TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a board comprising a plurality of electromagnets, and more particularly a system and method using the plurality of electromagnets to move a magnetic piece across the electromagnetic board.
BACKGROUND ART
Electromagnets are known to apply a force based on the current applied to a coil of conductive material. Electromagnetic coils create magnetic fields as shown in FIG. 20. Through the center of the coil a field is created in an opposite direction as the outside of the coil. If the field is drawn around the entire coil, instead of the cross section shown in FIG. 20, one can imagine it takes a generally toroidal shape around the coil. By reversing the current running through the coil, the entire magnetic field around the electromagnet will reverse directions.
Electromagnets have been used to create electromagnetic boards, which cause a magnetic piece to traverse the board. However, the electromagnets are often attached to a motor. The electromagnet is turned on to lock the piece to the electromagnet, and then the motor moves the electromagnet, thus moving the piece. A computer system can control the motor where to move to avoid other pieces or perform other functions. The electromagnetic systems involving motors and other moving parts are delicate, expensive, loud, and less reliable causing need for a system that can move a magnetic piece without expensive delicate parts. Furthermore, these systems only allow for the movement of a single piece at a time either due to limitations on the number of motors, or the motors physically impeding each other.
WO 2006/013580 describes a system to move a magnetic piece without using a motor. The system organizes a grid of electromagnets and turns one magnet off and the next one on to push the magnet down the board. This system fails to account for the full toroid of a magnetic field and thus is inefficient, if not ineffective. Therefore, it would be advantageous to create a system that efficiently and effectively moves a magnetic piece across an electromagnetic board, without the use of moving parts.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method of moving a magnetic piece across a board having a plurality of electromagnets is described. The method provides first providing the magnetic piece on a center of an origin electromagnet. The method then causes movement of the piece from the center of the origin electromagnet to an edge of a destination electromagnet by generating a magnetic field at the destination electromagnet such that the magnetic piece would be repulsed by the center of the destination electromagnet and generating a magnetic field at the origin electromagnet such that the magnetic piece is repulsed by the center of the origin electromagnet. Next, the method causes movement of the piece from the edge of the destination electromagnet to the center of the destination electromagnet by generating a magnetic field at the destination electromagnet that attracts the magnetic piece to the center of the destination electromagnet such that the piece moves to the center of the destination electromagnet.
Optionally, the electromagnets are arranged in a grid having at least two rows and at least two columns. Also optionally, each electromagnet is a coil with at least four sides.
Optionally the method further comprises causing movement of the piece from the center of the origin electromagnet to an edge of a destination electromagnet further comprises generating a magnetic field at a neighbor electromagnet such that the magnetic piece would be repulsed by the center of the neighbor electromagnet, wherein the neighbor electromagnet shares a border with the origin electromagnet and the destination electromagnet. Further optionally, the step of turning off the magnetic field in the origin electromagnet further comprises turning off the magnetic field in the neighbor electromagnet.
Also optionally, after causing movement of the piece from the center of the origin electromagnet to an edge of a destination electromagnet the method further comprises detecting that the piece is at the edge of the destination electromagnet.
Further optionally, the detecting uses a method from the group consisting of: measuring electrical impedance; using radio frequency identification (RFID); using a camera; measuring weight. Optionally, the detecting is done by RFID sensors comprising a plurality of electromagnetic coils parallel to the plurality of electromagnets.
Optionally, the method further comprises generating a magnetic field at the origin electromagnet such that the magnetic piece is repulsed by the center of the origin electromagnet comprises providing a current to the origin electromagnet that is ramped up.
Also optionally, the method further comprises generating a magnetic field at an electromagnet adjacent to the magnetic piece causes the orientation of the magnetic piece to rotate wherein the magnetic piece comprises a secondary magnet.
Optionally, causing movement of the piece from the edge of the destination electromagnet to the center of the destination electromagnet further comprises turning off the magnetic field in the origin electromagnet.
