USOO6630806B1

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,630,806 B1

Brits et al. (45) Date of Patent: Oct. 7, 2003

(54) SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A ROTARY (56) References Cited

DEVICE U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(76) Inventors: Ludwig Emma Brits, 32A Sterling 1908.364 A * 5/1933 Kern
Street, Manunda, QLD 4870 (AU); 2,414,787 A * 1/1947 Post
Victor John Christie, 8 Longden 2,870,388 A * 1/1959 Thomas
Street, Brinsmead, QLD 4870 (AU) 3,327,185 A * 6/1967 Kawada
3,333,171 A * 7/1967 Platnick
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 3,350,615 A : 10/1967 Lindner
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 3,466,519 A 9/1969 Platnick
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. * cited by examiner
(21) Appl. No.: 09/831,169 Primary Examiner Bentsu Ro
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-James Ray and Associates
(22) PCT Filed: Nov. 4, 1999 (57) ABSTRACT
(86) PCT No.: PCT/AU99/00962
A System for controlling a rotatable device, the System
S371 (c)(1), comprising a controller and a rotary device, which has a
(2), (4) Date: Jul. 13, 2001 Stator and rotor, wherein the controller is connected to the
(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO00/28656 rotary device to control rotation of the rotary device, and
y --- wherein the controller is adapted to periodically energizes at
PCT Pub. Date: May 18, 2000 least one energizing coil of the device to create a magnetic
30 Foreign Application Prioritv D field of a polarity which induces the rotor to rotate in a Single
(30) oreign Application Priority Data direction and wherein the controller is Switched off So as to
Nov. 6, 1998 (AU) .............................................. PP6961 de-energize the energizing coil when other forces, being
7 forces other than those resulting from the energized ener
(51) U.S.
(52) Int. Cl.'
Cl .................................................. H02P 6/16 gizing coil, produce a resultant force which induces rotation
2 OX O -- O - - -- --
... 318/.439; 318/254 of the rotor in the Single direction.
(58) Field of Search ................................. 318/138, 254,
318/439, 700, 720–724 18 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Oct. 7, 2003 Sheet 1 of 9 US 6,630,806 B1

18 2O 13 19

ZXZZ
17
NNY -4 --
- O

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ 17
- T,
N
3 & As
2ZZZZZZZ

21 25 28 22 25
28
27 14
2x2x2
24
Figure 3.
U.S. Patent Oct. 7, 2003 Sheet 2 of 9 US 6,630,806 B1

Figure 4A.
U.S. Patent Oct. 7, 2003 Sheet 3 of 9 US 6,630,806 B1

Figure 4B.

Mag Force Max

Figure 5.
U.S. Patent Oct. 7, 2003 Sheet 5 of 9 US 6,630,806 B1
U.S. Patent Oct. 7, 2003 Sheet 6 of 9 US 6,630,806 B1

