Electromagnetic Design Concepts Which Provide to an Object Bearing and Operational Motion Effects

This paper provides an overview of electromagnetic design concepts that combine levitation effects and operational motions by using electromagnetic forces on an object. An operational force on an object is produced by utilizing the interaction of the primary and secondary magnetic fields. The magnitude and direction of the manipulation forces are controlled by changing the magnetic flux field distribution locally. Several techniques used to produce gradient field fluxes are presented and illustrated in detail. Secondary magnetic fields can produce useful magnetic forces on an object by positioning current-conductive bodies that interact with the primary magnetic field. The magnetic force on a body can be easily changed by utilizing coiled current-conductive bodies, where the coil loop can be open or closed. This technique allows a commandable positioning force to the moveable object. It can be shown that it is possible to combine a magnetic bearing effect with these operational motions produced by the interaction of the secondary magnetic fields. These techniques can be applied to simplify construction of devices such as actuators, manipulators, rotary pumps and other mechanisms.