"RICK'S PIPE DREAM" Magnetic Motor-Generator

[rickoff]

Reply to Mark:

Hello Rick

Everything is looking GOOD! From the picture it looks as if your track rollers are touching the track at all times. You might consider widening the gap on the rollers so that only 1 roller is touching the track at a time, this would reduce the friction.

A solenoid operated stator would be very advantageous if the power to run it could be generated off the wheel. I'm going to let that idea stue in my brain for awhile.

Looking forward to your next progress report Rick.

Looks great so far good luck,
Mark

Hi Mark, and thanks for the note and kind words. Actually there is a space of about 1/16" between the outside roller and the track, but it just doesn't show in the photo because of the angle. It also can't be seen (because of the fender washers) that I cut a short slot in the polycarbonate for one of the the roller axle screws so that I could have an adjustable gap between the rollers, and this also allows me to change over to the 1/4" polyethylene track material. Today I am working on the slider bar mount, and keeping it very simple. I'm trying to keep everything maximally adjustable. You can see that the roller axles can be raised easily to allow the stator magnet to be dropped down lower,and that the the polycarbonate stator carriage can also be raised up closer to the slider bar to widen the stator/rotor gap. In the photo, the carriage is already lowered to its maximum level from the slider bar, so I need to raise the carriage up about an inch before attaching the slider bar so that I will have an adequate amount of adjustment to play with. I also plan to make the slider bar level adjustable.

Regarding your solenoid idea, of course that would certainly work. There are 2 reasons why I won't try something like that, though:
1. First of all, I'm hoping to be able to achieve the desired rotation only by mechanical and magnetic means.
2. Using any portion of the potential electrical generation that the unit can produce, for the sake of attaining stator movement, will of course substantially decrease the remaining electric power that would be available for other uses. In the end, if nothing else quite does the job then we may have to resort to this, of course. For example, if a segmented track is used then the stator could be shifted at the precise moment needed by using a very short repulsive burst from an electromagnet correctly positioned for this purpose, and that's probably close to what you are thinking about.

You could certainly try experimenting with this idea to see what your power requirements will need to be. The more people we can get involved with experimenting on different aspects, the faster we will achieve success.

Best wishes to you,

Rick

[rickoff]

Reply to Justalabrat:

Wow that carriage is a thing of beauty! Also your photography is top notch!
Good luck on the build.

Justalabrat

Hi lab rat,

Thanks for the comments. The carriage is actually very simple to make up, and perhaps that's the beauty of it. As I stated earlier on, I wanted to use the clear polycarbonate for this so that photos and video would give us a clear view of what is happening, and of course that wasn't possible with the previously used PVC stator arm. That arm certainly did serve a very useful purpose for testing stator magnet orientations and methods of stator movement, but it could not have worked with the tracking system. I will probably narrow the carriage width further to reduce weight as much as possible, but even now it is of relatively low weight and only requires a 1 ounce force to move it since the slider mechanism is so slick. No lubricant is required for the sliders, and suspending the sliders facing down keeps dust from building up in the bar. I'm quite happy with this carriage and slider setup, and will retain it even if I eventually decide to eliminate the track, since this would also be essential for use with the optional method of moving the stator using repulsive magnet power.

Are you thinking about replicating the Pipe Dream apparatus? I hope so. The more people we can get involved in this project, the faster and farther we can take it.

Best regards,

Rick

[rickoff]

Pipe Dream update:

Hi folks,

I have completed the attachment of the stator carriage slider rail to the PVC framework, and will be providing the final construction details of this phase later today. I have also completed and uploaded video #21 of the Pipe Dream series, which shows the various tracking system components mounted and ready for testing. Enjoy!

Best regards to all,

Rick

[rickoff]

Stator Carriage Rail Components

The following photos show the construction procedures that I used in making up the stator carriage slider rail system, and shows how the components fit and work together.

The first step in this final construction phase of the stator tracking mechanism is to make up a slider rail pivot bracket, as seen in the photo below.