30

MNMUM MNMUM
U.S. Patent US 6,630,806 B1

Ficure 9.
U.S. Patent Oct. 7, 2003 Sheet 8 of 9 US 6,630,806 B1

Fidure 10.
 US 6,630,806 B1
1 2
SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A ROTARY to control rotation of the rotary device, and wherein the
DEVICE controller is adapted to periodically energise at least one
energising coil of the device to create a magnetic field of a
polarity which induces the rotor to rotate in a Single direction
FIELD OF THE INVENTION and wherein the controller is Switched off So as to
de-energise the energising coil when other forces, being
The present invention relates to motors which are used for forces other than those resulting from the energised ener
generating a torque and generators which are used for gising coil produce a resultant force which induces rotation
generating electricity. of the rotor in the Single direction.
Preferably the controller is adapted to energise the ener
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION gising coil for a period during which the resultant force from
A typical electric motor consists of a Stator and rotor. the other forces acts to rotate the rotor in the opposite
direction, whereby the force applied by the energising coil
The operation of an electric motor is based on the prin overcomes (is greater than) the resultant force.
cipal that an electric current through a conductor produces a The controller is preferably adapted to Switch off to
15
magnetic field, the direction of current in an electro de-energise the energising coil before the resultant force is
magnetic Such as a coil of wire determines the location of the ZCO.
magnets poles and like magnetic poles repel and opposite The controller preferably is adapted to Switch off to
poles attract. de-energise the energising coil for a period before the
The stator which is typically called the field structure resultant force is zero, and to allow back EMF induced by
establishes a constant magnetic field in the motor. other forces to urge the rotor to rotate in the Single direction
Typically the magnetic field is established by permanent before the resultant force is zero.
magnets which are called field magnets and located at Preferably the resultant force excludes forces arising from
equally spaced intervals around the rotor. back EMF.
The rotor or armature typically consists of a Series of 25 The energising coil may be adapted to be energised by the
equally Spaced coils which are able to be energised to controller through a predetermined angle of a complete
produce a magnetic field and thus north or South poles. revolution of the rotor.
By keeping the coils energised the interacting magnetic Alternatively the energising coil is adapted to be ener
fields of the rotor and the stator produce rotation of the rotor. gised by the controller for a predetermined period of time for
each revolution of the motor.
To ensure that rotation occurs in a Single direction a Preferably the/each energising coil is energised more than
commutator is typically connected to the windings of the once during a single revolution (cycle) of the rotor.
coils of the rotor So as to change the direction of the current The/each or at least one energising coil may be energised
applied to the coils.
If the direction of the current was not reversed the rotor each time the resultant force applies a force to the rotor in
would rotate in one direction and then reverse its direction 35 the opposite direction.
before a full cycle of rotation could be completed. The/each or at least one energising coil may be energised
by a periodic pulse applied by the controller.
The above description typifies a DC motor. AC motors do The periodic pulses are preferably all of the same Sign.
not have commutators because alternating current reverses The/each or Selected ones of the energising coils are
its direction independently. 40 energised whenever the resultant force is in the opposite
For a typical AC motor Such as an induction motor the direction and then for a period less than the period during
rotor has no direct connection to the external Source of
electricity. Alternating current flows around field coils in the which the resultant force changes from Zero to a maximum
and back to Zero.
Stator and produces a rotating magnetic field. This rotating According to one embodiment the Stator has the at least
magnetic field induces an electric current in the rotor result 45
one energising coil.
ing in another magnetic field. The rotor may have at least one magnetic field generating
This induced magnetic field from the rotor interacts with means which is able to generate a magnetic field which
the magnetic field from the Stator causing the rotor to turn. interacts with the magnetic field generated by the/each
An electric generator is effectively the reverse of an energising coil when energised, to apply a force to rotate the
electric motor. Instead of Supplying electricity to coils of 50
rotor in one direction.
either the Stator or rotor, the rotor or armature is rotated by The/each energising coil preferably includes a magnetic
physical forces produced by a prime mover. interaction means which is adapted to either repel or attract
In effect a generator changes mechanical energy into the magnetic field generating means.
electrical energy. 55 According to another embodiment the magnetic interac
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
tion means is adapted to attract the magnetic field generating
CS.
The present invention is aimed at providing an improved The magnetic interaction means may comprise a ferrous
rotary device which operates with improved efficiency com body or body of another substance which is attractable to a
pared to conventional rotary devices. 60 magnetised body.
The present invention is also concerned with providing a The magnetic field generating means may be a permanent
System for controlling a rotary device which is able to magnet.
