sub.1-26.sub.6 to rotate the second magnetic
assembly 34 properly within specifications to achieve correct speed
and performance of the driven magnetic assembly 34 through custom
control loop software.
[0046] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the present invention has been presented for the purpose of
illustration in accordance with the provisions of the Patent
Statutes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The
embodiments disclosed hereinabove were chosen in order to best
illustrate the principles of the present invention and its
practical application to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in
the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated, as long as the principles described herein are
followed. Thus, changes can be made in the above-described
invention without departing from the intent and scope thereof. It
is also intended that the scope of the present invention be defined
by the claims appended thereto.
* * * * *