阅读说明：本技术 磁场推进驱动器 (Magnetic field propulsion driver ) 是由 卢茨·马伊 于 2018-11-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种磁场推进单元(1),包括：磁场产生装置(10),其具有配置为传导电流以产生磁场的多条导电线(100)；接触断路器装置(20),其配置为将多条导电线中的每条从导电状态单独地转变为非导电状态；能量供应单元(30),其配置为向磁场产生装置(10)提供电能；以及控制单元(40),其配置为控制能量供应单元从而控制向每条单独的导电线的能量供应,并且控制接触断路器装置。多条导电线(100)沿着纵向轴线(110)设置。控制单元(40)配置为向第一导电线(L1)供应电能从而产生围绕第一导电线的第一磁场,将第一导电线(L1)转变为非导电状态,向第二导电线(L2)供应电能从而产生第二磁场。(A magnetic field propulsion unit (1) comprising: a magnetic field generating device (10) having a plurality of electrically conductive wires (100) configured to conduct an electric current to generate a magnetic field; a contact breaker arrangement (20) configured to individually transition each of the plurality of conductive wires from a conductive state to a non-conductive state; an energy supply unit (30) configured to supply electrical energy to the magnetic field generating device (10); and a control unit (40) configured to control the energy supply unit so as to control the energy supply to each individual electrically conductive line, and to control the contact breaker arrangement. A plurality of electrically conductive wires (100) is disposed along a longitudinal axis (110). The control unit (40) is configured to supply power to the first conductive line (L1) to generate a first magnetic field around the first conductive line, to transform the first conductive line (L1) into a non-conductive state, and to supply power to the second conductive line (L2) to generate a second magnetic field.)

1. A magnetic field propulsion unit (1) comprising:

a magnetic field generating device (10) having a plurality of electrically conductive wires (100) configured to conduct an electric current to generate a magnetic field;

a contact breaker arrangement (20) configured to individually transition each of the plurality of conductive wires from a conductive state to a non-conductive state;

an energy supply unit (30) configured to supply electrical energy to the magnetic field generating device (10);

a control unit (40) configured to control the energy supply unit so as to control the energy supply to each individual electrically conductive line, and to control the contact breaker arrangement;

wherein the plurality of electrically conductive wires (100) are arranged along a longitudinal axis (110);

wherein the control unit (40) is configured to:

supplying electrical energy to a first electrically conductive line (L1) thereby generating a first magnetic field around the first electrically conductive line;

transitioning the first conductive line (L1) to a non-conductive state;

supplying electrical energy to a second electrically conductive line (L2), thereby generating a second magnetic field;

wherein the second conductive line (L2) is supplied with electrical energy for a predetermined period of time after the first conductive line (L1) is transitioned to a non-conductive state.

2. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to claim 1,

wherein each of the conductive wires is a coil having at least one winding;

wherein, preferably, the coil is an air-core coil without a core;

wherein preferably the coil has a diameter of 10mm to 200 mm.

3. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to claim 2,

wherein the coils are of the same size and have the same number of windings.

4. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to claim 2 or 3,

wherein the coils are arranged in a linear manner and equally spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (108).

5. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein, for each conductive line, the control unit is configured to repeatedly perform a cycle (112) that can be referred to as a switching cycle:

supplying a positive current for a first period of time (P1);

transitioning the conductive line to a non-conductive state for a second period of time (P2);

supplying a negative current for a third period of time (P3);

transitioning the conductive line to a non-conductive state for a fourth period of time (P4);

wherein, preferably, the duration of the third time period is equal to the duration of the first time period;

wherein preferably the duration of the fourth time period is equal to the duration of the second time period.

6. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to claim 5,

wherein a switching period of the first conductive line (L1) is phase-shifted by a quarter period with respect to a switching period of the second conductive line (L2);

wherein the first and second electrically conductive lines are disposed adjacent to each other with a predetermined distance (108) therebetween;

causing the magnetic field propulsion unit to generate a force pulse in a direction from the first conductive wire to the second conductive wire.

7. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6,

wherein the coils are planar coils preferably arranged in the same plane (114).

8. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7,

wherein the conductive lines are arranged in a matrix-like structure (140) having a plurality of rows (141) and a plurality of columns (142);

wherein the conductive lines (100) in a column or a row are controlled according to the switching cycle of claim 5 such that any one row and any one column can be used as a magnetic field propulsion unit.

9. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the contact breaker arrangement (22) comprises a plurality of contact breakers (22);

wherein at least one contact breaker is assigned to each conductive line and is arranged such that the contact breaker interrupts the conductive line, thereby preventing a current from flowing through the conductive line.

10. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to claim 9,

wherein the contact breaker is a semiconductor element, preferably a transistor, which can be selectively in a conducting state or in a non-conducting state; and is

Wherein the contact breaker interconnects a first portion (116) of the conductive line (100) and a second portion (118) of the conductive line (100) to form a continuous conductive line when the semiconductor element is in a conductive state.

11. The magnetic field propulsion unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein at least one of the electrically conductive wires is tubular and has an inner lumen (102) filled with a semiconducting fluid (104), preferably a semiconducting liquid.