generate electrical and/or mechanical energy. The magnetic interaction means may be an iron core or a
According to the present invention there is provided a permanent magnet.
System for controlling a rotary device, the System compris 65 Preferably the magnetic field generating means comprises
ing a controller and a rotary device, which has a Stator and a permanent magnet, or member attractable to a magnetised
rotor, wherein the controller is connected to the rotary device body.
 US 6,630,806 B1
3 4
The Stator preferably comprises a plurality of energising The rotary Switch may have the same number of contacts
coils evenly Spaced around the rotor. as the number of Magnetic field generating means, being
Each energising coil is preferably an electromagnet. magnets in their preferred form.
Preferably the or each energising coil includes the mag The/each contact may have a width that varies with
netic interaction means through its coil. Vertical height.
Preferably the rotor comprises a plurality of evenly The rotary Switch preferably comprises adjustable
Spaced magnetic field generating means. brushes which are able to be moved vertically.
According to one embodiment the rotor comprises a The contacts preferably taper in width from a top end to
plurality of evenly Spaced permanent magnets. a bottom end thereof.
The evenly Spaced permanent magnets may all be of the The rotary Switch and rotor may be located on coaxial
Same polarity. central axis.
The evenly Spaced magnetic field generating means may The rotary Switch and rotor may be mounted on a com
be energisable coils simulating magnets. mon axial.
15 Preferably the rotor Switch is mounted in a separate
Preferably the poles of the magnetic field generating
means are all the same. chamber from the rotor.
The magnetic poles produced by energised energising According to one embodiment each energising coil is
coils may be the Same as that for the magnetic field gener adapted to repel an adjacent magnetic field generating means
ating means. when energised.
According to an alternative embodiment an alternating Each energising coil may be adapted to be energised by
pattern of poles for the energising coils is provided. back EMF only for a predetermined period of each cycle.
According to another embodiment an alternating pattern The predetermined period preferably occurs after current
of permanent magnets is provided for the rotor. to the energising coil is Switched off.
According to a further embodiment of the present inven 25 According to a further embodiment the/each energising
tion the Stator has a plurality of magnetic flux generating coil is adapted to attract the magnetic field generating means
CS. of the rotor.
The magnetic field generating means for the Stator may be The present invention contemplates a number of varia
permanent magnets. tions to the components making up the Systems described
Preferably the rotor comprises a plurality of energising above. For example the current, Voltage, magnetic field
coils and a commutator. generated, the number of poles of magnets for the rotor/
Stator may all vary and accordingly will effect the timing of
The rotor may be an armature and the Stator may be a field Switching of energising coils.
winding.
Preferably the rotor magnetic field generating means is 35
The rotary device may have a greater number of magnetic
energised by an external power Supply being DC or AC poles generated on the Stator/field winding than in the
Current.
rotor/armature or Vice versa.
The Stator magnetic interaction means may be energised According to one embodiment the number of poles on
both of these are the same.
by coils operating on AC or DC current. It is preferred that the Switching of the energising coils
40
According to one embodiment the Stator includes at least which is controlled by the controller is adapted to maximise
one induction coil which is adapted to have a current the influence of back EMF produced.
induced therein by the magnetic field generating means of It is preferred that the energising coils are effectively
the rotor.
The/each induction coil may be separate from the/each provided with a pulsed electric current of minimum
energising coil. 45 duration, which duration is enough to maintain rotation of
the rotor and produce a desired output of torque or current.
The/each induction coil may also be the energising coil.
The/each energising coil may be adapted to be connected BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
to an output circuit whereby current induced in the/each Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
energising coil is output to the output circuit. 50 be described by way of example only with reference to the
It is preferred that Switching circuitry is adapted to rectify accompanying drawings in which:
current induced in the induction coils.
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional front view of a rotary
It is preferred that the rectifying occurs just before the or device an a control therefore in accordance with a first
each energising coil is energised by the power Supply. embodiment of the invention;
Preferably current output to the output circuit is adapted 55
to be used to run an electric device.
FIG. 2 shows a top view of the controller shown in FIG.
1,
The controller preferably comprises a Switching circuit FIG. 3 shows a side view of the controller shown in FIG.
which is adapted to connect the/each energising coil to an 1;
output circuit when no current is generated to energise the 60 FIG. 4a shows a schematic view of a system for control
energising coil. ling rotary device in accordance with the first embodiment
Preferably the controller provides a switching circuit. of the present invention;
The controller may be a rotary Switch. FIG. 4b shows a schematic view of the rotary device
The rotary Switch may have at least one contact which is shown in FIG. 4a,
