[0001 ] This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/509,068, entitled "Magnetically Suspended or Levitated Object," filed on May 20, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application generally relates to magnetic levitation technology and more specifically to a system and method for object suspension or levitation. BACKGROUND

[0003] People have always had a fascination with suspended objects, and mainly they are more interested in the designs of intelligent home appliances such as lighting systems.

[0004] Magnetic levitation is the use of magnetic fields to levitate generally a metallic object. Further, manipulating magnetic fields and controlling their forces that can levitate an object is already known in the art.

[0005] The prior art includes mechanisms for magnetically levitating an object, as well as controlling the spatial position of such a magnetically levitated object.

[0006] However, magnetic levitation system typically uses an electromagnet and an object with a permanent magnet or at least ferrous object embedded within it or on an outer surface is then positioned under the electromagnet. There are a number of prior magnetic levitation system demonstrate a suspended object with no visible support. Levitation or suspension is maintained in the system by increasing the lifting current in the electromagnet when the object falls away from the electromagnet and decreasing the lifting current when the object moves up towards the electromagnet. Some of the prior art references of magnetic levitation systems are known in US Patent Nos. 7898133, 4585282, 8258663 and 8154164, all of which are incorporated by reference.

[0007] Magnetic levitation techniques have been using in the railways, mechanical equipment, floating globe etc. With the development of magnetic levitation technology, it has been incorporated into the designs of intelligent home appliances, such as for the decoration. By understanding the magnetic levitation technology, it seems that the magnetic levitation will be very useful in applying in the lighting devices such as lamps, led bulb fixtures, other fixtures.

SUMMARY [0008] A system and method for object suspension/levitation and wireless electric power transmission are disclosed. One aspect of the present application, a magnetic levitation system or device comprises a base which includes an adapter on the base for connecting to a power socket for receiving an electric power, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet for supporting an object to be suspended or levitated with an electro-magnetic force, and a control circuit is configured for transferring electric power wirelessly to the suspended or levitated object. The electromagnet is secured in parallel with the permanent magnet in a permanent magnet housing to produce the electro-magnetic force that allows suspension of the object at a large distance as compared to typical suspension. The object can be suspended with the electro-magnetic force by pulling or pushing mechanism, where the control circuit transfers the electric power wirelessly to the suspended object.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present application, an object to be suspended has a wireless receiving circuit. The control circuit is configured to transmit power to the wireless receiving circuit housed in the suspended object.

[0010] The control circuit is configured to magnetically control a position of the suspended object. The control circuit comprises a position sensor, feedback control system for detecting position of the object and adjusting the electromagnetic force accordingly for stabilizing the object in a suspended position.

[001 1 ] Further, the control circuit is configured to magnetically control a position of the suspended object. [0012] The device may be hard-wired into a building as a fixture. In one aspect, the magnetic levitation system or device may include an object, which need not be a light.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present application, the magnetic levitation device is a lighting fixture for magnetically suspending or levitating object (e.g., a lighting device). The base is a portable for easy installation in form of lighting appliance. The lighting fixture comprises a base, an adapter with connecting screw on the base for connecting to a traditional power socket for receiving an electric power, a permanent magnet housing inserted with a paramagnet disposed within the base, an electromagnet is secured in parallel with the permanent magnet in the permanent magnet housing within the base and support the lighting device to be suspended in an electro-magnetic force, and a control circuit within the base and is configured for transferring electric power wirelessly to the suspended lighting device.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present application, the electromagnet produces an electro-magnetic force that allows suspension of the lighting device and the electro-magnetic force that pushes or pulls the lighting device for stabilisation of the lighting device in a suspended position.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present application, the electromagnet includes insulated wires wound around a coil, when the electric power pass through the coil creates the electro-magnetic field concentrated in the center of the coil and generates magnetic flux which produces magnetic force for pulling or pushing the lighting device. [0016] According to another aspect of the present application, the control circuit transfers the electric power wirelessly to the suspended lighting device for lighting the lighting device. Further, the control circuit also controls current output to the electromagnet. [0017] According to another aspect of the present application, the object is an electric bulb, a pendant lamp/light or other lighting object.

