Methods and apparatus for linear electric machine
AssigneeIris Dynamics Ltd
InventorsKyle A. Hagen, Patrick A. McFadden, Maximilien F. Bethune-Waddell, Jeffrey R. Rendell
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Abstract
An embodiment of a linear electric machine includes two or more phases that define a central bore, and alternating permanent magnets that are disposed within the central bore and are free to move relative the windings. An embodiment of a method for selectively powering the windings is disclosed that enables the machine to realize a commanded force, or to determine the force present by using the current within the windings and the alignment of the magnets relative to the windings.
Claims4
A method for profiling a linear electric machine including a shaft and winding phases, wherein:
- a normalized function of force-per-current constants versus position for one or more phase is obtained, comprising the steps of:
- changing a respective position of the shaft relative to the winding phases;
- measuring resulting phase currents and a relative speed between the winding phase and the shaft for respective positions of the shaft relative to the winding phases;
- and
- determining the normalized function of force-per-current constants at said respective positions by dividing said phase currents by said speeds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.