In accordance with another embodiment a system for moving a magnetic piece is provided. The system comprises a board, a plurality of electromagnets arranged on the board, and a controller configured to cause each of the plurality of electromagnet to generate a magnetic field. The controller is configured to cause movement of the magnetic piece at an origin electromagnet to a destination electromagnet through steps comprising:
- a. causing generation of a magnetic field at the destination electromagnet such that the magnetic piece would be repulsed by the center of the destination electromagnet, and then causing generation of a magnetic field at the origin electromagnet such that the magnetic piece is repulsed by the center of the origin electromagnet; such that the magnetic piece traverses the board from the origin electromagnet to an edge of the destination electromagnet; and
- b. causing generation of a magnetic field at the destination electromagnet that attracts the magnetic piece to the center of the destination electromagnet such that the piece moves to the center of the destination electromagnet; such that the magnetic piece traverses the board from the edge of the destination electromagnet to the center of the destination electromagnet.
Optionally, the electromagnets are arranged in a grid having at least two rows and at least two columns. Also optionally, each electromagnet is a coil and further optionally, each electromagnet is a spiral coil in two or three dimensions.
Also optionally, during step a the controller causes generation of a magnetic field at a neighbor electromagnet such that the magnetic piece would be repulsed by the center of the neighbor electromagnet, wherein the neighbor electromagnet shares a border with the origin electromagnet and the destination electromagnet.
Optionally, turning off the magnetic field in the origin electromagnet further comprises turning off the magnetic field in the neighbor electromagnet.
Optionally, after causing movement of the piece from the center of the origin electromagnet to an edge of a destination electromagnet the method further comprises detecting that the piece is at the edge of the destination electromagnet. Further optionally, the detecting is done by RFID sensors comprising a plurality of electromagnetic coils parallel to the plurality of electromagnets.
Also optionally, generating a magnetic field at the origin electromagnet such that the magnetic piece is repulsed by the center of the origin electromagnet comprises providing a current to the origin electromagnet that is ramped up.
Optionally, the system further comprises a secondary magnet on the magnetic piece wherein causing generation of a magnetic field at an electromagnet adjacent to the magnetic piece will cause the orientation of the magnetic piece to rotate.
Also optionally, when the magnetic piece is at an edge of the destination electromagnet the controller is configured to cause the magnetic field in the origin electromagnet to turn off.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing features of embodiments will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of electromagnetic board 100 configured to move a magnetic piece in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a single horizontal electromagnet from electromagnetic board 100.
FIG. 3 is a schematic showing a piece 110 configured to move about electromagnetic board 100.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart that represents one method for moving a piece across electromagnetic board 100.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of an electromagnetic board 500 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of electromagnetic board 500, having magnetic pieces 510, 511, and 512.
FIG. 7A is an isometric view of vertical electromagnet 103.
FIG. 7B is a front view of vertical electromagnet 103.
FIG. 8A is an isometric view of vertical electromagnet 103.
FIG. 8B is a front view of vertical electromagnet 103.
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of electromagnet 901 on electromagnetic board 900 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of electromagnetic board 900 having hexagonal electromagnets.
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of triangular electromagnet 1101 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a plurality of triangular electromagnets 1101 arranged on an electromagnetic board 1100.
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of triangular electromagnetic board 1300 comprising horizontal electromagnet 1301 and flat oval-shaped vertical electromagnets 1303 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 14 is a top isometric view of electromagnetic board 1300.
FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view of electromagnetic board 1300.
FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a square electromagnetic board 1600 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of electromagnet 1601 from electromagnetic board 1600, having two flat oval vertical electromagnets 1603.
FIG. 18 is an underside view of electromagnetic board 1600 showing four flat oval vertical electromagnetic 1603.
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of switching devices controlling a grid of electromagnets.
FIG. 20 is a diagram of a magnetic field around a current conducting coil.
FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a ring magnet having a north pole 2101 and a south pole 2102.
FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a bar magnet 2200 having a north pole 2201 and a south pole 2202.
FIG. 23 is an isometric view of circular cylindrical magnet 2300 having a north pole 2301 and a south pole 2302.
FIG. 24 is an isometric view of magnetic piece 2421 having an orientation magnet 2423 on board 2403 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 25 is an isometric view of board 2403 with magnetic piece 2421 and a supplemental magnetic piece 2511.
FIG. 26 is an isometric view of bar magnet 2200 on an electromagnetic board 2603.
