I have devised an improved system and method which utilise magnets and magnetic forces to propel a body.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for propelling a body, the apparatus comprising a first stationary electromagnet fixed or fixable to said body, at least one second electromagnet movably mounted relative to said first electromagnet between at least a first position in which said first and second electromagnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second electromagnets are not aligned, and control means for causing said first and second electromagnets to be energised at substantially the same time when said second electromagnet is in said first position such that opposing electromagnetic fields are created between said first and second electromagnets, which electromagnetic fields create an opposing force which is translated into mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed electromagnet to said body causing it to move.

Also in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for propelling a body, the method comprising the steps of providing a first stationary electromagnet fixed or fixable to said body, providing at least one second electromagnet movably mounted relative to said first electromagnet between at least a first position in which said first and second electromagnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second electromagnets'are not aligned, and causing said first and second electromagnets to be energised at substantially the same time when said second electromagnet is in said first position such that opposing electromagnetic fields are created between said first and second electromagnets, which electromagnetic fields create an opposing force which is translated into mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed electromagnet to said body causing it to move.

Preferably, the at least one second electromagnet is rotationally mounted relative to the fixed electromagnet, such that as the second electromagnet rotates it comes into and out of alignment with the fixed electromagnet. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of second electromagnets, most preferablyfour, rotationallymounted relative to the fixed electromagnet. Beneficially, the or each second electromagnet is a free-moving electromagnet housed and retained within a cylinder. In the case where there are four free- moving magnets, each magnet maybe housed and retained in a respective tube or cylinder, the cylinders being connected together in a cross or propeller-like arrangement which is mounted on a spindle or the like and driven by an electric motor. The electromagnets may be supplied with electricity via wires or contacts connected to one or more rails connected to respective negative and positive supply points.

It will be appreciated that in the preferred arrangement described above, any force acting on the free-moving electromagnets to push them towards the centre of the propeller-like arrangement is counteracted by the centrifugal force created by rotation of the arrangement, which centrifugal force causes the free-moving electromagnets to be retained at the outer ends of the respective cylinders, where they are preferably held within the respective cylinders by retaining flanges or rims provided at or adjacent the outer ends thereof.

In fact, in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for propelling a body, the apparatus comprising a first stationary magnet fixed or fixable to said body, at least one second magnet movably mounted relative to said first magnet between at least a first position in which said first and second magnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second magnets are not aligned, the first and second magnets being arranged such that in said first position, opposing magnetic fields are provided between aligned portions of the magnets, which magnetic fields create an opposing force which is translated into mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed magnet to said body causing it to move, said at least one second magnet being mounted in or on a structure which is rotationally mounted relative to said first magnet, rotational movement of said structure creating a centrifugal force which counteracts the force created by said opposing magnetic fields. Also in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for propelling a body, the method comprising the steps of providing a first stationary magnet fixed or fixable to said body, providing at least one second magnet movably mounted relative to said first magnet between at least a first position in which said first and second magnets are aligned and a second position in which said first and second magnets are not aligned, and arranging the first and second magnets such that in said first position, the opposing magnetic fields are provided between aligned portions of the magnets, which magnetic fields create an opposing force which is translated into mechanical or kinetic energy and transferred via said fixed magnet to said body causing it to move, wherein said at least one second magnet is mounted in or on a structure which is rotationally mounted relative to said first magnet, rotational movement of said structure creating a centrifugal force which counteracts the force created by said opposing magnetic fields.

The magnets in this case may be electromagnets, permanent magnets, or a combination of the two.

It will be appreciated that the body may be on wheels, a track or free floating in space, for example. The present invention is not intended to be limited in this respect.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an arrangement illustrating the principle by which the present invention operates; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a propulsion system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention ; and Figure 4 is a schematic side, partially cross-sectional, view of the system of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a brake control unit and firing control unit for use with apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a firing control unit for use with apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a laser trigger arrangement for use with apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figures 11 to 15 are schematic illustrations of various carriage arrangements for use in apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Figures 17 and 18 are schematic illustrations of magnet arrangements for use in apparatus according to further exemplary embodiments of the invention; and Figures 19 to 22 are schematic illustrations of various drive arrangements for use in further exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a simple form comprises a fixed electromagnet 1 which is attached to a base 5 by means of a solid, rigid column 11. Alongside the fixed magnet 1, there is disposed at least one free-moving magnet 2 which is mounted relative to the fixed magnet 1 so as to be rotational in a radial plane or about an axis perpendicular to the fixed magnetl (as indicated by the arrow 24 in Figure 1 of the drawings). The centrifugal force (indicated by the arrow 50 in Figures 1 and 2) generated by rotation of the free-moving magnet 2 causes the magnet 2 to be retained at the end of its travel path (closest to the fixed magnet 1).