Next, the slider rail mounting board is prepared. This board will be attached directly to the PVC framework of the Pipe Dream apparatus.
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Although not shown in the above photo, there are also 3 additional holes that need to be drilled in the 1" square aluminum bar. A 5/32" hole is bored through the side of the bar and located 18+3/16" from the back end of the bar. This hole is for attachment of the slider rail pivot bracket, using a #8-32 x 1+1/2" stainless steel pan head machine screw, flat washer, and nylock nut. The other two holes, not shown above, are for attachment of a brass sliding lid prop at the rear of the rail. In the next photo you will see how the lid prop and pivot bracket are attached. The actual placement and drilling for these depend upon the actual hardware used for this purpose, and so I will leave those specifications up to each builder. What you decide to use may be entirely different than what I am showing, and that is fine. I used a scrap piece of wood for the mounting board, and pieces of aluminum that I salvaged at the local recycling center for making up the sandwich plates and the pivot bracket. What you find to be handy and available may be quite different. I am only showing how I did this for the prototype in what I considered was the simplest workable solution that would offer ease of construction, good stability and adjustability, and low friction stator movement.



The last photo for this construction phase shows the unit mounted on the PVC framework. This view also shows the stator carriage positioned at the repulsive starting point of the test track. You can see that there is a #8 -32 x 3/4" screw at both ends of the Masonite arc. The right end of the arc acts as a pivot point, and the left end can be swiveled inwards and fastened at any one of 6 holes bored 1/4" apart in the Masonite.



I do feel satisfied that the completed assembly meets the goals that I established for it, and look forward to the track testing phase. The linear movement of the stator carriage will allow me to measure the force required to move it at different locations within a magnet group, and this information will be very helpful in determining the best possible track layout. I will probably attach a ruler to the side of the aluminum bar so that I can accurately gauge how much the carriage moves, or needs to move for desired results.

I've been working so steadily on this that I have decided it is time to take a short breather before I begin testing. Lezel and I will be heading up to the cottage later this morning for a couple of days. The weather has finally turned nice after nearly a solid month of rain. I'll be back home Wednesday evening, and will try to stay in touch from the cottage.

Best regards to all,

Rick

[Mark]

Hello Rickoff

Any updates you'd like to share today?

[rickoff]

Reply to Mark:

Hi Mark,

Yes, I do have some updated information to share today. I made an alteration to the stator carriage rail, and tried a few preliminary tests. I felt that the alteration was necessary because the aluminum bar stock was too long, and it tipped down too close to the rotor at the back end. So, I removed 6.5 inches from the back end of the bar, which now leaves the bar at 22.25 inches, and the overall length of the bar + slider rail is 23.25 inches. Here's a photo of the modified unit:




I'll post this now, and will talk about the test results later tonight.

Best regards,

Rick

[rickoff]

Preliminary Testing

Hi folks,

I have done some preliminary testing using the first test track layout (see 5th photo in post #245), and the results were interesting. The idea of the first track layout was to see if it was possible to move the stator carriage one full inch outwards on the slider rail during the progression of a ten magnet rotor group. As I stated earlier, I felt that this would probably be the least likely track layout to work properly because of the resistive forces of the carriage wheels against the track. This assumption proved correct, but I am glad that I tested this particular track layout because it clearly demonstrated everything I should avoid in planning my next track layout. I was also able to take some force measurements showing the actual force applied against the track by the carriage's roller wheels. At the starting repulsive point, shown in the last photo of post #252, there is a 3 ounce force pushing outwards against the track. This is enough drag to cause a slow start. I did find, however, that if the carriage is positioned 3/16" further inwards on the slider rail for start-up, there is zero inward or outward force and the carriage will remain stationary. Therefore, my next test track will start at that position, and should provide a better kick at start-up. While the 3/16" difference reduces the resistive force to zero, the repulsive acceleration produced is nearly the same, so it doesn't mean giving up one thing to gain another.

As can be seen in the last photo of post #252, I drilled a series of 6 holes through the Masonite arc's left end so that I could effectively lessen the carriage travel amount by swiveling the left end inwards in small increments. I tested for each of those positions, and recorded the results as a percentage of travel through the South rotor group. Since there are 10 magnets in a rotor group, each magnet that passes under the stator represents a 10% travel amount through the rotor group. I started at position #1, with the test track set for a full inch of travel. Here are the results. Note that the "Inches of track change" heading refers to the full amount of linear stator carriage movement that would be achieved if the carriage were to follow the entire 90 degree section of track from repel point 1 to repel point 2.