aligned with the/each magnetic field generating means. 65 FIG. 5 shows a graphical representation of force Versus
Preferably the rotary Switch has at least one contact angular position of permanent magnet M1 of the System
aligned with the permanent magnets of the rotor. shown in FIG. 4a,
 US 6,630,806 B1
S 6
FIG. 6 shows a series of four graphs of input current This occurs by one of the contacts 14 to 17 being aligned
Versus angular movement of each permanent magnet of the in contact with brush 18. At this time current is applied from
system shown in FIG. 4a, the power Source VA and continues to be applied until the
FIG. 7 shows a graphical representation of input Voltage brush 18 is no longer in contact with one of the contacts 14
verSuS input current for each coil of the rotary device shown to 17.
in the system of FIG. 4a, For the three coil/four pole arrangement of the first
FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of variation of natural embodiment it is preferred that the brushes are moved to a
magnetic attraction verSuS angular displacement of a rotor vertical position where the width of each contact is sufficient
having a Single permanent magnet and a Stator having a for each of the Switches RS1, RS2 and RS3 to be closed for
Single energising coil, in accordance with a Second embodi 1251, 50" of the rotation of the rotor 11. After this time the
ment of the present invention; Switches RS1 to RS3 are open and no more current is
FIG. 9 shows a graphical representation of magnetic field delivered to any one of the coils A to C. When the current
Versus angular displacement in accordance with the Second to each of the coils is Switched off a back EMF is induced
embodiment of the present invention; in each of the coils A to C and thin back EMF represented
FIG. 10 shows a graphical representation of induced 15 by item Z results in current being maintained in each of the
induction verSuS angular displacement of the permanent coils for an additional Small period of tire after the contacts
magnet in accordance with the Second embodiment of the RS1 to RS3 are opened.
present invention; and By switching the coils A to C in the above manner the
FIG. 11 shows a further graphical representation of rotor 11 can be induced to rotate with a lower amount of
induced induction electro-magnetic force versus angular input current to the Stator than would be required if current
displacement of the permanent magnet in accordance with was delivered constantly to the coils A to C.
the Second embodiment of the present invention. Table 1 below shows the resultant force on the rotor 13 for
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS angular positions of the magnetS M1 to M4 for angular
As shown in FIG. 4a according to the first embodiment of 25 displacements of magnet from 5 to 30.
the invention a System is provided consisting of a rotor 11
having four permanent magnets M1, M2, M3 M4 which are TABLE 1.
evenly spaced at 90 with respect to each other. M1 5° CC 10°CC 15° CC 20°CC 25° CC 30° CC
The System includes a Stator 12 consisting of three M2 25° CW 20 CW 15 CW 10 CW 5° CW O
electromagnet energising coils A, B, C which are spaced M3
N4
55°
35°
CW
CW
50° CW
40 CC
45° CW
45° CC
4.0° CW
50 CC
35° CW 30° CW
55 CC 60
120° apart from each other. RF CC CC O CW CW O
Each coil A, B, C is connected in circuit with a power
Supply of 54 volts and a switch RS1, RS2, RS3.
Each of the contacts RS1, RS2, RS3 are part of a rotary As shown when the magnets of the rotor 13 are rotated 50
Switch 13 having contacts 14, 15, 16, 17 which are spaced 35 at a time the resultant force on the rotor changes from a
apart at 90 with respect to an adjacent contact. counter clockwise force from 5 to 15 to a clockwise force
The rotary Switch 13 is provided with contact brushes 18, from 15 to 30.
19 and is mounted on an axle 20 which is the same or At 0, 15 and 30 the resultant force on the rotor is Oso
common with the axle of the rotor 11. that if the permanent magnets of the rotor were aligned in
Each of the contacts 14, 15, 16, 17 is specially configured 40 any of these orientations there would be no resultant force to
with a trapezoidal shape, with the two non-parallel sides urge the rotor either clockwise or anti clockwise.
consisting of a Straight Side 21, and a tapered side 22 which As shown in FIG. 5 a plot of magnitude of resultant force
tapers outwardly from top side 23 to bottom side 24. applied to the rotor againstangular displacement of the rotor
The result is that each contact increases in a width moving 45
shows a sinusoidal curve having a cycle of 30.
from the top side to the bottom side 24. For a full 360° rotation of the rotor the rotor would
The brush 18 is able to be moved vertically relative to the experience 12 cycles of variation in resultant force.
contacts 14, 15, 16, 17 while the brush 19 is in constant What Table 1 and FIG. 5 shows is that unless an additional
contact with the base. force is applied to rotate the rotor clockwise or anticlock
Although FIG. 1 only shows the rotary Switch 13 having 50 wise the rotor will not be able to spin continuously in either
a single series of four contacts 14, 15, 16, 17, for the three direction.
coil stator shown in FIG. 4a there would in fact be preferably If it is assumed that it is desired to rotate the rotor
three contact discs on the axle 20. clockwise, then the force must overcome the counterclock
Each contact disc would have contacts for a respective wise resultant force which occurs from 0 to 15, 30 to 45,
one of the coils A, B, C, but each brush for the other discs 55 60° to 75° etc through the whole 360° rotation of the rotor.
would be offset by 30° and 60° respectively. Because each of the coils. A to C has an iron core even
A description of the operation of the System shown in when the coils are unenergised the natural magnetic attrac
FIGS. 1 to 4a will now be set forth below. tion occurring between each magnet and the iron cores