12. Propulsion drive having a magnetic field propulsion unit according to any of the preceding claims,

wherein the magnetic field propulsion unit is arranged such that a force pulse is generated in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

13. An electromagnetic field propulsion unit (202), comprising:

an electromagnetic field generating device (210) having a plurality of generating units (220) configured to generate an electromagnetic field;

an energy supply unit (30) configured to supply electrical energy, preferably alternating current of a given frequency, to the electromagnetic field generating device (210);

a control unit (40) configured to selectively transfer electrical energy from the energy supply unit to the generation unit;

wherein the control unit (40) is configured to control the energy supply unit so as to control the energy supply to each individual generation unit;

wherein the plurality of generating units (220) are rod-shaped and arranged along a linear axis (225);

wherein the generating units (220) are parallel to each other;

wherein the control unit (40) is configured to:

supplying electrical energy to a first generating unit (L1) to generate a first electromagnetic field;

interrupting the energy supply to the first generating unit (L1);

supplying electrical energy to a second generating unit (L2) to generate a second electromagnetic field;

wherein the second generating unit (L2) is supplied with the electric energy for a predetermined period of time after the interruption of the supply of the energy to the first generating unit (L1).

14. The electromagnetic field propulsion unit (202) of claim 13,

wherein the plurality of generating units (220) are antennas having the same length and disposed along a common line (225) and equidistantly with respect to each other.

Technical Field

This description relates generally to generating propulsive force, such as by a propulsive driver. In particular, the present description relates to a magnetic field propulsion unit, a propulsion drive having such a magnetic field propulsion unit, and an electromagnetic field propulsion unit.

Background

Typically, the propulsion drive provides propulsion to move a vehicle for personnel and/or typically cargo.

To assist and support the movement of people, animals and cargo, humans have invented several wheeled trucks (carriage, steam locomotive, etc.) and other types of machinery (e.g., airplanes and boats). Containers such as trucks, boats, and airplanes require a propulsion system to move from one location to the next. It is muscle power (human muscle or animal muscle), renewable energy (wind) or some kind of engine that moves the container.

In this document, the purpose of a "propulsion" system is understood to be moving objects. Most practical propulsion solutions are friction based (pressing on the road surface, or propellers pushing air or water, wind blowing on sails, etc.). In recent times, some propulsion systems are mass separation based (e.g., all types of rocket drives and ion drives).

However, the propulsion systems used today either rely on the presence of friction (e.g. the hooves of horses propel and scrape on the road surface, or the rotating tires of automobiles rub against the street surface), or they use some sort of physical mass separation process where the consumed mass (e.g. jets of gas, ions, water) accelerates away from the object that needs to be moved. Of course, all propulsion systems also rely on an energy source to power the propulsion system.

Disclosure of Invention

It may be desirable to reduce the dissipation losses of the propulsion drive.

In summary, this document describes a third alternative for higher-level propulsion, which is not based on friction, nor on acceleration (in the most common sense) of the mass pushing it away from the mass of the object that needs to be moved.

This technique may be referred to as a magnetic cloud accelerator, or MCA for short. The goal of the MCA drive system is to push (move) the container in any direction (on which the MCA drive has been mounted), regardless of where the container is placed: in outer space, in air, or on the surface of a planet/moon.

The MCA drive unit provides a force directed in a selected direction, which force acts on the containers that have to be moved. The directional force is generated from within the MCA actuator and is not dependent on any conditions external to the MCA actuator. MCA technology is based on magnetic principles and therefore requires a power supply that must be carried by the container in which the MCA driver is already installed.

Basically, the MCA drive module consists of a power supply, at least two or more magnetic field generators (e.g., inductors), and some electronics. To move heavier objects, MCA driver modules with more than two inductors, or more than one MCA driver module may be required. The inductors interact with each other to generate a propulsive force in a prescribed direction. Preferably, the inductors are mounted such that they are kept at a constant distance from each other.

According to one aspect, a magnetic field propulsion unit comprises a magnetic field generating device, a contact breaker device, an energy supply unit and a control unit. The magnetic field generating device includes a plurality of conductive wires configured to conduct an electric current to generate a magnetic field. The contact breaker apparatus is configured to individually transition each of the plurality of conductive wires from a conductive state to a non-conductive state. The energy supply unit is configured to supply electrical energy to the magnetic field generating device. The control unit is configured to control the energy supply unit to control the supply of energy to each individual electrically conductive line, and to control the contact breaker arrangement. A plurality of electrically conductive wires is disposed along the longitudinal axis. The control unit is configured to supply electrical energy to the first conductive line to generate a first magnetic field around the first conductive line, to transition the first conductive line to a non-conductive state, and to supply electrical energy to the second conductive line to generate a second magnetic field, wherein the second conductive line is supplied with electrical energy for a predetermined period of time after the first conductive line transitions to the non-conductive state.

Each of the plurality of electrically conductive wires of the magnetic field generating means may be a coil having at least one winding or may be a rod antenna. The individual conductive lines may be separated from each other, i.e. without a direct electrical connection between the individual conductive lines. The conductive wires can be individually provided with electrical energy so that each conductive wire can generate a magnetic field when supplied with an electrical signal.