FIG. 27 is an isometric view of magnet 2300 inside piece 2711 on board 2703.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
The electromagnets in the present application take advantage of the field perpendicular to the coil because a properly aligned magnet placed on or near the electromagnet is either attracted or repelled to the magnetic field produced.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of electromagnetic board 100 configured to move a magnetic piece in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The electromagnetic board 100 is comprised of a plurality of horizontal electromagnets 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d. In one embodiment, electromagnetic board 100 is a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, electromagnetic board 100 has various amounts of rows and columns of electromagnets 101. In other embodiments, electromagnetic board 100 comprises various sizes and shapes of collections of electromagnets 101. In one embodiment, the electromagnet 101a is comprised of a coil of electrically conductive material. In FIG. 1, electromagnet 101a is represented as a square coil. A square coil can be advantageous to apply a grid shape to positions of electromagnet centers 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. In one embodiment, electromagnetic board 100 comprises vertical electromagnets 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d.
In some embodiments, electromagnetic board 100 comprises a detecting means to determine a location of a magnetic piece on the electromagnetic board 100. In various embodiments, the detecting means measures electrical impedance, uses radio frequency identification (RFID), uses a camera, or measures weight to determine the location of the magnetic piece. In some embodiments, the detecting means can determine which electromagnet the piece is on top of, and in other embodiments the detecting means can determine where on the electromagnet the piece is. For example, if the magnetic piece is on the edge of the electromagnet. In some embodiments, the detecting means are the coils of the electromagnets, and the coils use RFID to determine the pieces location. In derivative embodiments, the detecting means is a separate set of coils parallel to the horizontal electromagnets, arranged above or below the horizontal electromagnet coils. Coils used for RFID can be aligned or un-aligned with the coils used as electromagnets.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a single horizontal electromagnet 101a from electromagnetic board 100. Horizontal electromagnet 101a is comprised of a square coil 104. In some embodiments, the coil 104 is made from an electrically conductive material. When a current is applied to the conductive material a magnetic field is generated around square coil 104. FIG. 20 depicts a sample magnetic field that is generated by a current flowing through coil 104. The current is flowing in current direction 120. The current causes the center magnetic field 121 to be directed upwards and the outer magnetic field 122 to be directed downwards. The magnetic field 121, 122 is generally toroidal shaped around the coil. By alternating the current direction 120, a user can alternate the direction of both the center magnetic field 121 and the outer magnetic field 122. Alternating the magnetic fields allows the magnetic field at the electromagnet center 102a to either attract or repel a piece. When a magnetic field would attract the piece it can be referred to as a pull magnetic field and when a magnetic field would repel the piece it can be referred to as a push magnetic field.
FIG. 3 is a schematic showing a piece 110 configured to move about electromagnetic board 100. In a preferred embodiment, the piece 110 is magnetic. In a derivative embodiment, the piece 110 is comprised of a magnet and other material. In one embodiment, the piece 110 is 20% magnet and 80% other material, by weight. In other embodiments the piece 110 is 10% magnet by weight. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the piece 110 is on an origin electromagnet 201. Through the creation of magnetic fields, the piece 110 can be made to travel to any other electromagnet on the board 100, each depicted by a square. In various embodiments, the electromagnets do not line up exactly with the squares.
In various embodiments, the pieces are different sizes and shapes. FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a ring magnet having a north pole 2101 and a south pole 2102. The ring magnet can be part of a piece or the entire piece, depending on the usage and design. FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a bar magnet 2200 having a north pole 2201 and a south pole 2202. FIG. 26 is an isometric view of bar magnet 2200 on an electromagnetic board 2603. As shown in FIG. 26, the bar magnet can be the length of a single electromagnetic coil, however, in other embodiments bar magnet 2200 is larger or smaller. FIG. 23 is a circular cylindrical magnet 2300 having a north pole 2301 and a south pole 2302. FIG. 27 is an isometric view of magnet 2300 inside piece 2711 on board 2703. In the embodiment of FIG. 27, magnet 2300 is a small percentage of the size of piece 2711, but in other embodiments magnet 2300 can be smaller or bigger, including being the entirety of piece 2711. Many different shaped pieces and magnets can be used for various means. For example, ball magnets can be used to roll an object.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart that represents one method for moving a piece across electromagnetic board 100. First, in step 301 a push magnetic field is generated at the destination. Next, in step 302 a pull magnetic field is generated at the origin. Finally, in step 303, a pull magnetic field is generated at the destination. The steps in the flow chart are able to work due to the toroidal magnetic field created by the electromagnetic coil. Step 301, generates a push magnetic field at the destination, which in the example of FIG. 4 is the center of an electromagnet. Due to the toroidal magnetic field, shown in FIG. 20, when a push magnetic field is created in the center of the electromagnet, an oppositely aligned magnetic field is created on the edges of the electromagnet. Therefore, although seemingly counter-intuitive, a magnetic field that would push away the magnet from the electromagnet's center will pull the magnet to the outskirts of said electromagnet. The same effect will occur on the origin magnet, where a push magnetic field will have an attraction force at the outskirts of said electromagnet. Thus, a push magnetic field at the destination and push magnetic field and the origin will cause the magnetic piece to be pulled to the edge of each of those electromagnets. In one embodiment, each electromagnet is turned off, before a pull magnetic field at the center of the destination is generated, causing the magnetic piece to be forced to the destination.