If it is assumed that the magnets M1, M2, M3 M4 are results in each magnet M1 to M4 attempting to move in a
initially aligned as shown in FIG. 4a with magnet M1 60 direction to the closest iron core.
opposite one end of coil A, coil A is energised whenever one Whenever a magnet is opposite an iron core the magnetic
of the magnets M1 to M4 is aligned opposite it and for a attraction is greatest and there is no force applied by that
predetermined time after the permanent magnet has passed magnet to move the rotor either clockwise or counterclock
it. wise. Likewise when a magnet is positioned midway
As shown in FIG. 6 coil A is energised by contact RS1 65 between adjacent iron cores, there is also a resultant force of
providing an electrical connection through the rotary Switch 0 which translates to no resultant force being applied to the
13. rotor to rotate it in either direction by that magnet.
 US 6,630,806 B1
7 8
As shown in FIG. 5 and Table 1 if magnet M1 is moved Stator Coil
clockwise 5 there is a natural attraction between the magnet The physical Size of the coils being positioned onto the
M1 and iron core of coil A to pull the magnet M1 in a Stator iron core(s), the type of wire used to wind the coil(s)
counter clockwise direction. If the resultant forces applied Such as copper, Silver, aluminum or others. The shape and
by the other magnets were Sufficient to overcome the attrac Section areas of the winding wire, Such as round, Square,
tion between permanent magnet M1 and the iron core of coil triangular, rectangular and others, the number of turns and
A the rotor would still manage to move clockwise. layers wound onto the coil and consequent ohms resistance;
However as shown in Table 1 the angular position of the the method of winding onto a coil holder, Single winding,
other magnets M2 to M4 results in an overall counter double winding, double winding Same direction, double
clockwise resultant force winding opposite direction, left to right or Vice versa,
To overcome the resultant force it is necessary to produce interwoven winding, whether the above examples would be
a pole X at coil A of like polarity to magnet M1 and thus wound onto a Single coil holder.
repel M1 away from coil A. Speed of Rotor
As shown in FIG. 5 the strength of the magnetic repelling This can be controlled by the length of the directed (input)
action between coil Aand M1 must be Sufficient to overcome
15 DC current (on and cut off period) and/or the control of the
the resultant force urging the rotor counter clockwise.
Supply Voltage used to Supply the Stator coil(s).
Other variations that may be made to the system include
A current could be applied to the coil A for an angular the following:
displacement of 15 of magnet M1, but it is preferred that a. The coils can be connected in Series, parallel, or Series
coil Abe energised only for 12, 51", 50" angular displace parallel.
ment of magnet M1. By applying current to coil A for this b. It is only when the north/south arrangements of the
period of angular displacement a minimum amount of
current is applied to coil Ain order to overcome the resultant permanent magnets are used in the rotor that even
force counter clockwise which occurs for 0 to 15 of numbers of permanent magnets are necessary, but not
angular displacement of magnet M1. 25
necessarily even numbers of pairs of Stator coils posi
tioned in the stator. Furthermore the direction DC
Although current to coil A can be applied for longer than current Supplied to the stator coils in the north South
this period it has been discovered that by applying current arrangement above must be Synchronised, meaning that
for this period a back EMF is induced in coil A which adds the magnetic field as needed in the Stator coil(s) must
to the repulsive force applied to magnet M1 by coil A. be of corresponding polarity to the Stator coil(s), iron
Every time one of the magnets M1 to M4 is aligned at 0 core end, which faces the permanent magnets.
with coil A coil A is energised for 12, 51", 50" of angular c. When using permanent magnets which are all of the
displacement of that magnet. Thus as shown in FIG. 6 Same polarity, then any number of permanent magnets
current ends up being applied to coil A at 0° to 12,51", 50", in the rotor may be used providing there is Sufficient
90° to 102°, 51", 50", 180° to 192°, 51", 50" and 270° to room to contain them at even Spacings on the rotor.
282, 51", 50". 35
d. The Spacings between the permanent magnets must be
A similar Switching pattern is applied to coils B and C. For exact, if too close to each other the directed DC current
example coil B is energised when magnet M2 has moved 30 will become less effective, if too far apart the full
to when it has moved 42, 51, 50" and likewise coil C is potential will not be obtained.
energised when magnet M3 has moved 60° to 72,51', 50". 40 e. It is possible to have various combinations of perma
It is preferred that the rotor has a diameter of 230 mm and nent magnet and Stator coil iron cores Similar but not
that each coil has a resistance of 6.8 ohms.
restricted to the following:
FIG. 7 shows a graphical representation of input Voltage i. Three magnets in the rotor, one to three Stator coils
verSuS input current for a coil resistance of 6.8 ohms and for can be used.
a four pole rotor which is 230 mm in diameter. 45 ii. Five permanent magnets in the rotor, one to five
The exact timing Sequence for Switching coils on and off Stator coils can be used.
will vary depending on the parameters of the rotary device iii. Nine permanent magnets in the rotor one to three or
and the controller. nine Stator coils can be used.
Accordingly by varying the input voltage, coil resistance iv. The output varies with each combination.
and Overall impedance of the input circuit for each coil the 50 V. Regardless of the rotor containing even or uneven
duration during which a coil must be turned on will change. numbers of permanent magnets the Stator can operate