As the magnet 2 is rotated, it moves into and out of alignment with the fixed magnet 1. As the magnet 2 becomes aligned with the fixed magnet 1, the two magnets'respective magnetic fields 3,4 on the faces thereof are aligned. The system is arranged such that the magnetic fields are of the same polarity. It is well known that like poles repel each other, such that the magnetic fields repel each other, i. e. the magnetic field 4 associated with the magnet 2 pushes against the magnetic field 3 associated with the fixed magnet 1. Because the magnet 1 is fixed to the base 5, this pushing action is translated into kinetic or mechanical energy which pushes the base 5 along in a straight line, as illustrated by the arrow 26. Any force acting on the free- moving electromagnet 2 is counteracted by the centrifugal force 50created by rotation thereof The magnets 1,2 may be electromagnets or permanent magnets. If they are electromagnets, when the electromagnet 2 becomes aligned with the fixed electromagnet 1, the two electromagnets are preferably caused to be energised at the same time such that magnetic fields 3,4 of the same polarity are created on the faces of the aligned electromagnets 1,2.

The above mentioned process is repeated for each revolution of the magnet 2, such that the speed of the base 5 in the direction 26 increases over a specific period of time.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, a propulsion system according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention comprises a fixed magnet lwhich is attached to a base 5 by means of a solid, rigid column 11. Alongside the fixed magnet 1, there is disposed a propeller-like arrangement 6 consisting of four cylinders connected together substantially in the shape of a cross, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. The propeller-like arrangement 6 is mounted on a spindle 22 which is driven by an electric motor 17. Thus, the propeller-like arrangement 6 is rotationally driven in a radial plane or about an axis perpendicular to the fixed magnet 1 (as indicated by the arrow 24 in Figure 3 ofthe drawings) by the motor 17.

The outer end of each of the cylinders 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d is provided with a rim or flange 20 which has the effect of reducing the diameter of the opening of the cylinders. Within each of the cylinders, there is disposed a respective free-moving magnet 19,2, 18,16. When the arrangement 6 is rotated by the electric motor 17, the magnets 19,2, 18, 16 are caused to move to the outer ends of the respective cylinders 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d by the resultant centrifugal force.

The magnets 19,2, 18,16 are, however, prevented from leaving the cylinders 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d by the respective retaining flanges 20. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the arrangement 6 causes the free-moving magnets to be pushed hard against these retaining flanges 20.

It'should be noted that the movable magnets may be electromagnets or permanent magnets.

If the free-moving magnets are electromagnets, and referring in particular to Figure 4 of the drawings, each of the free-moving magnets (2,19 and 16 illustrated in Figure 4) is supplied with electricity from rails 9,10 which are connected to a respective positive and negative electrical supply via the base 5. Electricity is fed to the magnets via carbon brushes 8, which are disposed within respective housings 7, and loose wires 12,13 which run from the housings 7 into the cylinders 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and to each of the magnets 2,19, 18,16. The fixed magnet 1 if it is an electromagnet, is also supplied with electricity from the same electrical supply.

Alternatively, a battery type arrangement may be provided for powering the electromagnets used in the hub. The battery arrangement may be mounted on the hub, thereby eliminating the need for the above-mentioned power rails and simplifying the arrangement.

Referring back now to Figure 3 of the drawings, as the propeller-like arrangement 6 rotates, each of the free-moving magnets 2,19, 18, 16 becomes aligned in turn with the fixed magnet 1. As each magnet 2,19, 18, 16 becomes aligned with the fixed magnet 1, a control system (not shown) triggers the fixed magnet 1, respective magnetic fields 3,4 on the faces thereof are aligned. The system is arranged such that the magnetic fields 3,4 are of the same polarity.

It is well known that like poles repel each other, such that the magnetic fields 3,4 repel each other. When this happens, the resultant forces created by the magnetic fields 3,4 react against each other, such that the magnetic field 4 created by the magnet 2 (see Figure 3) pushes against the magnetic field 3 created by the fixed magnet 1. Because the magnet 1 is fixed to the base, this pushing action is translated into kinetic or mechanical energy which pushes the base 5 along in a straight line, as illustrated by the arrow 26. This pushing action does not cause the free-moving magnet 2 to move toward the centre of the propeller-like arrangement 6, because any such movement is counteracted by the centrifugal force created by the rotation of the arrangement 6.