The conductive wires are supplied with electrical energy in a specific sequence. Thus, the magnetic fields generated by the conductive wires are generated in a similar order. After the first conductive line transitions to the non-conductive state, the magnetic field generated by the second conductive line repels the remainder of the magnetic field generated by the first conductive line. This process can be repeated. In this way, the propulsive force is generated in a pulsed mode. The strength of the propulsion pulse may depend on the strength of the magnetic field, which itself depends on the electrical energy supplied to the electrically conductive wires.

According to another embodiment, each of the conductive wires is a coil having at least one winding. Preferably, the coil is an air-core coil without a core. Preferably, the diameter of the coil is 10mm to 200 mm.

Although it is theoretically possible to use inductors with magnetic cores (e.g. wire-based coils), such inductors with cores have the disadvantage that their reaction time to high frequencies is very slow. The inductor described in this document is an air-core coil with only few windings.

According to another embodiment, the coils are identical in size and have the same number of windings.

According to another embodiment, the coils are arranged in a linear manner and are equally spaced from each other by a predetermined distance.

According to another embodiment, for each conductive line, the control unit is configured to repeatedly perform a cycle, which may be referred to as a switching cycle: supplying a positive current for a first period of time, transitioning the conductive line to a non-conductive state for a second period of time, supplying a negative current for a third period of time, transitioning the conductive line to a non-conductive state for a fourth period of time.

Preferably, the duration of the third time period is equal to the duration of the first time period. Preferably, the duration of the fourth time period is equal to the duration of the second time period.

The cycle described in the present embodiment is performed for each conductive line. However, this period phase shifts for adjacent conductive lines, i.e. when a first conductive line is supplied with a positive current (first period), a second conductive line is in a non-conductive state (second period). In other words, the periodic phase shift between adjacent conductive lines is 90 ° (one quarter of Pi).

According to a further embodiment, the switching period of the first conductive line is phase shifted by a quarter period with respect to the switching period of the second conductive line, wherein the first conductive line and the second conductive line are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined distance therebetween such that the magnetic field propulsion unit generates a force pulse in a direction from the first conductive line to the second conductive line.

According to another embodiment, the coil is a planar coil. Preferably, the coils are arranged on the same plane. More preferably, all coils of the magnetic field generating means are arranged on the same plane.

According to another embodiment, the conductive lines are arranged in a matrix-like structure having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein the conductive lines in one or in a row are controlled according to the above-mentioned switching cycles such that any row and any column can be selectively used as magnetic field propulsion unit.

According to another embodiment, the contact breaker apparatus comprises a plurality of contact breakers, wherein at least one contact breaker is assigned to each conductive line and arranged such that the contact breaker interrupts the conductive line thereby preventing current from flowing through the conductive line.

The contact breaker is arranged such that the coil is switched in the open state when the contact breaker is in the open state. In other words, the continuous conductor of the coil is interrupted by the contact breaker. The contact breaker may be a switch. The contact breaker may be arranged close to the conductive wire of the coil, so that the interconnection line between the contact breaker and the coil is much shorter than the circumference of the coil. For example, the length of the interconnection line between the coil and the contact breaker is less than 25% of the circumference of the coil, more preferably less than 20% of the circumference of the coil, more preferably less than 15% of the circumference of the coil, even more preferably less than 10% of the circumference of the coil.

According to another embodiment, the contact breaker is a semiconductor element, preferably a transistor, which can be selectively in a conducting state or a non-conducting state. The contact breaker interconnects the first portion of the conductive line and the second portion of the conductive line to form a continuous conductive line when the semiconductor element is in a conductive state.

For example, one coil may be divided into two parts which are connected to each other by two contact breakers. If both contact breakers are in a closed state, the two parts will establish a closed loop of one coil. If one contact breaker opens, the wire of the coil is a C-shaped wire with one end (the contact breaker opens at this location). When both contact breakers are open, the previous coil is now two separate parts of the wire.

In other words, by providing at least two or more contact breakers circumferentially arranged on the coil to interrupt the continuous conductor of the coil into a plurality of portions, the characteristics of the coil can be selectively changed from the coil to separate portions of the conductor.

According to another embodiment, at least one of the electrically conductive wires is tubular and has a lumen filled with a semiconducting fluid, preferably a semiconducting liquid.

Thus, the electrical properties of the tubular wire may be changed by changing the properties of the liquid from electrically conductive to electrically non-conductive. In this embodiment, it may not be necessary to physically interrupt the conductive lines.

According to another aspect, a propulsion drive having a magnetic field propulsion unit as described herein is provided. The magnetic field propulsion unit is arranged such that a force pulse is generated in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Such a propulsion drive can be used to apply a propulsion force to a vehicle or element. For this purpose, the propulsion drive is attached or mounted to the vehicle or element.

