As reported by Gizmag: A new transmission device that uses magnetic levitation to almost
completely eliminate friction and wear has been developed as part of the
MAGDRIVE research project, a collaboration of seven European nations previously reviewed in 2010.
The creation of the unit entailed the development of a magnetic gear
reducer and corresponding frictionless magnetic axles. Aimed primarily
for use in spacecraft due to its extended mechanical life, the system is
also adaptable for use in automobiles, railways, and aircraft.
Researchers from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) created
the magnetic drive system reducer in response to a problem of mechanical
wear initially posed by the European Space Agency (ESA), where
conventionally-connected gears, axles, and drive shafts remain
problematic due to their lubrication requirements and relatively short
life spans.
"The operating life of these devices can be much longer than the life
of a conventional gear reducer with teeth, and can even work in
cryogenic temperatures," said Efrén Díez Jiménez, a researcher from the
UC3M Department of Mechanical Engineering. He added that even after an
overload, the device will continue to function. And if the axle is
blocked, “the parts simply slide amongst themselves, but nothing
breaks."
To demonstrate their device, the UC3M researchers created two
prototypes. The first is designed for use in space, and is a cryogenic
model that keeps the axles floating via levitating superconductor
bearings that work at a temperature of around -210° C (-346° F) in a
vacuum. The superconducting magnet also helps stabilize the rotating
parts to prevent oscillating motions or imbalances.
Prototype number two is designed to be used at room temperature. In
this case, the magnetic reducer sees the gear teeth replaced with
permanent magnets that repel and attract each other so that "the
transmission of couples and forces between the moving parts with contact
is achieved."
According to the researchers, the second prototype may be used in any
area where standard mechanical gear reducers are employed, such as in
machinery for railroads, the oil industry, or in engineering
applications in general. The researchers also believe that the lack of
any lubricants would make the gear system especially suitable for
sterile applications, such as those found in the pharmaceutical,
biomedical, and food production areas.
As for space applications, Jiménez says applications for the
technology range, "from robot arms or antenna positioners, where
high-precision movements are needed or when contamination from
lubricants is undesired, to vehicles that, because of temperature or
extreme conditions of absence of pressure, shorten the life of
conventional mechanisms, as happens with the wheels of a Rover that has
to go on Mars."
Despite the fact that the cryogenic superconductor prototype
addressed the problem posed by ESA, it is the prospect of using a
frictionless drive at ordinary temperatures and in everyday situations
that will likely have the most appeal.
"No doubt the room temperature prototype is the one that can have the
biggest impact and industrial application," said the researchers.
A spin-off company called MAG SOAR
has also been created to explore commercial exploitation of
technologies arising from this project. Presented at a number of
different conferences organized by ESA, NASA, and the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers, the results of the MAGDRIVE research have also
been published in the Journal of Engineering Tribology.
The video below shows the superconducting cryogenic magnetic device in action:
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