Patent Application
20060111191
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a torque transfer system and a method of using a torque transfer system, and more particularly, to a system and a method for transferring torque between physically disconnected rotating shafts.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In general, transmission of rotational motion is accomplished by coupling rotating shafts using a combination of physically connected members. For example, in order to transfer rotational motion from a first rotational shaft to a second rotational shaft, either gears, belts, or chains are commonly used. However, due to mechanical friction between the physically connected members, significant amounts of heat are generated that causes premature failures of the physically connected members and increases costs and loss of productivity due to repairs. Moreover, although the mechanical friction may be reduced by supplying a lubricant to the physically connected members, operational speed of the physically connected members has a maximum upper limit, thereby severely limiting transfer of the rotational motion between the first and second rotational shafts.
In addition, safety devices are commonly implemented to prevent damage to the first and second rotation shafts, as well as to the physically connected members. For example, shear devices are commonly used that mechanically disconnect either the rotating shafts or physically connected members in the event that a maximum torque limit is achieved. Thus, in the event that the maximum torque limit is achieved, the shear device must be replaced, thereby increasing costs and decreasing productivity.
Furthermore, alignment of the first and second rotational shafts must be maintained at all times in order to prevent any shearing stresses on the rotational shafts. Moreover, any misalignment of the first and second rotational shafts will result in a transfer of corresponding shearing stresses to the physically connected members.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a torque transfer system that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for transferring rotational motion and torque that prevents generation of heat and friction.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for transferring rotational motion and torque that includes a method for preventing damage to the system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for transferring rotational motion and torque that prevents transmission of shearing stresses.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for transferring rotational motion and torque that includes a method for preventing transmission of shearing stresses.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a system for transferring rotational motion includes a first rotational shaft extending along a first axial direction, and a second rotational shaft disposed along a second axial direction and spaced apart from the first rotational shaft, wherein the first rotational shaft is magnetically coupled to the second rotational shaft.
In another aspect, a method of transferring rotational motion includes rotating a first shaft about a first axial direction, and rotating a second shaft about a second axial direction, the second shaft disposed from the first shaft by a gap distance, wherein the rotation of the second shaft is caused by magnetic coupling to the first shaft.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
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Accordingly, as the first rotational shaft 1A rotates about a first axial direction, the second magnetic members 3A and 3B are repelled by the first magnetic members 2A and 2B, thereby rotating the second rotational shaft 1B about a second axial direction identical to the first axial direction. Conversely, as rotation of the first rotational shaft 1A is reduced or increased along the first axial direction, rotation of the second rotational shaft 1B is reduced or increased by a direct correlation. Thus, as rotational torque increases or decreases along the first rotational shaft 1A, a corresponding amount of rotational torque may increase or decrease along the second rotational shaft 1B.
However, if the amount of torque transmitted along the first rotational shaft 1A abruptly stops or abruptly increases, the magnetic repulsion between the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B may be overcome. Accordingly, the first rotational shaft 1A may actually rotate at least one-half of a revolution with respect to rotation of the second rotational shaft 1B. Thus, the abrupt stoppage or increase of the torque transmitted along the first rotational shaft 1A may be accommodated by the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B, thereby preventing any damage to the second rotational shaft 1B. In other words, if the change of transmitted torque exceeds the magnetic repulsion of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B, then the second rotational shaft 1B may “slip” in order to accommodate the change in torque. As compared to the related art, no shearing device may be necessary in order to prevent damage to the second rotational shaft 1B by the abrupt stoppage or increase of the torque transmitted along the first rotational shaft 1A.
In addition, since no additional mechanical members are necessary to transmit the rotational motion, as well as rotational torque, from the first rotational shaft 1A to the second rotational shaft 1B, heat is not generated nor is any noise generated. Thus, according to the present invention, no heat signature is created nor is any traceable noise generated. Thus, the present invention is applicable to systems that require stealth operation.
According to the present invention, various types and configurations of magnetic members may be implemented to achieve the same transfer of rotational torque from one shaft to another shaft. For example, the geometric shape and size of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B may be changed in order to provide specific magnetic coupling of the first and second rotational shafts 1A and 1B. Thus, the geometric shape and size of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B may include curved magnets, circular magnets, or non-linear geometries. Moreover, each of the first magnetic members 2A and 2B may have a first geometry and size and each of the second magnetic members 3A and 3B may have a second geometry and size different from the first geometry and size.
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It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the torque transfer system of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