Position # / Travel % / Inches of track change

1 / 35% / 1.000"
2 / 45% / 0.700"
3 / 55% / 0.570"
4 / 60% / 0.420"
5 / 70% / 0.200"
6 / 80% / 0.050"

These tests clearly showed that any amount of stator carriage movement during the span of a rotor magnet group creates an undesirable antirotational resistive effect. It only seems logical to conclude that the track, in addition to being moved 3/16" inwards at the starting point, must not impart any movement on the stator carriage until the final magnet of a rotor group has passed below the stator magnet. Once that point (repel point 2) has passed, movement of the stator carriage requires only 1 ounce or less of force. In making up the second test track, I will switch from the 3/8" track to the narrower 1/4" material. Flexibility of the track material will be an important factor in gaining as much repulsive acceleration as is possible through rapid stator carriage movement at the tail end of the rotor magnet group.

I plan to make a video demonstrating the above test results, and comparing those with the results achieved using the second test track. Should have that ready in another day or two.

Best to all,

Rick

[oldHermit]

Good luck and keep the results coming.

oldHermit

[rickoff]

Pipe Dream Update

Hi folks,

Video #22 is currently uploading to YouTube. This one explains how the various components of the tracking system work together to produce stator movement, and explains the methods used for the initial track tests. I have also videotaped enough footage for 3 additional videos that will follow, and which will show the testing of two different track layouts.

These videos are quite slow to upload to YouTube. It takes about one hour and 20 minutes to upload a ten minute video even though I have a relatively fast Internet connection, and once the file is uploaded it takes YouTube another half hour to process it before it can be viewed. I'll have to hit the sack pretty soon, but will try to have the remaining videos posted tomorrow (I guess that's later today, actually, as it is now 2:45AM here).

Best to all,

Rick

[brenie]

Rick, some people are just too damn lazy!
Only joking, enjoy your well earned rest.

Regards, Bren.

[rickoff]

Re: Video #22

It happened that my computer performed an automatic Windows update last night, and restarted the computer afterwards. This occurred while Video #22 was still uploading to YouTube, so of course the upload failed. I am currently uploading the video again, and it should be ready to view in about one hour. Sorry for the delay.

Rick

[Mark]

I was wondering why It wasn't up for viewing yet. Rick it would be helpful if you could put a link to each new video into your posts as you load them. I hope to be viewing a self runner soon! Keep up the great work and thanks.

[rickoff]

Video #23 now ready for viewing

Hi folks,

The link for video #22 is YouTube - Video #22, "Rick's Pipe Dream" Magnetic Motor - Generator Project Sorry I couldn't post that link before, as I have no idea what the URL will be until after the file has uploaded successfully and is available for viewing.

Video #23 is now also up at the following link: YouTube - Video #23, "Rick's Pipe Dream" Magnetic Motor - Generator Project

This video shows the actual tests of the first timing track layout. Video #24 will be up tomorrow, and will show pull force tests and testing of track layout #2.

The new setup has really made it easy to obtain useful test results, so I'm quite happy with it. I have already learned quite a bit just from these preliminary tests.

Time to hit the sack now before the sun rises, so I'll say goodnight.

Best to all,

Rick

[rickoff]

Pipe Dream Update

Hi folks,

I was able to post video #24 today, and it is ready for viewing at the following link: YouTube - Video #24, "Rick's Pipe Dream" Magnetic Motor - Generator Project

This video is a continuation of videos #22 and 23, and shows the configuration and testing of the second test track layout. A pull test is also shown, which demonstrates the resistive pressure encountered between the track and stator carriage wheels during the previous tests. The pull test shows that the resistive drag force encountered ranged from 3 to 6 ounces. To avoid this drag, the second track is configured so that there is minimal resistance throughout the progressing rotor magnet group, with stator movement only at the tail end of the group. This allows full rotational movement through the group, but leaves the North pole of the stator positioned above the tail end of the rotor group, and this of course is undesirable since it will cause a strong attraction that will slow down the rotor, stop rotation, and even cause it to reverse direction once the last magnet of the South rotor group has passed beyond the stator's North pole. To avoid this, there must be rapid movement of the stator carriage, at the tail end of the rotor magnet group, so that the South pole of the stator is brought into repulsion with the last rotor magnet. It appears that such rapid movement may be impossible to achieve with the track system, and that other means will need to be employed for this purpose. I will be exploring such methods in the coming days, and these will include mechanical and magnetic means. In order to achieve continuous rotation, both the attraction and repulsion forces must be utilized. There will be one more video showing additional test results obtained during this initial testing phase of the track layouts, and then future videos will explore the modifications that would appear to be necessary or beneficial.

