Revolutionizing Gears with Programmable Smart Magnets

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of using programmable smart magnets in gears to enhance efficiency and reduce errors in motion transmission. Participants explore the feasibility and implications of integrating these magnets within gear teeth to maintain a constant velocity ratio and address potential inefficiencies in gear systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that programmable magnets could be embedded in gear teeth to improve efficiency and manage errors in motion transmission.
  • Others question the mechanics of how these magnets would function, particularly regarding what they would pull or push against, and whether they would require external power like electromagnets.
  • A participant suggests that the concept resembles a stepper motor, indicating a potential parallel in functionality.
  • Concerns are raised about the existing efficiency of gear trains, with some participants asking what specific inefficiencies the magnets would address.
  • There is a suggestion that the magnets could allow for non-contact meshing of gear teeth, which some participants clarify as a known concept referred to as magnetic teeth.
  • Participants express uncertainty about how the magnets would specifically overcome issues related to gear interference and maintain a constant velocity ratio.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility or effectiveness of using programmable magnets in gears. Multiple competing views and uncertainties about the mechanics and potential benefits remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear definitions of efficiency in gear systems, the dependence on the specific design and programming of the magnets, and unresolved questions about the practical implementation of the proposed idea.

Scratch_light
These are magnets which are programmed according to the motion that is there in gears( transmitting motion from one shaft to other). To improve effificiency of gear; these magnets are kept inside the gear tooth such that whatever may be the error or to achieve constant velocity ratio these are handy. It is just an idea! So please comment for prod and cons and also if this idea is possible.
 
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So what would these magnets pull towards or push against? Currently, the only way to get a magnet which could be turned on/off is an electromagnet, which requires electric current (external power). In the overall scheme, you would need to turn the gear into a rotor of an electric motor, if I understand correctly.
 
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Scratch_light said:
These are magnets which are programmed according to the motion that is there in gears( transmitting motion from one shaft to other). To improve effificiency of gear; these magnets are kept inside the gear tooth such that whatever may be the error or to achieve constant velocity ratio these are handy. It is just an idea! So please comment for prod and cons and also if this idea is possible.

Your description sounds a bit like a stepper motor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepper_motor
Stepper_motor
 
Scratch_light said:
These are magnets which are programmed according to the motion that is there in gears( transmitting motion from one shaft to other). To improve effificiency of gear; these magnets are kept inside the gear tooth such that whatever may be the error or to achieve constant velocity ratio these are handy. It is just an idea! So please comment for prod and cons and also if this idea is possible.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Gear trains are already very efficient. What inefficiency are you trying to decrease?
 
scottdave said:
So what would these magnets pull towards or push against? Currently, the only way to get a magnet which could be turned on/off is an electromagnet, which requires electric current (external power). In the overall scheme, you would need to turn the gear into a rotor of an electric motor, if I understand correctly.
Thank you for your reply; But the magnets can be programmed according to their motion in the gear or the heat generated; But I am not sure. It was just an idea that came to me while I was sitting in class.
 
You are attempting to make gear teeth that mesh but don't physically contact each other? Is that correct?
 
Averagesupernova said:
You are attempting to make gear teeth that mesh but don't physically contact each other? Is that correct?
Actually I have seen the gear teeth that you are talking about; it is known as magnetic teeth. What I am thinking is that to avoid errors in gears and to have constant velocity ratio; these are small magnets which are physically present in the gear such that they can overcome this problem.
 
Scratch_light said:
avoid errors in gears and to have constant velocity ratio; these are small magnets which are physically present in the gear such that they can overcome this problem.
In what way would the magnets overcome the problem?
  • Hold the teeth apart?
  • Keep the teeth in contact?
  • If something else I haven't thought of, What?
 
Tom.G said:
In what way would the magnets overcome the problem?
  • Hold the teeth apart?
  • Keep the teeth in contact?
  • If something else I haven't thought of, What?
Thank you for your reply
You are thinking in right direction; but one thing which is required for every gear is having constant velocity ratio and not having interferference.
 
  • #10
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. [emoji2]

Gear trains are already very efficient. What inefficiency are you trying to decrease?
Thank you for your reply. I am just trying for the gear to have less errors such as interference. If this is not possible do tell me.
 

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