Since the strength of the magnetic field is dependent on the strength of the current, the amount of current applied to the electromagnets can vary. In some embodiments, it is advantageous to ramp up the current, thus ramping up the magnetic field, to prevent the magnetic piece from jumping, or popping off the electromagnetic board. In various embodiments, providing different strength currents to different electromagnetic coils provides an advantage moving the magnetic pieces.
An example of the process of FIG. 4 can be explained via the squares on FIG. 3. To begin, magnetic piece 110 is at the center of origin electromagnet 201, with a destination of the center of electromagnet 202. In one embodiment, origin electromagnet 201 has a small pull magnetic field to keep magnetic piece 110 in place before it is to be moved. To begin movement, destination electromagnet 202 is turned on to have a push force at its center. Then, origin electromagnet 201 is turned to have a push force at its center. The magnetic piece will move from the origin electromagnet 201 to the edge of origin electromagnet 201 and edge of destination electromagnet 202. Once the magnetic piece has arrived at said edge, the magnetic fields are turned off and only a pull magnetic field at destination electromagnet 202 is turned on. The magnet will be pushed from the border and pulled to the center of electromagnet 202. In some embodiments, the end destination of the piece 110 is further away than 1 square. In such embodiments, the process of FIG. 4 is reiterated to get the piece 110 to the end destination.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an electromagnetic board 500 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The electromagnetic board 500 has a plurality of electrical terminals 501. The electric terminals can receive a current and send such current to an electromagnet, such as electromagnet 502. In one embodiment, each terminal controls a single electromagnet. In other embodiments, a plurality of terminals is used to control each electromagnet. FIG. 19 depicts a plurality of multiplexers 1901, which may be used in place of terminals 501. In some embodiments, the multiplexers send signals from one side to generate a pull force and from another side to generate a push force. In other embodiments, the multiplexers work together to generate the appropriate magnetic field. In one embodiment, the multiplexers 1901 are controlled by a controller. The controller can be a computer system external to the electromagnetic board, or built into the electromagnetic board. In some embodiments, the controller is responsive to user inputs. In derivative embodiments, the controller can determine the paths required to move a piece from a current position to an end destination. In further embodiments, the multiplexers are MOSFETs or other switching devices.
The electromagnetic board 500, shown in FIG. 5, has a plurality of electromagnets in each square of the board. For example, the center space has an electromagnet E3 at the center, and then a half of an electromagnet on the edges, and a quarter of an electromagnet on the corners. In the embodiment of electromagnetic board 500, the destination would be an electromagnet. To move from the square with A1 at the center to the square with E3 at the center, a magnetic piece can go through a plurality of iterations, moving from A1-C6-E1-F2-E3 for example. In other embodiments, the magnetic piece can move diagonally from A1-D7-E3, as shown in electromagnetic board 500 in FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of electromagnetic board 500, having magnetic pieces 510, 511, and 512. FIG. 6 shows magnetic piece 510 moving from one square of the board to another square diagonally, avoiding other magnetic pieces 511 and 512. In some embodiments, the magnetic forces of the magnetic pieces 511 and 512 need to be counteracted while the piece 510 traverses the board. In such embodiments, the magnetic field strength in the destination electromagnet, for example, is increased compared to a strength when there are no other magnetic pieces around. In some embodiments, the electromagnets on which pieces 511 and 512 are located, generate a pull force keeping such pieces from moving as the electromagnets are changed around them, moving piece 510.