According to another aspect, an electromagnetic field propulsion unit is provided. The electromagnetic field propulsion unit comprises an electromagnetic field generating device, an energy supply unit and a control unit. The electromagnetic field generating device includes a plurality of generating units configured to generate an electromagnetic field. The energy supply unit is configured to supply electrical energy, preferably alternating current of a given frequency, to the electromagnetic field generating device. The control unit is configured to selectively transfer electrical energy from the energy supply unit to the generation unit. The control unit is configured to control the energy supply unit so as to control the process of supplying energy to each individual generating unit. The plurality of generating units are rod-shaped and arranged along a linear axis, and the generating units are parallel to each other. The control unit is configured to supply electrical energy to the first generating unit to generate a first electromagnetic field, to interrupt the supply of energy to the first generating unit, and to supply electrical energy to the second generating unit to generate a second electromagnetic field. The second generating unit is supplied with electric energy for a predetermined period of time after the interruption of the supply of energy to the first generating unit.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of generating units are antennas having the same length and disposed along the common line and equidistantly with respect to each other.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the exemplary embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

Fig. 1 schematically shows an air-core coil.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a coil and a magnetic field and the propagation of the magnetic field.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a coil and a magnetic field and the propagation of the magnetic field.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a coil and a magnetic field and the propagation of the magnetic field.

Fig. 5 schematically shows the magnetic field strength of the coil.

Fig. 6 schematically shows the measurement of the magnetic field strength of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a method for changing the characteristics of a coil.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an interruptible air coil having multiple switches.

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an interruptible air coil having multiple switches.

Fig. 10 schematically shows a coil with a semiconducting fluid.

Fig. 11 schematically shows a rod antenna with a magnetic field generated thereby.

Fig. 12 schematically shows the spreading and dispersion of the magnetic field.

Fig. 13 schematically shows the interaction between two adjacent coils.

Fig. 14 schematically illustrates the interaction between two adjacent rod antennas.

Fig. 15 schematically shows a magnetic field propulsion unit.

Figure 16 schematically shows an air coil with power and control interfaces.

Fig. 17 schematically shows a magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 18 schematically shows a switching scheme of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 19 schematically shows a magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 20 schematically shows the arrangement of the air coils of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 21 schematically shows a switching state of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 22 schematically shows the force exerted by the inductor of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 23 schematically shows a switching state of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 24 schematically shows the force exerted by the inductor of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 25 schematically shows a switching state of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 26 schematically shows the force exerted by the inductor of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 27 schematically shows a switching state of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 28 schematically shows the force exerted by the inductor of the magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 29 shows the inductor states at four different points in time.

Fig. 30 schematically shows a magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 31 schematically shows a magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 32 schematically shows a magnetic field propulsion unit.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an air core coil in two different views. The air coil is made of wire and has at least one complete winding. Electrical energy is supplied to the air coil via an energy supply line 106.

Generally, when the coil 100 is supplied with electric power, a magnetic field is generated around the wire of the coil. When the flow of current in the inductor is suddenly cut off, the back electromotive force (also referred to as back electromotive force, back EMF) will result in the accumulation of high voltage at the energy supply line 106 (two leads) of the inductor 100. Depending on the inductor specifications and the current that has passed through the inductor, the accumulated voltage can be high enough to generate a spark, as shown on the right side of fig. 1. This phenomenon is the same as that occurring in ignition coils (used in certain types of internal combustion engines).

The magnetic field around the inductor uses the conductive wires in the coil to generate a current (in the opposite direction) that will accumulate to a very high voltage at the energy supply line 106 of the inductor (assuming the two connecting lines of the inductor are not connected to any circuitry). The accumulated voltage will remain until the previously generated magnetic field is depleted (collapses) in the process or until the spark flies across the leads of the inductor (shortening the coil circuit). The spark will then allow current to flow in the coil until the generated voltage drops to some lower level.

After the process of generating the magnetic field is stopped (e.g., by cutting off the supply current), the magnetic field generated around the inductor begins to transfer its energy back into the inductor and thereby generate a current (back EMF). This process of back EMF creation takes time even if it is only a few hundred picoseconds. It should be noted, however, that the flux structure exists independently after the current supply is cut off, and the flux structure can utilize its energy after a short time.

The resulting magnetic field structure is fixed (maintained) in the center of the inductor 100 as long as the inductor is powered by an external current source through the energy supply line 106. When the external current supply is cut off, the resulting magnetic field structure is no longer fixed to the source (the powered inductor 100). The magnetic field structure is now free to move. However, in the presence of a conductive object (surface, wire), any movement of the magnetic field (change of its position) will generate a current in the object, thereby converting the energy of the magnetic field back into electrical energy. Furthermore, any attempted movement of the flux structure will occur at a speed close to the speed of light. The larger the magnetic field configuration, the lower the impedance in the conductive object, and the larger the current in the conductive object (in a short time). The back EMF will quickly dissipate the energy stored in the magnetic field structure (however, even a little bit, it will take some time). Incidentally, the term "magnetic cloud" is often used instead of the magnetic field structure.

When the inductor (air coil 100) is no longer powered by current, and when the physical properties of the air coil will change such that it cannot generate a back EMF (or back EMF), the magnetic field generated by the current is no longer bound (fixed) to the air coil. This is not the case for typical inductors (or coils). Basically, this means that the inductor must be deactivated instantaneously (also referred to herein as a "deactivation" inductor).

For the MCA technique to work, the process caused by the back emf must be prevented by "extinguishing" (eliminating or reducing its effect of converting the energy of the magnetic field into current) the inductor while the supply current is switched off.