[0018] The base may be attached to any standard socket and to drive the power from the socket to the lighting device.

[0019] The present application is produced by electromagnetic theory of the permanent magnet that moves an object around or about the surface; the movement relies on an electromagnetic force to drive the object.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from following specification taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021 ] This application will be described with reference to the following drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the application and not to limit the scope of the application.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a magnetic levitation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a magnetic levitation system with a light bulb in accordance with an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of magnetically Suspended or levitated object in accordance with another embodiment of the present application; [0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a magnetic levitation system in a table lamp configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a top-level view block diagram of an exemplary electromagnet and Hall Effect sensor arrangement, according to one embodiment; and

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary system in which the suspended object is a globe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0029] With reference to the figures, numerical designation has been given for each element to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present application, and particularly with reference to the embodiments of the present application illustrated in the figures; various preferred embodiments of the present application are set forth below. The enclosed description and drawings are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments and represent several different ways of configuring the present application. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses of the present application are illustrated and set forth in this disclosure, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the application set forth herein.

[0030] Specific embodiment disclosed a magnetic levitation system; further referred as a light fixture for magnetically suspended or levitated object. When installing the light fixture, the conventional light bulb is removed from the traditional socket and the light fixture is screwed into the socket. As discussed below, the light fixture incorporates magnetic levitation or suspension in an active system using an electromagnet, position sensor, and feedback control circuit. Briefly, embodiments described herein are directed to magnetic levitation or suspension in which a magnetic field (or levitation or suspension forces) provided by an electromagnet.

[0031 ] Specific embodiments can make use of electromagnetic fields to levitate or suspend an object such as a globe or other object. These systems typically use a support stand to provide an overhead electromagnet and an object with a permanent magnet or at least ferrous object embedded within it or on an outer surface is then positioned under the electromagnet. The electromagnet is powered or driven with a control signal that is maintained via a stable feedback loop to provide a suspending magnetic field or levitating force to float the object at a fixed distance and position relative to the electromagnet. The feedback loop may include a position sensor (such as a Hall Effect sensor) to sense the distance between the levitated object and either the electromagnet itself or a separate magnet (e.g., a magnet placed at the bottom or base of the levitated object). [0032] Now referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the system provides a magnetic levitation system 10 having an electromagnet 12 which is secured in a permanent magnet housing 14. The permanent magnet housing 14 fixed with a permanent magnet in parallel with electromagnet 12 allows for suspension at a large distance as compared to typical suspension systems, at a far lower electrical power than would otherwise be needed. The strength of the permanent magnet is chosen to exactly balance the suspended object using magnetic force, based on the desired distance and weight of the suspended object; or the distance is chosen based on the already specified permanent magnet strength. Then the electromagnet 12 provides a stabilization force as the suspended object deviates from the desired position. Further, a control circuit 20 is provided the necessary environment to suspend suspended object while transferring power wirelessly to any suspended object (e.g. a light bulb to be powered). An adapter 16 with connecting screw socket is provided for tightening into any standard electric bulb socket. Further, the electromagnet 12, permanent magnet housing 14, control circuit 20 and the adapter 16 are securely fixed into a base 18 by forming standalone magnetic levitation system 10 for a levitated or suspended object (e.g. a light bulb). In one example, when the object 22, a sleeve having a permanent magnet 21 may be threaded around the bulb so that it may be engaged with the base and the circuit.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows one exemplary application. As described above, the magnetic levitation system 10 includes electromagnet 12, permanent magnet housing 14, control circuit 20 and adapter 16 (with exemplary thread T) securely fixed into the base 18. Here, overall configuration of magnetic levitation system 10 shown with respect of any standard lighting fixture outlet e.g. for and electric bulb. In one application, the base 18 is suspended from a fixture outlet for, e.g., an electric bulb, a pendant lamp/light or other object with an adapter housing that is mounted within e.g., traditional light bulb socket. Adaptor 16 is adapted to be screwed into a female socket 24 of a fixture outlet. The female socket 24 is a conventional socket that is provided for receiving a conventional electric light bulb. The female socket of course is electrically connected to power within the building so that when a light bulb is screwed into the female socket, power is supplied to the bulb. There are other versions of adapters which will fit into other types of female sockets. An example is the "European" twist and lock socket used in other countries. [0034] In one embodiment in use and application, the light fixture 10 can be readily installed in a female socket by merely screwing the adapter 16 (e.g., E27 light socket) into a normal female socket which normally receives a light bulb. The circuit can have Hall Effect sensors, an electromagnet that receives amplified current as an output of the circuit, and a permanent magnet in parallel with the electromagnet. Alternatively, the base may be "hard wired" into the electrical circuit and the object 22 may be connected to the base by a sleeve with a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the object may be manufactured with a permanent magnet so to engage a base 18. The sleeve 21 should have a magnetic element having a magnetic dipole or an array of magnetic dipoles. For examples, the sleeve or the object 22 itself should have a magnetic element with a permanent magnet attached to a lightweight body (e.g., the light bulb).