In fact there are many factors which can change the timing with only one Stator coil and Stator iron core and Still
Sequence of Switching on the coils and Some of these are be highly efficient but with reduced total output.
Summarised below. f. The Stator and rotor should be made from non magnetic
The Stator 55 materials like wood, plastic, bronze and Similar non
The variables include the choice of material used in magnetic materials.
constructing the Stator iron core, the number of Stator iron Although Switching is performed in its preferred form by
cores and their positioning as well as the physical size, a mechanical rotary Switch, it can also be performed by Solid
Section area and shape of the Stator iron cores. State electronics or other Switching devices.
Rotor 60 The length of the on period for each coil is the physical
The physical size and magnetic Strength and shape of the length ratio. When the brushes are in contact with the
polarised permanent magnetic body as contained in the conductive part of the rotary Switch and the non-conductive
rotor, the number of polarised permanent magnetised bodies part.
being contained in the rotor, the positioning and spacing of This ratio is referred as the frequency or number of ratioS
the Same, the use of all like polarities of permanent magnetic 65 in one Second.
bodies or the use of alternating polarities for the permanent The output produced by the rotary device can be mechani
magnetic bodies. cal and electrical at the Same time or may be mainly
 US 6,630,806 B1
10
electrical or mainly mechanical. The reason for this will be at 0° of the sine wave curve, being somewhere between
explained with reference to the second embodiment in which point A and point B, the natural magnetic attraction has
it is assumed the Stator has a single energising coil with an already increased.
iron core and the rotor has a Single permanent magnet. When the permanent magnet is at 0 of the sine wave
When the rotors permanent magnet is rotated very slowly curve and is moving towards point B or 180° of the sine
by hand in the clockwise direction it is possible to determine wave curve, the negative going induced induction in the
the point where the natural magnetic attraction between the Stator coil is producing an electro-magnetic force (field) in
rotors permanent magnet and the Stators iron core occurs. the Stator iron core with the iron core end facing the rotor
When the leading edge of the permanent magnet has being of an opposite polarity than the permanent magnet and
reached point A as shown in FIG. 8, the natural magnetic is at zero effect at 0° of the sine wave curve, than at
attraction begins and increases exponentially until the centre maximum effect at 90 of the sine wave curve and then back
of the permanent magnet is aligned at point B opposite the to zero effect at 180° of the sine wave curve.
iron core 30. The permanent magnet is then aligned at point B. There
If the permanent magnet is rotated away from point B the the magnetic attraction force is proportional with the dis
NMA will be at a maximum point at point B and then 15 tance and this increases exponentially when moving from A
decrease from maximum exponentially until the trailing towards point B. There the stator iron core is fixed and
edge of the permanent magnet has reached point C and then Stationary at point B. Accordingly it will be the permanent
CCSCS. magnet that moves towards point B.
When the rotor is moved clockwise at a constant Speed AS an example if the Stator iron core was also a polarised
and an oscilloscope is connected to the Stator coil it is permanent magnetic body of the same Strength but of
possible to observe the movement of the permanent mag opposite polarity to the permanent magnet, the magnetic
netic between point A and point B and then between point B attraction force would be at least four times greater because
and C as shown in FIG. 9. of the distance factor as explained earlier.
An induced induction curve is then apparent on the Furthermore, this would also occur because of the dou
oscilloscope and this induced induction produces a Sine 25 bling of the magnetic force between the magnetic north and
wave curve 31. Furthermore the induced induction between South arrangement. It follows therefore that the magnetic
point A to point B is a negative going induced induction in attraction between the permanent magnet and the iron core
this instance and the induced induction between point B and end facing the rotor increases dramatically when the induced
point C is a positive going induced induction in this instant. induction in the Stator coil produces an electro-magnetic
It is also noted that the negative going and positive going force of the opposite polarity at the Stator iron core end
induced induction curves are exactly the same but opposite facing the rotor as described above.
to each other. The increase follows the sine wave curve starting from 0
When the permanent magnet begins to induce a negative to 90 of the Sine wave and the above effect decreases form
going induction in the Stator coil at 0 of the Sine wave curve 90° back to 180° of the sine wave curve.
31, the induction induced is then at 0. At 90 degrees of the 35 A combination curve of the natural magnetic attraction
Sine wave curve the induced induction is at a maximum and and the induced induction in the Stator coil, producing an
then goes back to 0 when the permanent magnet is aligned electro-magnetic force at the Stator iron coil end facing the
with point B, or at 180 of the sine wave curve, when the rotor of opposite polarity 33 is shown in FIG. 10 from 0 to
permanent magnet Starts to move away from its alignment 180°. For 180° to 360 the stator iron coil and rotor of like
with point B or is at 180° of the sine wave curve. 40 polarities 34 are shown.
When the permanent magnets Start to move away from its When the permanent magnet is aligned at point B and a