Fig. 2 shows schematically how the coil 100 generates a magnetic field 50 when supplied with current. In fig. 2, it is also schematically shown how the magnetic field propagates in space. Fig. 2 shows what happens when the coil disappears after it has generated the magnetic field. Of course, the coil cannot be eliminated as such. However, the explanation given below illustrates how the magnetic field is used to generate the propulsive force.

When the power supply to the air coil is switched off, and when it is ensured that the properties of the air coil have changed such that it is no longer an electrically conductive object (the impedance of the entire air coil arrangement is increased so sharply that the rest no longer participates in the dynamics around the generated magnetic field), the magnetic field structure 50 (the magnetic field cloud generated by the air coil under the influence of electricity) will expand outwards in all directions and disperse at near the speed of light.

On the left side of fig. 2, it is shown that the current flowing through the coil 100 (in this particular example an air coil) generates a magnetic field structure 50 similar to the shape of an apple that is bound (fixed) to the energized coil 100. After the power is switched off and the inductor loses its properties as a conductive object, the magnetic field around the inductor is no longer fixed to the position of the previous inductor and thus starts to expand rapidly outwards, while spreading out, as shown in the middle of fig. 2. The magnetic field loop (initially shaped as a loop) expands in all directions at approximately the speed of light. The larger the magnetic loop becomes, the smaller the field strength of the magnetic flux lines rapidly becomes, as shown on the right side of fig. 2.

Although the term "disperse" is used herein, the energy will not simply disappear. However, the process of back EMF generation occurs whenever the outwardly expanding magnetic structure's lines of flux encounter a conductive object. Only in the truly empty universe (space) will the magnetic field structure continue to expand without losing any of its energy.

Fig. 3 shows schematically the field lines of the magnetic field generated by the coil and what happens to the magnetic field when the coil disappears immediately. When current flows through the inductor 100, the magnetic field generated around the inductor has a three-dimensional shape similar to an apple. The magnetic field structure is fixed in the center of the inductor 100. As long as the inductor is deactivated (there will be no conductive structure where it is fixed before the magnetic field structure), the magnetic field structure will expand rapidly outward in all directions, as shown in the middle of the diagram. In such a way that the apple-like structure expands both inwards and outwards (essentially simultaneously with the same speed in all directions), the former apple-like structure (magnetic field cloud) will transform into an outwardly expanding donut-shaped structure (or toroid), as shown on the right side of fig. 3.

Fig. 4 shows the shape of the toroidal magnetic field resulting from the simultaneous inward and outward expansion of the apple-like shape. When the diameter of the toroidal magnetic field structure expands rapidly, the diameter d of the field structure (the wall thickness of the magnetic toroid, referred to herein as "d") remains constant and the field structure propagates outward in space, i.e., away from the opposite side of the field structure.

Fig. 5 shows the magnetic field strength with respect to the distance of the center of the coil 100. In this example, the air core coil diameter is about 100mm, and the magnetic field strength distribution is measured in the Z-axis direction (in the axial direction of the inductor). The intensity will have a field strength maximum in the negative direction and will have a field strength maximum in the positive direction (when measured from the center of the air coil and then moved outward in one direction along the X-axis). The distance between the negative maximum and the positive maximum is about 100mm and is constant (previously described as "d"). The number of turns of wire of the air-core coil used in this example is less than 10 turns. However, the number of wire turns is to be understood as a non-limiting parameter.

Fig. 6 shows a planar coil 100 lying in a plane 114. The Z-axis extends in the axial direction of the coil 100. The Z-axis is the direction of the measured magnetic field strength shown in fig. 5.

Since the magnetic field is symmetrical, the strength of the magnetic field measured in the Z-axis (as in the figure shown in fig. 5) is the same from the center in any direction in the X-axis plane of the air coil.

Fig. 7 shows a coil 100 with a plurality of switches 20 arranged such that the coil can be interrupted as individual circumferential segments not interconnected with each other. The switch is controllable and can be changed from an open state to a closed state. In the open state, the switch is non-conductive. In the closed state, the switch is conductive. When the switch is closed, the coil 100 has certain characteristics that are substantially capable of generating a magnetic field when supplied with an electric current. However, if the switches (at least two of them) are in the open state, the characteristics of the coil (more precisely: the characteristics of the individual segments due to the switches being in the open state) are different from the characteristics when all switches are in the closed state.

Several design options can be chosen with the aim of changing the characteristics of the inductor so that the function of the inductor is no longer present or significantly changed. Fig. 7 shows the main concept of such a switchable coil, i.e. a coil capable of changing its electromagnetic or magnetic behavior. However, in addition to defeating the function of the inductor, it is also important to increase the impedance of the remaining object to prevent the build-up of back EMF. When it comes to the elimination of the coil, this is to be understood as changing the electromagnetic properties or the magnetic properties of the coil.

Fig. 7 shows an example of causing the air-core coil to immediately change its characteristic. In this example eight mechanical switches are used, which when connected to each other (all switches are in a closed state, left side of fig. 7) and when in an "on" state, will form an inductor. When the eight switches go from the "on" state to the "off" state (middle of fig. 7), the function of the inductor disappears momentarily. The eight switches in this example will be instructed what to do by a mechanical or electronic control mechanism called a control unit. Whatever the mechanism, care must be taken so that this switch control mechanism does not create another opportunity for back EMF.