In some embodiments of the electromagnetic board, the piece 110 has a horizontal orientation. In other words, the piece 110 faces a specific direction. To force the piece 110 to face a desired direction, the electromagnetic board 100 is equipped with vertical electromagnets 103a-d. When a current is applied to the vertical electromagnets 103 an electromagnetic field in the horizontal direction is created. Therefore, the addition of vertical electromagnets allows control of electromagnetic fields in all three dimensions. Through the different orientations of the vertical electromagnets 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d a magnetic field which orientates the magnetic piece 110 can be created. In some embodiments, the magnetic piece 110 has a secondary magnet that is orientated to receive the horizontal orientation force created by vertical electromagnets 103. In other embodiments, the horizontal electromagnets adjacent to the magnetic piece 110 can be turned on to orientate the magnetic piece.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 24 is an isometric view of magnetic piece 2421 having an orientation magnet 2423 on board 2403 as well as a movement magnet 2422. The primary purpose of the movement magnet is for allowing the piece 2421 to be moved from location to location on the board 2403, while the primary purpose of the orientation magnet 2423 is for allowing the piece 2421 to be rotationally oriented with respect to the board 2403. The orientation magnet 2423 is located at or near the edge of the piece 2421. Therefore, when a magnetic field attracts orientation magnet 2423, it will cause rotation of piece 2421 such that orientation magnet 2423 is closest to the magnetic fields origin. Thus, by creating a magnetic field to the right of the piece 2421, for example, the piece will rotate such that the orientation magnet is on the right side of the piece. Piece 2431 also has a larger movement magnet 2422, which is at or near the center of mass of the piece, such that its reaction to magnetic fields does not rotate the magnet. Instead, movement magnet 2422, along with magnetic fields created by electromagnets, causes the magnetic attraction or repulsion required to move the piece 2421 about the board 2403. As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the movement magnets are often have a horizontal polarity split.
FIG. 25 is an isometric view of board 2403 with magnetic piece 2421 and a supplemental magnetic piece 2511. Each piece 2421, 2511 has a corresponding orientation magnet 2423, 2513, respectively, which orientates the piece. In some embodiments, when the pieces pass each other they perform a do-si-do like maneuver wherein the pieces do not change orientations as they pass. In other maneuvers the pieces can change orientations as they pass, depending on the desire of the user. The pieces 2421, 2511, can be controlled to move at the same time, or one at a time. In some embodiments, it may appear to a common user that the pieces are being controlled at the same time, due to the speed at which the two pieces are alternatingly controlled. During alternating control, the electromagnet on which the non-moving piece is on can exert a pull force to lock the piece in place. However, this may not be necessary in all embodiments as the movement of a piece is generally caused by creating a push force to start the piece moving.
FIG. 7A is an isometric view of vertical electromagnet 103 and FIG. 7B is a front view of vertical electromagnet 103. In one embodiment, vertical electromagnet 103 is printed into a printed circuit board, such as electromagnetic board 100. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, each loop of coil comprises a flat current conducting material connected to a cylindrical end which moves the current to another flat conductor. To maintain a full loop, one cylindrical end 730 is slightly offset, so as to not overlap any of the coils. In one embodiment, the offset cylindrical end 730 is one terminal for the current to enter the vertical electromagnet 103.
FIG. 8A is an isometric view of vertical electromagnet 103 and FIG. 8B is a front view of vertical electromagnet 103. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the vertical electromagnet has a rounded outside edges. Terminals 830a and 830b are connected to an electrical source to provide the current through vertical electromagnet 103. If the current through the terminals 830a, 830b, is reversed a magnetic field in the opposite direction is obtained.
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of electromagnet 901 on electromagnetic board 900 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Electromagnet 901 is designed to create a magnetic field when current is run through coil 904. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the coil 904 is hexagonally shaped. The hexagonal shape may be advantageous due to the desired shape of the board. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic board 900 comprises vertical coils 903a, 903b. The vertical coils are optional depending on whether the magnetic pieces have a magnetically guided orientation. In some embodiments, the vertical coils 903a, 903b can aid in moving the magnetic piece across the board.
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of electromagnetic board 900 having hexagonal electromagnets. The electromagnets 901, 915, 916 are comprised of conductive coil hexagonally shaped around a center. Between the borders, and around the edges, of the horizontal electromagnets are vertical electromagnets 903. While FIG. 10 shows 3 electromagnets, in other embodiments, the hexagonal grid contains as many electromagnets as needed. In some embodiments, the electromagnets 901, 915, 916 are printed onto a circuit board.