alignment with point B and is moving towards point C the direct current is Supplied to the Stator coil for only a short
now positive going induced induction is first at 0 at 180 of period Starting at point B then the DC current is applied only
the sine wave curve, then at a maximum of 270 of the sine long enough to overcome the natural magnetic attraction
wave curve and then back to 0 at 360 of the sine wave 45 between permanent magnet and the Stator's iron core end
CWC. facing the rotor. The directed DC current as Supplied to the
It should be noted that 0 and 360 a of the sine wave Stator coil is producing a like-polarity at the iron core end
curve are not necessarily the same as point A for 0 and point facing the rotor and thus is repelling the permanent magnet
C for 360° of the sine wave curve. away from point B towards point C.
Points A and Care determined by the strength of the rotors 50 The natural magnetic attraction has thus changed to
permanent magnet and the Section area and/or shape of the natural magnetic repulsion due to the like-polarity of the
Stator iron core. Stator iron core end facing the rotor.
The negative going induced induction between 0 and The length of the “on” period has to be sufficient to
180 of the Sine wave curve produces an electro-magnetic overcome the natural magnetic attraction and could be as
force in the Stator coil and iron core of opposite polarity. 55 long as until the trailing edge reaches point C where the
The iron core end facing the rotor is of opposite polarity natural magnetic attraction ceases. However there the posi
than the permanent magnet in this instance, as shown in FIG. tive going induced induction in the Stator coil as produced by
10. the permanent magnet produces an electro-magnetic force in
The positive going induced induction between 180 and the Stator or iron core end facing the rotor, producing a like
360 of the Sine wave curve produces an electro-magnetic 60 polarity as the permanent magnet starting at 180 of the Sine
force in the Stator coil and iron core of the same polarity in wave curve or point Band Zero at that instant. At 270 of the
the iron core end facing the rotor, being of the Same polarity Sine wave curve, it is at a maximum and then ends up at Zero
as the permanent magnet in this instance. at 360° of the sine wave curve. In other words at 270° of the
When the permanent magnet reaches point A the natural Sine wave the force is at maximum repulsion and there is
magnetic attraction between the permanent magnet and the 65 induced induction in the Stator coil depending on the Speed
Stator iron core is at is minimum and Starts to move toward of the rotor. The effect of variation on the speed of the rotor
point B. When the induced induction then also starts to occur is shown by curves 35 in FIG. 11.
 US 6,630,806 B1
11 12
As shown in FIG. 11 regardless of the speed of the rotor For convenience and ease of explanation the above
the induced induction in the Stator coil is at a maximum at embodiments have been restricted to permanent magnets on
270 of the sine wave curve. the rotor and coils on the Stator However the basic concept
The on period can be brought back to the point where the behind the invention does not change if the permanent
induced induction is great enough to carry the electro magnets are replaced by coils which are energised to pro
magnetic repulsion through to 360 of the sine wave curve duce the appropriate magnetic poles.
and beyond point C. Therefore the greater the rotor speed the Similarly for an AC rotary device a rotating magnetic field
shorter the on period of the input DC current has tube due generated by the Stator winding or by the rotor/armature
to the high induced induction in the Stator coil as explained winding could similarly be Switched to reduce the amount of
earlier. When the “on” period is switched off it is called the current required to maintain rotation of the motor in one
direction and to maximise the influence of back EMF on
“cut-off point. From the cut-off point to 360 of the sine maintaining rotation of the motor in a single direction.
wave curve the repulsion is produced by back EMF the The above principles also apply to generators where coils
induced induction in the Stator coil as previously explained. are energised to produce a magnetic field. In Such a situation
During the on period, the magnetic repulsion force pro the coils are Switched on for a time Sufficient to maintain
duced between the Stator iron core at point B and the 15
rotation in the Single direction and to maximise the influence
permanent magnet can be viewed as a combined repulsion of back EMF which tends to maintain rotation of the
force. Some of this force is produced by natural magnetic rotor/armature in a single direction.
repulsion of the permanent magnet and Some by the input By using the above concept it is possible to produce an
DC current as supplied to the stator coil. Therefore if the output which can be both mechanical and electrical at the
induced magnetic force as produced by the input DC current Same time. Current generated in the Stator coil windings can
in the Stator coil is made equal to that of the permanent be used as an output and likewise the torque generated by the
magnet with the same polarity, then half of this repulsion rotor can be used to Supply a mechanical output. Likewise
force between the on period and the cut-off point, in this only one or the other form of output may be utilised.
instance, is from the natural magnetic repulsion of the What is claimed is:
permanent magnet as a reaction to the induced magnetic 25 1. A System for controlling a rotatable device, the System
force as Supplied by the input DC current to the Stator coil. comprising a controller and a rotary device, which has a
The input DC current as supplied to the stator coil Stator and rotor, wherein the controller is connected to the