The control unit may be a microprocessor or a computer configured to provide signals based on which the switches change their state from open to closed and vice versa.

Fig. 8 shows an air core coil 100 having four switches 22 arranged to divide the coil into four sections or portions, wherein a first portion 116 and a second portion 118 are indicated by reference numerals. When the four switches are closed, there is an air coil with its specific electromagnetic properties. When all four switches are open, there are four separate and distinct portions of the coil wire.

The switches may be locally arranged such that their inner conductors are part of the coil and substantially provide the circumferential shape of the coil conductors.

Fig. 9 shows a coil 100 with eight solid state switches arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction of the coil 100. Two adjacent switches are arranged at an angle of 45 deg. with respect to the centre of the coil 100.

A better and more practical option than mechanical switches is to use a very low impedance, high power capability solid state switch. Important specifications for such solid-state switches are a very short switching time and a very low impedance in the closed state.

Fig. 10 shows an alternative example of the coil 100. Instead of using mechanical or physical switches, or solid state switches, a semiconductor substance (solid or liquid) can be used. Depending on the control conditions selected, the substance is either conductive or it is not conductive. However, some of the semiconductor materials take some time to change from one state to another and then back again. The benefit of this solution is that the function of the inductor has been completely lost and the remaining objects will not be allowed to back EMF to occur.

Instead of using conductive wires, a tubular structure is used to build the coil. The conduit includes an inner cavity 102 in which the semiconductor fluid is disposed. The signal of the control unit can be used to change the properties of the fluid from electrically conductive to electrically non-conductive.

However, those skilled in the art will understand that the principles described herein may be applied to coils comprised of wires interrupted by physical or solid state switches, or coils as shown in fig. 10.

In the figure shown on the left side of fig. 10, the semiconducting fluid is in a conducting state and on the right side in a non-conducting state.

The coil 100 is formed using a synthetic material tube filled with a semiconductor liquid. The tube can be an inductor or can be a non-conductive structure with no or little measurable magnetism.

Fig. 11 shows a rod antenna, which is generally referred to as an electromagnetic field generating unit 220. The rod antenna generates an electromagnetic field 50 when supplied with a suitable electrical signal via the energy supply line 106.

Instead of the wire wound coil inductor as shown in fig. 1 to 10, a simple radio antenna 220 can also be used. The absolute length of the antenna type inductor can be relatively short according to the speed (operating frequency) at which the antenna type inductor operates. Assuming an operating frequency of 1.5GHz, the optional antenna length is 50mm (one quarter of c/f).

After the power signal is applied to the antenna 220, the resulting magnetic field structure is free to expand in any direction.

One advantage of using an antenna instead of a coil is that there will be relatively little or no back EMF when the signal power of the antenna is switched off. The magnetic structure is free to expand in any direction in the horizontal direction. There is no need to worry about the circuit that will extinguish the inductor.

Fig. 12 shows exemplarily the propagation of a magnetic field and its strength as a function of time. The magnetic field strength is shown at three different points in time, namely n, n +1 and n + 2. The magnetic field strength 122 is shown relative to the center of the inductor 100.

The schematic diagram in fig. 12 is shown on the assumption that the function of the inductor will disappear at a moment. In this case, the generated magnetic field will propagate outward in all directions (mainly at the horizontal plane associated with the air coil).

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the magnetic field is now no longer locked or fixed in the central position of the air coil and expands in all directions. By doing so, the field strength decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the center of the air-core coil. Fig. 12 shows field strength states 122 at three consecutive time events (n, n +1, and n + 2). The physical dimension "d" of the magnetic 'wave' remains constant (in this example, 100mm from a positive field strength maximum to a negative field strength maximum).

In the example of the inductor with a diameter of 100mm chosen above, the length of the radial length (in the X-axis direction) (positive to negative maximum) of the magnetic field wave that extends away from the starting position (after the inductor has been practically deactivated) is 100mm, which length is similar to the diameter of the inductor. This corresponds to a full periodic wave of 180 degrees. Meaning that the full length of the full periodic wave (corresponding to 360 degrees) is about 200mm long (2 x d).

The magnetic wave expands outwards at the speed of light, with a wavelength of 200mm corresponding to a wavelength duration of 660 picoseconds (or in reciprocal form: corresponding to a frequency of 1.5 GHz).

To achieve maximum system efficiency (in the sense of propulsion) the electrical pulses that will power the inductor are only a few hundred picoseconds in length (pulse time).

However, this pulse time is suitable for coils with a diameter of 100 mm. When a smaller diameter is chosen for the inductor, the pulse time will become smaller (measured in a ratio) or, in other words, the operating frequency will increase. Conversely, when a larger diameter is selected for the inductor, the pulse time will also increase.

Fig. 13 shows two coils 100, referred to as inductor 1 and inductor 2. The two coils are placed in the same plane, i.e. their axes are parallel, and they are arranged at the same vertical height.

