Magnetic Guidance Device with Electromagnetic Damping

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a magnetic guidance device (like a bearing) that uses electromagnetic damping to stabilize high-speed rotors. It employs a combination of permanent magnets and electromagnets, working through a control system that applies corrective forces to dampen vibrations, without physical contact. An insulation element decouples the damping system from the main magnetic bearing, making the system wear-free and maintenance-friendly compared to conventional oil-damped magnetic bearings.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High-speed industrial rotors (e.g., turbines, compressors)
• Turbochargers in automotive or industrial applications
• Turbomolecular pumps for vacuum technology
• High-precision rotating equipment such as optical choppers or scientific instruments
• Any machinery employing magnetic bearings requiring improved vibration control and reduced maintenance

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Contactless damping enables wear-free and lubrication-free operation, resulting in low maintenance requirements.
• Electromagnetic damping responds only when needed, allowing for efficient use of energy and less unnecessary dissipation.
• Decoupled damping and bearing forces prevent interference, ensuring reliable guidance and control of the rotor.
• No aging effects as in oil-based damping systems, thus improving long-term stability.
• Easier retrofitting and upgrade of existing magnetic bearing systems due to minimized mechanical complexity.
• Active control allows adaptability to various vibration modes and provides robust protection against damage from sudden shocks or resonance frequencies.
• Improved rotor speed capacity and system longevity due to precise, real-time vibration suppression.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a magnetic guidance device comprising electromagnetic damping. Said device comprises at least one radial magnetic bearing with at least one permanent magnet (21a, 21b, 22a, 22b; 21) on the rotor side. According to the invention, the magnetic bearing has at least one damping system. The damping system has an operative element (23) on the rotor side, consisting of a magnetisable material and an insulation element (20; 24; 24a, 24b) positioned between the operative element and the permanent magnet, consisting of a non-magnetisable material, at least one solenoid (13) on the stator side, a sensor (14) for measuring the radial distance between the solenoid and the operative element, in addition to a controller that receives input delivered by the sensor in the form of measured values and outputs current for supplying the solenoid. This arrangement permits a restoring force to be exerted on radial movements of the rotor in a contactless, wear-free manner, in particular to be exerted on those movements caused by vibrations. The interaction of magnetic forces in the damping system is independent of the interaction of forces between the permanent magnet and the components of the radial magnetic bearing on the stator side as a result of the insulation element.