produces the magnetic repulsion force and is the only rotary device to control rotation of the rotary device, and,
outside input to the overall System for total movement wherein the controller is adapted to periodically energise at
between point A and point C. least one energising coil of the device to create a magnetic
The total input can be Summarised as: field of a polarity which induces the rotor to rotate in a Single
direction and wherein the controller is Switched off So as to
a. The combined natural magnetic attraction and the de-energise the energising coil, and any other energising
electro-magnetic force as produced by the induced coils, when other forces, being forces other than those
induction in the Stator coil between point A to point B. resulting from the energised energising coil, and any other
35 energising coils, produce a resultant force which induces
b. The combined magnetic repulsion force between the
permanent magnet and the Stator iron core facing the rotation of the rotor in the Single direction.
rotor during the on period and the cut-off point. 2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controller
c. The electro-magnetic repulsion (see induced induction is adapted to energise the at least one energising coil for a
as explained earlier) between the cut-off point and point period during which the resultant force from the other forces
C 40 acts to rotate the rotor in the opposite direction, whereby the
d. The electro-magnetic repulsion produced by the back force applied by the at least one energising coil is greater
than the resultant force.
EMF as represented by shaded portion 36 of FIG. 11. 3. The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the controller
According to another embodiment of the present inven is adapted to Switch off input current to the energising coil
tion the stator has two coils positioned at 180 with respect 45 before the resultant force is zero.
to each other and the rotor has three permanent magnets 4. The system an claimed in claim3 wherein the controller
Spaced at 120 apart. is adapted to Switch off the at least one energising coil for a
As set out in Table 2 below from 0 to 30 the resultant
force urges the rotor counter clockwise. At 30 the resultant period before the resultant force is zero and to allow back
force is 0 and from 30 to 90° the resultant force is EMF to urge the rotor to rotate in the single direction before
50 the resultant force is Zero.
clockwise. From 90 to 120 the resultant force is counter
clockwise. This completes a full cycle which is repeated 5. The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the at least
one energising coil is adapted to be energised by the
three times throughout a 360° rotation of the rotor. controller through one or more predetermined angles of a
TABLE 2
complete revolution of the motor.
55 6. The System as claimed in claim 4 wherein the energis
M1 5° C. 10 CC 15° CC 20°CC 25° CC 30° CC ing coil is adapted to be energised by the controller for one
M2 .55 CW 50 CW 45 CW 40 CW 35 CW 30 CW or more predetermined periods of time for each revolution of
M3 65 CC 70 CC 75 CC 80 CC 85 CC 90 the rotor.
RF CC CC CC CC CC O
7. The system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the at least
60 one energising coil is adapted to be energised more than
With the above configuration of poles and coils if it is once during a Single revolution of the rotor.
desired to move the rotor clockwise, current would need to 8. The system as claimed in claim 7 wherein at least one
be Supplied to the coils of the Stator to overcome the counter of the energising coils is energised each time the resultant
clockwise force whenever this is counter clockwise, but as force applies a force to the rotor in the opposite direction.
explained previously, current does not need to be Supplied to 65 9. The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein at least one
the coil to energise the coil for the full period during which energising coil is energised by a periodic pulse applied by
the resultant force is counter clockwise. the controller.
 US 6,630,806 B1
13 14
10. The system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the periodic least one of the energising coils and the magnetic field
pulses are all of the Same sign. generating means comprises at least one permanent magnet.
11. The system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the at least 15. The system as claimed in claim 14 including a
one of the coils is energised whenever the resultant force is Switching circuit which is adapted to Switch off the control
in the opposite direction to the Single direction and then for ler and connect the energising coils to an output whereby
a period less than the predetermined period during which the included current in the energising coils can be used.
resultant force changes from Zero to a maximum. 16. The system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the
12. The system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the rotor
has at least one magnetic field generating means which is controller comprises a rotary Switch.
able to generate a magnetic field which interacts with the 17. The system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the rotary
magnetic field generated by the energising coil when ener Switch comprises contacts having a cross-sectional width
gised to apply a force to rotate to the rotor in one direction. which varies with height.
13. The system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the 18. The system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the at least
energising coil includes a magnetic interaction means which one energising coil is adapted to be energised more than
is adapted to either repel or attract the magnetic field 15
once during a Single revolution of the rotor.
generating means.
14. The system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the
magnetic interaction means comprises an iron core of at