In phase 1 (upper diagram) current will flow through the first inductor (air coil 1, left side). An outwardly acting magnetic flux structure (in the shape of an apple) is built up and fixed in the centre of the inductor 1. In phase 1 the power switch of inductor 1 is closed, i.e. power is supplied to inductor 1, and the power switch of inductor 2 is open, i.e. no power is supplied to inductor 2. The state of the power switch is indicated by a vertical dashed line in the right-hand drawing of phase 1.

In phase 2 (middle diagram), current flows through the two inductors 1 and 2. When current flows in the same direction (inductors 1 and 2), the magnetic structures established repel each other. The power switches of both inductors are closed, see switch state in the right drawing of phase 2.

In phase 3, the inductor 1 will be deactivated (will be deactivated, its power switch is turned off). No current will flow through the inductor 1. The magnetic structure produced by the inductor 1 no longer has a fixed point and will expand rapidly and will reduce its field strength rapidly. The repulsive force from the still powered inductor 2 pushes the flux structure away from the previous inductor 1. A small pushing force will act on the inductor 2 pushing it towards the right in the figure.

In the example used here (coil diameter 100mm), the whole process of phase 1 to phase 3 will take less than 1ns (one nanosecond). This process (phase 1 to phase 3) can be repeated for about 10 hundred million (10) per second⁹) Next, the process is carried out.

Fig. 14 depicts a design similar to fig. 13. However, in fig. 14, a rod antenna is used instead of the air coil. The principle described with reference to fig. 13 is also applicable to the device shown in fig. 14 and controls the rod antenna 220 in a similar manner, see the sequence of the power supply on the right side of the three-phase drawing of fig. 14. This sequence corresponds to the sequence of fig. 13 power supply.

When using antenna type inductors (for inductors 1 and 2), the principle of the propulsion system described in fig. 14 remains the same as described with reference to fig. 13. The description given above also applies to this inductor arrangement except that it is not necessary to have the inductor 1 (antenna 1) in phase 3 of fig. 14 vanished. It is sufficient that the inductor 1 is open loop and not connected to any circuit or any power supply.

Fig. 15 shows a propulsion unit 1 with six air coils L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and L6. The air coils are disposed along a common longitudinal axis 110. The distance 108 between adjacent or neighboring coils is the same. The distance 108 may be 1.1 to 1.5 times the diameter of the air core coil.

Fig. 16 shows an air coil comprising a command interface for controlling and supplying energy to the coil 100.

Each inductor 100 may operate under one of three possible operating conditions: current flows in forward direction through the inductor, current flows in reverse direction through the inductor and the inductor is deactivated (contact breaker 22 opens, see fig. 7 to 9, as shown in fig. 10 the coil is no longer conductive, in other words the characteristics of the inductor have changed and thus no current will flow).

The above-described functional block diagram shown in fig. 16 is one of several options available. Of course, if operated in only two operating conditions, the propulsion unit will also function: current will only flow in one direction and the inductor has been deactivated. However, operating the inductor under three operating conditions may improve the efficiency of the propulsion unit.

There are two control inputs 125, 127 that will define the function and operation of the air coil 100: the first interface 125 activates and deactivates the inductor by opening or closing the contact breaker 22, and the third interface 127 determines the flow direction (forward or backward) of the supplied current by closing or opening the assigned switches S1, S2, S3, S4, respectively.

The coil 100 is powered via the second interface 126 and the coil 100 is grounded via the fourth interface 128. If the switches S1 and S4 are closed and the switches S2 and S3 are open, current flows through the coil 100 in the first direction from the second interface 126 to the fourth interface 128. If S3 and S2 are closed and S1 and S4 are open, current flows through coil 100 in the opposite direction.

Fig. 17 shows a magnetic field propulsion unit with six coils L1 to L6 (similar to fig. 15) and the corresponding control and power supply. The energy supply unit 30 supplies power to the controller 40 and to the power drivers 32, each coil being assigned a separate power driver providing power to that particular coil, and to the deactivation unit 34, which controls the contact breakers 22 of each coil L1 to L6 and determines whether the contact breakers are open or closed, one deactivation unit being assigned to each coil. However, multiple power drivers 32 or multiple deactivation units 34 may be provided within a single component while the component performs the functions described herein.

Note that each coil 100 shown in any of the embodiments herein includes a contact breaker 22 as described with reference to fig. 7-9 or similar entity for altering the electromagnetic properties of the inductor 100. For example, even if these contact breakers are not shown in fig. 17, the coil contains these contact breakers which are controlled by the deactivation unit 34.

The control unit 40 provides control signals to the power driver 32 and the disabling unit 34. Thus, a handover scheme generally described with reference to fig. 13 is achieved. However, the switching scheme of the power unit with six coils is described in more detail below.

Six air coils L1-L6 are connected to six enable circuits (each of which will activate or deactivate the function of a particular inductor) and the power driver 32. The power driver circuit for each inductor must be able to provide a relatively large supply current in both directions in a very short time. The disabling unit 34 or disabling the driver module and the power driver module 32 is then controlled by the control unit 40. All driver circuits are connected to the energy supply unit 30.

Fig. 18 shows a switching scheme of coils L1 to L6 of the magnetic field propulsion unit described with reference to fig. 17.

