Axial flux actuators using printed circuit board armatures
AssigneeE-Circuit Motors, Inc.
InventorsSteven Robert Shaw, George Harder Milheim, Ryan Terrence Duffy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In some implementations, an energy conversion device may include a magnet assembly in a fixed frame, and first and second printed circuit board (PCB) armatures configured to be independently movable relative to the fixed frame. The magnet assembly may include one or more magnets configured to generate first magnetic flux within an active region. The first PCB armature may include at least a first winding configured to generate second magnetic flux within the active region, and the second PCB armature may include at least a second winding configured to generate third magnetic flux within the active region.
Claims26
An energy conversion device, comprising:
- at least a first magnet assembly in a fixed frame, the first magnet assembly including first magnets configured to generate first magnetic flux within an active region that extends along at least a portion of an annulus;
- and
- a first printed circuit board (PCB) armature segment including at least a first winding configured to generate second magnetic flux within the active region, wherein:
- the first PCB armature segment is configured and arranged so that the first winding can move, relative to the fixed frame, in an arcuate path about an axis of rotation;
- radial edges of the first PCB armature segment subtend an angle of less than 360 degrees about the axis of rotation;
- and
- a portion of the first PCB armature segment that extends radially outwardly of the portion of the annulus is attached to a mechanical load so that the mechanical load can be driven by movement of the first PCB armature segment relative to the fixed frame.
A method for operating an energy conversion device, the energy conversion device including at least a first magnet assembly having first magnets configured to generate first magnetic flux within an active region that extends along at least a portion of an annulus, and a first printed circuit board (PCB) armature segment having at least a first winding configured to generate second magnetic flux within the active region, wherein radial edges of the first PCB armature segment subtend an angle of less than 360 degrees about an axis of rotation and a portion of the first PCB armature segment that extends radially outwardly of the portion of the annulus is attached to a mechanical load, the method comprising:
- while the first magnet assembly is stationary with respect to a fixed frame, energizing the first winding to cause the first PCB armature segment to move, relative to the first magnet assembly, in an arcuate path about the axis of rotation so that the mechanical load is driven by movement of the first PCB armature segment relative to the fixed frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.