The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Jan. 23, 2024

Filed:

Aug. 18, 2020
Applicant:

Portland State University, Portland, OR (US);

Inventor:

Jonathan Bird, Portland, OR (US);

Assignee:

Portland State University, Portland, OR (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
F16F 6/00 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
F16F 6/005 (2013.01); F16F 2222/06 (2013.01); F16F 2228/066 (2013.01);
Abstract

This disclosure presents a new type of variable stiffness magnetic spring, which can have a highly linear translational force characteristic. The variable stiffness is achieved through the rotation of a central magnet. Both positive and negative spring constants can be created. Using an analytic-based field analysis modelling technique, the operating principle and linearity characteristics of the adjustable magnetic spring are studied. The use of a magnetic spring with an adjustable negative spring constant could enable an ocean generator to continuously operate in a resonant state, thereby greatly increasing its power generation capability. The described variable stiffness spring could also be useful in other energy harvesting applications, robotic actuator applications, and/or other applications.


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