If the magnets are electromagnets, a control system (not shown) may be provided which triggers the fixed electromagnet 1 and the free-moving magnet currently aligned therewith to be energised at substantially the same time (by causing the two magnets to be supplied with electricity).

The above action is repeated for each of the four free-moving magnets 2,19, 18, 16 for each revolution of the arrangement 6. Thus, for each revolution of the arrangement 6, every time one of the free-moving magnets 2,19, 18,16 is aligned with the fixed magnet 1, the respective magnetic fields of the two aligned magnets cause the above-mentioned pushing action on the base 5, with the result that the speed of the base 5 in the direction 26 increases over a specific period of time.

With reference to Figure 10 of the drawings, in an alternative arrangement, a number of tubular structures 401 are provided and arranged to form a hub-type structure. Mounted on these tubular structures are magnets 402, with hollow centres, enabling the magnet to slide along the tube.

Referring to Figure 11, bearings 504 made of any suitable material may be set into a carriage type arrangement 503, by the implementation of holes drilled into the carriage surface, which reduces the friction of the magnets 501,502, on the walls of the tubular structures.

Alternatively, free-spinning wheels 5 maybe set into the carriage body, as shown in Figure 12.

Referring to Figure 13, the addition of a weight 706 inserted into the carriage 703 increases the momentum of the carriage when forced along the tubular structure.

Referring to Figure 14, in yet another embodiment various small pieces of a suitable material 807, in this case of oblong shape, may be attached to the carriage and have the effect of raising the carriage 803 (if the carriage has been put into a tubular arrangement), slightly higher than the walls of the tube, this greatly reduces the friction between carriage and tube walls.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the carriage arrangement may comprise a carriage 902, made of any suitable material and of any shape, covered with magnets 901.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the hub may comprise one or more tubular structures 401, surrounded by a succession of electromagnets 402 which have the effect of being able to control a carriage (not shown) inside the tube 401 due to magnetic action from the electromagnets 402, on magnets provided on the carriage.

With reference to Figure 17, the movable magnet arrangement may, alternatively, be in the form of a spherical ball shape 1002, made of any suitable material, with magnets 1001 inserted into it to cover the face of the sphere 1002, or even a tubular structure 1012 covered with magnets 1011, as shown in Figure 18.

Referring to Figure 5, a similar exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of fixed magnets 102,104, 106, 108, arranged in an equi-distant around a spindle (not shown) which is driven by an electric motor (not shown). A propeller-like arrangement 100 is provided, consisting of four cylinders connected together substantially in the shape of a cross and mounted on the spindle. Thus, the propeller-like arrangement is rotationally driven in a radial plane or about an axis perpendicular to the fixed magnets 102,104, 106, 108 by the motor, and a respective free-moving magnet 103, 105, 107,109, is disposed within each of the cylinders.

Operation of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 5 is similar in many respects to that of Figure 3, in the sense that as the propeller-like arrangement rotates, the free-moving magnets 103,105, 107,109 came into and out of alignment with the fixed magnets 102,104, 106, 108, and the opposing magnetic force created therebetween causes rotation of the propeller-like arrangement. In this case, however, the fixed magnets 102,104, 106,108, such that the magnetic force not only causes rotation but also pushes the respective free-moving magnets 101, 103, 105, 107 away, which reduces the kinetic energy created by the device. Thus, the fixed magnets 102, 104,106, 108 may be arranged to hold the respective free-moving magnet in place until it is de-energised. Alternatively, a locking mechanism, for example, a catch 109,110, may be provided for the same purpose.

Referring to Figure 6 of the drawings, the illustrated arrangement deals with the holding and releasing of the magnets, electro, or permanent within the tubular structure, by releasing the magnets at a certain time with the aid of an electromagnet. For example, magnets 103, and 104 set at position A, 104 being the electromagnet and 103 being either electro, or permanent, will give the free moving magnet 103, the ability to be pushed by the electromagnet 104, at a time when it will not affect the forward motion of the device it is driving.

At approximately position A the electromagnet 104, is energised, this gives the magnet 103, a push away from the centre of the hub and also induces a forward motion into the magnet 103, as the collection of tubular structures spins as in this case in an anticlockwise direction, the magnet 103, after being pushed by the electromagnet 104, is also accelerated toward the end of the tubular structure by the centrifugal force generated by the spinning of the hub (collection of tubular structures) after 90° of travel the free moving magnet comes into magnetic field contact 210,211 with the fixed electromagnet 209 as shown with respect to magnet 105, after 90° of travel, magnet 103 ends approximately in the position occupied by magnet 105, when the magnet approaches the end of the tube the fixed magnet 209 is energised, magnet 105, which is moving forward approaches the fixed magnet 209, with velocity and when the two fields contact the magnet 105 pushes against the fixed magnet 209 with force, this force pushes whatever the fixed magnet 209 is attached to forward, a repeat process occurs with the other magnets in the tubular structures.