While the track test results so far have been less than what I hoped for, they were not entirely unexpected. I certainly don't chalk this phase up to being a failure, because I learned a lot from this that now points the way towards successful modifications. As far as the monorail track goes, I really have two choices:
1. I can retain the track for use only between magnet groups, where the stator needs guidance. Such sections would have to be kept relatively short, however, since they would only be used to maintain the stator position after it has been moved by other means.
2. I can do away entirely with the track. It is not needed while the stator is in attraction and engaged with a magnet group, as it seeks its best attraction point automatically. As the last magnet of a group is passing the stator, a rapid pole-shifting movement of the stator is desired, and this cannot be accomplished with track. The sharp bend required to do this would be like a brick wall to the carriage rollers, immediately halting rotation.

I am going to explore magnetic means of rapidly moving the stator at the tail end of each magnet group so that the desired repulsion effect can be utilized. To do this, I will most likely shorten the outward end of the stator carriage, removing the rollers. I will affix a neodymium magnet to each end of the carriage. Movement of the carriage can then be caused by attraction or repulsion force at either end, or by a combination of the two. To make this work, I will first need to position stops to limit carriage movement inward and outward on the slider rail so that the stator will be in its optimal performance position after each move. The magnets mounted at the ends of the stator carriage will be stationary, of course, and they will need to interact with 4 repelling magnets attached to arms connected to the rotor. The two inboard, and two outboard arms, would be fixed at each of the desired repel points , at the tail end of each magnet group. As the arms rotate, the repelling force of each arm magnet, as it approaches a stator carriage end, will cause the carriage to move rapidly in the desired direction until it reaches the slider stop. The only trick will be to maintain that position until the next approaching rotor magnet group is engaged. This could be done with a short track segment, of course, but I am thinking that magnetic means may offer better results. A section of vertical steel wall can be attached to the polycarbonate ring between the S to N progressions of the rotor groups, but only near enough to the carriage's stop position to provide adequate attraction to prevent the carriage from bouncing off the stop and moving back in the opposite direction. Since the slider rail slopes downwards at the inner end, a very light spring tension may be adequate to maintain the carriage position when at the inward stop. The attachment of the rotating repulsion magnet near the inner end of the carriage will be a little tricky, but could be done by rigging an attachment to a pair of spokes. As they say, "where there's a will there's a way." Now there is one problem encountered when moving the stator carriage by magnetic repulsion, and that is the fact that as a rotating arm magnet approaches the carriage end magnet in repulsion there is an undesired antirotational force until the two magnets are aligned well enough to cause the stator carriage movement. I believe this can be overcome, though, by using a steel wall with a "window" hole at the correct alignment location.

Another possibility to explore is to use all North up groups, and a stator orientation as shown in video #12. YouTube - TheRickoff's Channel
In that video, I described the possibility of briefly moving the stator upwards at the lead end of each magnet group to avoid the "brick wall" repulsion effect. Instead of moving the stator upwards, though, it could simply move inward or outward on the slider rail just enough to avoid the unwanted momentary repulsion effect, and then be snapped back into alignment with the rotor group. This would be similar to the action shown near the end of video #3. YouTube - TheRickoff's Channel

So many possibilities, and so little time. I'll keep doing what I can with whatever time I can steal, but I am hoping that others are also working on solving the problems of these methods, and exploring other methods as well. I'd appreciate hearing reports from all participating experimenters.

Thanks for your continued interest and support,

Rick

[Justalabrat]

enough inertia?

Rick, what if you added some weight to your wheel, say 5 pounds or so, would that give it enough inertia to over come moving the carriage at the end?