[0035] Now referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the suspended object/electric bulb 22 in an overhanging suspended position, where the magnetic levitation system 10 is fixed with a standard female socket 24 by the adapter 16 by screwing the connecting screw. Once, the magnetic levitation system 10 is provided with electric power, the electromagnet 12 provides the stabilization force to the suspended electric bulb 22, which may deviate from the desired position without the stabilization force. Further the electric power may lighten up the suspended electric bulb 22. Here, the electromagnet 12 performs a pull function for stabilizing the suspended bulb 22.

[0036] Now referring to FIG.4, another embodiment includes a magnetic levitation system 10 in a table lamp configuration including electromagnet 12, permanent magnet housing 14, control circuit 20 and adapter 16 securely fixed into the base 18 attached into a standard bulb socket 24. Once, the magnetic levitation system 10 is provided with power the electromagnet 12 provides the stabilization force to the suspended electric bulb 22, which may deviate from the desired position without the stabilization force. Here, the electromagnet 12 performs a push function for suspended electric bulb 22. As can be seen in this embodiment, the object 22 is levitated from socket or pushed from the base 18. [0037] In other embodiments, the magnetic levitation system 10 could detect the orientation (whether it's 0 degrees or/and to 90 degrees) using an accelerometer and adjust the electromagnet field accordingly. For example, if it is handing upside-down (suspended), the electromagnets would "pull." If it is upright, the electromagnets would push.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a top-level view of the exemplary hall effect sensors and electromagnet, according to one embodiment. An electromagnet 12 is placed in the center of (a distance D away from) an array of Hall Effect sensors 30 (e.g., 4 are shown, although a radially symmetric array is acceptable from 3 sensors onwards). The electromagnet 12 is aligned so that it slightly attracts the above suspended object 22 (or below a levitated object 22). As horizontal stabilization is difficult to control with a single electromagnet (which balances the vertical position), this slight attraction further attempts to hold the suspended object 22, in place, by making it more difficult for the bottom of the object to oscillate horizontally. Here the values of the Hall Effect sensors 30 will be differenced to yield a horizontal position measurement on the suspended object 30. The Hall Effect sensors 30 are chosen as non-optical so that a user can place hands and objects nearby and not have any effect on object suspension.