The assembly illustrated in Figure 7 is concerned with the firing control and also the controlling brake effect which will slow down or stop the spinning tubular structure assembly at the will of a computer controller or any other means of control. In the illustrated example, the friction or timing plate 206, is turned via the shaft 201, which is turned via the gear 202, (for example, of worm driven type) which is driven by the gear 203, (for example, of worm drive type). The friction plate 206, is also connected to the shaft 201. The friction plate 206, is slowed or stopped by the action of pads 207, of a brake assembly 204, when they are forced tight on to the friction plate 206.

The firing control (energising of the electro magnets) can be achieved by using the friction plate is one of two ways. In a first embodiments, it can be done using a friction plate in which there are a succession of holes, whereby the sensor 205, is an optical device using the holes to send light through to be picked up by an optical sensor, or by the action of a pick-up using an inductor type sensor.

Note here that the brake and firing assemblies do not need to be on the same friction plate 206; they can use separate friction plates.

Referring to Figure 8 of the drawings, in an alternative arrangement for energising the fixed electromagnet at the correct time, the shaft 201, is turned via the driven gear 202, which is connected to the drive gear 203, the shaft 201, also has a plate 206 attached to it, on this plate is mounted a magnet 250, which passes over the proximity switch 260, this activates the proximity switch 260, which in turn energises the fixed electromagnet.

Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary laser trigger arrangement, which operates by the implementation of a reflective type plate 302, attached to the shaft 301, when the shaft 301, turns the reflective plate 302 turns with it, due to blanked and reflective sections on the reflective plate 302. The laser beam 303, emitted from the laser emitter device 304, is reflected intermittently into an optical receptor 305, causing controlled pulses that enable accurate fixed magnet energisation.

Various exemplary spindle or hub drive arrangements will now be considered. For example, a direct motor drive, as shown in Figure 19. For this drive arrangement the motor 210, drives the shaft 110, which is connected to the rotating structure, which is then driven directly. Alternatively, a worm gear drive may be used, as shown in Figure 20. With this type of drive, the worm drive gear 510, drives the worm driven gear 410, which is connected to the shaft 310. The shaft then drives the rotating structure. With this drive arrangement the hub is under a greater means of control as it will only turn when the worm drive gear 510, allows it to. The hub will not turn on its own. Note that the motor that drives the worm drive gear can be of the free running or stepper type.

Referring to Figure 21, in an alternative embodiment, a stepper motor drive can be used. With this drive arrangement, a stepper motor 620 is used for accurate control purposes. The magnets of the stepper motor are shown in the arrangement N S N S N S. The stepper motor 620, turns the shaft 610, which turns the rotating structure.

In yet another embodiment, a belt drive may be used, as shown in Figure 22. This drive technique employs the use of a drive gear 730, driven by a motor 720 (this motor can be free running or of the stepper type). The drive gear 730, then drives a belt 750, which in turn drives a gear 740. This gear is attached to the shaft 710, which is connected to the tubular assembly.

Thus, in general, it will be appreciated that the concept of this invention relies simply on the principle that two alike magnetic fields will repel each other. However, the essence of how it will drive a moveable base in a particular direction depends on how these magnetic fields are manipulated. For the present invention to work, a fixed magnet or magnets is connected to a moveable base, other magnets are then set to move relative thereto and, more preferably, rotate about a perpendicular axis in front of the fixed magnet or magnets connected to the base.

This may be achieved by, for example, a worm drive or the like. Each of the moving magnets rotate in turn past the fixed magnet connected to the base. When each of these rotating magnets comes into alignment with the fixed magnet, the magnetic fields present or created on the fixed magnet and also on the rotating magnet are aligned. The rotating magnet's field pushes against that of the fixed magnet, forcing the base forward, force is also induced into the moveable magnet, but this is counteracted by the centrifugal force induced in the moveable magnet while it is undergoing rotation, which centrifugal force prevents, or at least substantially limits, any force from pushing the base in a reverse direction. In the case where the arrangement is required to propel a body in free-space, for example, it may be preferred to provide a second, propeller-like arrangement, arranged to rotate in the opposite direction to the first arrangement 6, so as to counteract any spinning or rotary force acting on the base 5.

An embodiment of the present invention has been described above by way of example only and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiment without departing from the scope of he invention as defined by the appended claims.