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of triangular electromagnet 1101 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Triangular electromagnet 1101 is comprised of a conductive coil 1104 in a triangle shape. Due to the unique shape of the coils, triangular electromagnet 1101 can have a unique magnet field when current passes through the conductive coil 1104. The center of the electromagnet will either attract or repel a magnetic piece depending on whether the current through the conductive coil 1104 is clockwise or counterclockwise.
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a plurality of triangular electromagnets 1101 arranged on an electromagnetic board 1100. In the embodiment of FIG. 12 each coil is arranged such that the collection of triangular electromagnets forms a hexagon. In some embodiments, a collection of hexagons comprising triangular electromagnets form an electromagnetic board. In such embodiments, the center of the triangles can be a space on the board. In other embodiments, each triangle is a space on the electromagnetic board. In some embodiments, the magnetic piece only moves across the sides of the triangles, and does not traverse the corners of the magnetic field because the magnetic field strength is not strong enough to drive movement. However, the adjacent sides of the triangular electromagnets form a strong barrier that would allow the magnetic piece to easily transverse without much interference from the magnetic coils of other electromagnets, if the others were to be on at the same time.
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of triangular electromagnetic board 1300 comprising horizontal electromagnet 1301 and flat oval shaped vertical electromagnets 1303 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This electromagnetic board can be combined with other similarly sized electromagnets to form a larger electromagnetic board as shown in FIG. 14. In some embodiments the vertical electromagnets 1303 jut out as shown, but in other embodiments they are incorporated into a flat electromagnetic board. FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view of electromagnetic board 1300. The bottom view shows the angles of the vertical electromagnets 1303 relative to each other.
FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a square electromagnetic board 1600 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electromagnetic board 1600 comprises 4 square electromagnets 1601, 1650, 1651, and 1652. Each electromagnet has a center and 4 sides. Between each square electromagnet is a vertical electromagnet 1603. If a magnetic piece is moving from the origin 1602 to the destination 1660, it can traverse the board diagonally. Electromagnet 1601 comprising the origin, 1602, can be referred to as the origin electromagnet and electromagnet 1650 comprising the destination, 1660, can be referred to as the destination electromagnet. The other electromagnets 1651, 1652, which border the origin and destination electromagnets 1601, 1650 can be referred to as neighbor electromagnets. The first step in moving the piece to the destination 1660 is to turn on a magnetic field from electromagnet 1650 that would repel the piece at the destination 1660. Due to the toroidal nature of the magnetic field created by the electromagnet, the magnetic field generated attracts the piece on the edges of electromagnet 1650. In most embodiments, the attraction of the piece to the edges is not a strong enough force to counteract the static friction of the piece. Therefore, the next step is to trigger a magnetic field at the origin 1602 that repels the piece. Since the magnetic field around electromagnet 1601 is not directional parallel to the coil, the magnetic field caused by electromagnet 1601 could drive the piece in any direction. However, due to the magnetic field created by the edges of electromagnet 1650, the piece should be guided in that direction.
In some embodiments, electromagnets 1651 and 1652 can be turned on to help pull the piece towards the destination 1660. In some embodiments, to cause the piece to move towards destination 1660, electromagnets 1651 and 1652 have a magnetic field that repels the piece at its center and attracts the piece at its edge. In derivative embodiments, the piece may move to the edges of electromagnet 1651, 1652, or 1650. In this embodiment, if the piece moves to the edge of either electromagnet 1651 or 1652, such electromagnet can switch to generate a pull magnetic field at the center and then restart the process with the center of such electromagnet as the origin. In such a process, the piece moves in an L shape instead of diagonally across the electromagnetic board. In some embodiments, the electromagnets can detect where the magnetic piece is on the board to know which process to use. In other embodiments, a detection layer is played over or under the electromagnetic board 1600, which detects where the piece is. The detection layer is also beneficial if the end destination is further away, such that the electromagnetic board 1600 knows when to begin one step and move to the next. For example, when the piece is detected at destination 1660, this may trigger a new process with 1660 as the origin and an electromagnet further away as the new destination.
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of electromagnet 1601 from electromagnetic board 1600, having two flat oval vertical electromagnets 1603. FIG. 18 is an underside view of electromagnetic board 1600 showing four flat oval vertical electromagnetic 1603. Electromagnetic board 1600 comprises terminals 1630a 1630b. These terminals allow a current course to attach to the electromagnets. The current source is controlled via a controller, and can vary the current and direction of said current.
The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be merely exemplary; numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in any appended claims.
Patent Application
20240058690
