Stacked magnet superconducting bearing
AssigneeAllied Signal Aerospace
InventorsThomas K. Rigney, II, Marshall P. Saville
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a superconducting bearing, flux density and flux density gradient are increased between a magnetic source and a member of superconducting material. A plurality of magnets are magnetized end-to-end and stacked side-by-side in alternating polarity. Non-magnetic shims are disposed between the magnets. Flux lines flow between the ends of adjacent magnets and communicate with the member. Resulting is higher bearing load capacity and stiffness. When the member is made from a Type II superconducting material, the bearing provides support in both the radial and axial directions.
Claims33
A superconducting bearing, comprising:
- a plurality of permanent magnets magnetized end-to-end and stacked side-by-side in alternating polarity, such that flux lines flow between ends of adjacent magnets;
- isolating means, disposed between said adjacent magnets, for reducing flux leakage between opposing sides of said adjacent magnets;
- and
- a member made of superconducting material having at least one surface in communication with said flux lines.
A journal/thrust bearing comprising:
- a stator including a hollow cylinder made of a Type II superconducting material;
- and
- a rotor, disposed for rotation within said hollow cylinder, including a plurality of annular permanent magnets magnetized in a radial direction and stacked axially in alternating polarity, and isolating means, disposed between adjacent magnets, for preventing flux leakage between said adjacent magnets, wherein lines of flux flow between said adjacent magnets and communicate with said hollow cylinder.
A thrust/journal bearing comprising:
- a stator including a disk made of a Type II superconducting material;
- and
- a rotor including a plurality of annular permanent magnets magnetized in an axial direction and stacked radially in alternating polarity, and isolating means, disposed between adjacent magnets, for preventing flux leakage between said adjacent magnets, wherein one end of said rotor faces said disk such that flux lines flowing between said adjacent magnets communicate with said disk.
A shaft-bearing system, including a shaft and at least one journal bearing attached to said shaft, each journal bearing comprising:
- a plurality of annular permanent magnets magnetized in a radial direction and stacked axially in alternating polarity, said plurality of magnets being coupled to said shaft, whereby lines of flux flow between adjacent magnets;
- isolating means, disposed between said adjacent magnets, for preventing flux leakage between said adjacent magnets;
- and
- a hollow cylinder, made of a Type II superconducting surrounding said annular magnets such that said lines of flux communicate with said cylinder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.