[0039] In the example circuit, Hall Effect sensors 30 register a magnetic field providing hall input to the control circuit. As the suspended object 22 or levitated object 22 moves closer to the sensors 30, the analog reading increases. In this example the readings from the sensors are averaged and delivered to a feedback control system. For a proper feedback control system to enable suspension, the sensor readings need to be shifted and amplified. As the position of the suspended object 22 and the strength of the magnets involved change from instantiation to instantiation, the feedback system must calibrate the inputs to create the correct input for the feedback system. The calibrated signals are then delivered. In order to reduce noise, driving signals from the feedback signals that do not effect the suspension system are filtered out using a filter block. Changes in output to the electromagnet 12 affect both the strength and direction of the current in the electromagnet 12. This causes active pushing and pulling on the suspended object 103. This can allow control to a minimum-power position, or alternatively can control the suspended object 12 to raise or lower from its minimal position, to animate through space. Should the suspended object 12 fall out of a specified range, or be manually removed, an auto shutdown signal may turn power off to the system.

[0040] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, the system 10 includes, control circuit 20 (with a electromagnet) securely fixed into the base 18 connected to a adaptor 16. Once, the magnetic levitation system 10 is provided with power the electromagnet 12 provides the stabilization force to the suspended object 22, which may deviate from the desired position without the stabilization force. Here, the electromagnet 12 performs a push function for suspended object 22, which is a globe. As can be seen, the object need not be a light bulb and can be an array of object, including novelty objects and items. Also shown in FIG. 6 is an optional catch basin 35, which may catch the suspending object should the suspended object 22 fall out of range of the circuit.

[0041 ] In another embodiment, one type of suitable mechanism is disclosed in US Patent no. 7898133, which is incorporated by reference. The control circuit is a wireless transmission circuit is configured to transmit power to the wireless receiving circuit housed in the suspended object. A magnetic stabilization mechanism is beneath and not in contact with suspended object. A control circuit is configured to magnetically control a position of the suspended object by the position sensor. The control circuit to control position can have Hall Effect sensors arranged in a radially symmetric array, an electromagnet, and a permanent DC offset magnet in parallel with the electromagnet.

[0042] The feedback control system is to enable suspension of the object and controlling the suspension. However, the position of the suspended object and the strength of the magnets changes from use and applications in different types of object, the feedback control system must check position and strength of the magnets for suspension or levitation.

[0043] In one embodiment the Hall Effect sensors arranged in a radially symmetric array; an electromagnet that receives amplified current as an output of the circuit; and a permanent magnet in parallel with the electromagnet. In one example, the magnets and Hall Effect sensors, and circuit are arranged in base 18. In one example, the base 18 includes the electromagnet includes insulated wires wound around a coil, when the electric power pass through the coil creates the electro-magnetic field concentrated in the centre of the coil and generates magnetic flux which produces magnetic force for pulling or pushing the suspended object.

[0044] In another embodiment, a method for levitating or suspending an object from a fixture (e.g., a light fixture) having a socket includes providing the light fixture with the socket, providing a base having an adaptor and a wireless transmission circuit configured to transmit energy from the power source to the wireless receiving circuit housed in the object, connecting the base to the socket, and placing the object upon the base, so to allow the object to levitate or suspend from the base.

[0045] In another embodiment, system supports a magnetic element in a magnetic field. A control system controls a variable magnetic field to maintain the magnetic element at an equilibrium location relative to an unstable axis. In some embodiments the variable magnetic field has a gradient in the direction of the unstable axis but no field component. In some embodiments the magnetic field is provided by an array of discrete magnets. In some embodiments additional magnets provide increased field intensity at the equilibrium location this increases stability of the levitated magnetic element against overturning, light and electrical power may be supplied to the levitating magnetic element.

[0046] While at least one embodiment has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

[0047] Certain features of the embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated as described herein; however, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Additionally, while several functional blocks and relations between them have been described in detail, it is contemplated by those of skill in the art that several of the operations may be performed without the use of the others, or additional functions or relationships between functions may be established and still be in accordance with the claimed subject matter. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the embodiments of the claimed subject matter.