This concept combines Maglev technology(magnetic Levitation) and LA Linear Accelerator technology into a combined package.

The Wheel would be constructed such that conventional tires would fit the outer rim. The center would be a disk shape with a flat center ring. Think T shaped with top of T being at the center, wrapped in magnets and a segmented outer region.

When assembled the Bearing(center) area of the wheel would be suspended in a permanent magnet supsenion area(the center ring suspended in the magnetic field) this would not be a singal field but would be created by magnets completely encompassing the center T hub of the wheel) This would create a nearly frictionless bearing.

The wheel would be accelerated using a Linear actuator on the segmented portion of the wheel which would provide tremendous torque and high potential speeds. It would also provide very powerful braking capabilities.

Since the entire system could be constructed out of ceramics and rare earth type magnets, the weight would be considerably lower than a more traditional Electromagnetic type motor.
-- jhomrighaus, Jun 26 2006

You're solving the wrong problem. Bearing friction is already very low, while the rolling friction of tires is very high. In any case, you cannot suspend an axle in a magnetic field unless the field is constantly adjusted. You can't do it with permanent magnets.
-- ldischler, Jun 26 2006


you have solved the vertical part of the wheel-how do you solve the horizontal force. In order to suspend the center using magnets and keep the wheel on during turning and taking curves then you would have to have magnets completely encompassing the center. Any break in the field opens a weak spot and the wheel will fly off. I'm sure someone has the technical wording, but you model is only good in straight line theory.
-- tatmkr, Jun 26 2006


Im not trying to solve the bearing friction or tire friction problem. but speaking to the unsprung weight problem inherent to many wheels that use internal motors.

as to side force design issues. I think its just poorly explained. The center area of the wheel would form a T shaped profile. This area of the wheel would be completely encompassed by magnets with the exception of the slot where the wheel disc exits with would also be part of the system. Force would be applied from all directions to the wheel. I think this already exists in the form of magnetic bearings.

An alternate approach would be a T shape with pair of wings or toruss attached to the ends of the T which the magnets would encircle.

While it is true that bearing friction is low, the need for maintenance is not, bearings fail due to friction, this system eliminates that problem.

As to the axle suspension it would be very straightforward to apply monitoring and active adjustment to the system.
-- jhomrighaus, Jun 26 2006


//bearings fail due to friction, this system eliminates that problem.//
And this substitutes many other modes of failure. (But that's what the halfbakery's about.)
-- ldischler, Jun 26 2006


The easiest approach of course is to leave the conventional bearing in conjuction with the accelerator system. Since the brake disc and caliper are eliminated the system would probably weigh in about the same. But the coolness factor of having magnetic acceleration without the magnetic bearings was just to big to pass up.
-- jhomrighaus, Jun 26 2006


//eliminates that problem and substitutes many other modes of failure// [marked-for-tagline]
-- BunsenHoneydew, Mar 31 2007



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