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US 10,830,278 B2Granted
Halbach-array levitating passive magnetic bearing configuration
AssigneeLawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
InventorRichard F. Post
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Abstract
Novel configurations of levitating passive magnetic bearing configurations are described. Such configurations can be used for the precise control of the magnitude and sign of the bearing stiffness, thereby facilitating the overall design of the system in ways that are not possible with conventional attractive or repelling bearing elements.
Claims32
An apparatus, comprising:
- a rotor;
- a first primary array comprising a first annular Halbach array attached to said rotor;
- a support structure configured to be stationary with respect to said rotor;
- a second primary array comprising a second annular Halbach array attached to said support structure, wherein said first primary array and said second primary array are configured to interact magnetically one with another to provide a levitation force to said rotor;
- a first secondary array comprising a third annular Halbach array attached to said rotor;
- a second secondary array comprising a fourth annular Halbach array attached to said support structure, wherein said first secondary array and said second secondary array are configured to interact magnetically one with another to provide a force that is opposite to said levitation force to said rotor;
- and
- a first adjustable means for attaching said second secondary array to said support structure.
5 more elements
A method, comprising:
- providing a rotor;
- providing a first primary array comprising a first annular Halbach array attached to said rotor;
- providing a support structure configured to be stationary with respect to said rotor;
- providing a second primary array comprising a second annular Halbach array attached to said support structure, wherein said first primary array and said second primary array are configured to interact magnetically one with another to provide a levitation force to said rotor;
- providing a first secondary array comprising a third annular Halbach array attached to said rotor;
- providing a second secondary array comprising a fourth annular Halbach array attached to said support structure, wherein said first secondary array and said second secondary array are configured to interact magnetically one with another to provide a force that is opposite to said levitation force to said rotor;
- providing a first adjustable means for attaching said second secondary array to said support structure;
- and
- rotating said rotor.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.