The switching scheme is a power sequence of six air coils placed side by side in a straight line (six power drivers 32 at control voltage signals greater than 5 ns). The sequence in fig. 18 represents activity for greater than 5 nanoseconds. During this 5ns, the air coil array has generated 20 thrust pulses (marked with vertical dashed lines) in one direction (in line with the air coil array). This means that there is one thrust pulse every 250 ps. This corresponds to an oscillation frequency of the propulsion unit of 4GHz (for air coils of about 100mm diameter arranged side by side in a "flat").

The vertical dashed line indicates when a thrust pulse occurs. In this configuration, three of the six coils generate thrust pulses at a given time.

The point on the 0 volt line of each control signal indicates when the inductor has been fully deactivated (contact breaker 22 opens, the coil no longer exists as an inductor).

Each inductor is powered in the forward direction (positive current) and in the reverse direction (negative current flowing through the air coil) after a brief interruption of deactivation.

Coils L1 to L6 are driven by the same supply voltage phase shifted with respect to the preceding coils. The phase shift Pi is one quarter 90 deg.. One cycle 112 includes four different periods P1, P2, P3, P4 with a change of state between the periods.

The handover scheme will be described in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 17, fig. 19 shows an alternative configuration of magnetic field propulsion unit 202.

The propulsion unit 202 comprises six rod antennas 220. The rod antenna has the function of the coil 100 of fig. 17. The rod antennas are parallel to each other and disposed along a linear axis 225. The rod antennas 220 are driven by power drivers individually assigned to each of the antennas. The control unit 40 implements a switching scheme for the power supplied to the rod antennas. No deactivator unit is required in this example.

With further reference to fig. 17, fig. 20 shows an alternative arrangement of the air coil 100. The coils 100 may be arranged such that their axes coincide and the centers of the coils are disposed along a common axis 225.

In fig. 21, a certain switching state of the magnetic field propulsion unit is shown and indicated by a vertical solid line shown at t-0.875 ns.

At 0.875ns, current flows through all of the six air coils L1-L6. Looking down at the inductor from the top (see fig. 22), the first two inductors L1, L2 and the second two inductors L5, L6 show their north poles, and inductors L3 and L4 show their south poles. The arrows indicate the forces with which the magnetic fields attract or repel each other.

Fig. 23 shows the state of the coil when t is 1.0ns, i.e. the solution has been moved forward compared to fig. 12.

Given the change in the switching scheme from fig. 21 to fig. 23, this results in the effect shown in fig. 24.

At 1ns, three of the inductors (i.e., L1, L3, L5) have been deactivated (the corresponding contact breakers 22 are opened, the coils have changed their characteristics and no longer exist as operational inductors). Only inductors L2, L4, and L6 hold and current flows through each of these inductors. Depending on the direction of current flow through the inductor, either the north or south poles will be facing upwards (when the remaining inductor is viewed from the top downwards, see fig. 24). The magnetic field structure (cloud) of the pre-existing inductors L1, L3, and L5 is no longer fixed on any object, but rather expands in space. However, these three magnetic clouds will be repelled or attracted by the operational and electrodynamic inductors L2, L4, and L6. This will "move" the unsecured magnetic cloud in the same direction (to the left in fig. 24) and produce less propulsion in the opposite direction.

Fig. 25 and 26 show the state when t is 1.125 ns. The solid vertical line has been moved to this time. All six inductors L1 to L6 are activated (supplied with current flowing in the direction shown). However, with the inductors L1, L3, L5, the current direction has been reversed compared to fig. 21(t ═ 0.875 ns).

Fig. 27 and 28 show the state when t is 1.250 ns. At 1.250ns, only three inductors L1, L3, L5 are operating and current flows through them. The other three inductors L2, L4, L6 have been deactivated and are no longer used as inductors. Before the three no longer fixed magnetic structures (produced by the previous inductors L2, L4, and L6) are dispersed, they will be attracted or repelled by the three remaining and operating inductors L1, L3, L5 into one and the same direction (towards the left in the figure). The small propulsive force generated by each of them is generated in the opposite direction.

Considering the magnetic activity of four consecutive time events (0.875ns, 1.000ns, 1.125ns and 1.250ns), it can be observed that a small pulsed propulsive force is generated in the same direction.

Fig. 29 summarizes the states of the coils L1 to L6 shown in fig. 21 to 28, and the changing states and magnetizations of the respective coils. In four consecutive time intervals, the magnetic activity and the generation of pulsed propulsive force of six inductors placed side by side are shown.

Fig. 30 schematically shows an array of coils 100 representing magnetic field propulsion units building a matrix structure 140. The coils are arranged in columns 141 and rows 142. In these columns and rows, the coils are arranged such that the centers of the coils are disposed along a common linear (vertical and horizontal) axis. Each row 142 consists of six coils. However, each row may have more or less than six coils. The number of columns is not limited thereto. The magnetic field propulsion unit may comprise one or more columns. Each column corresponds to the arrangement shown in fig. 15 to 20 and implementing the switching scheme described with reference to fig. 21 to 29.

The array of coils shown in fig. 30 allows the generation of forces in any direction in the X-Y plane defined by the direction of the columns and rows without having to rotate the two-dimensional magnetic field propulsion unit.

Fig. 31 schematically shows a one-dimensional magnetic field propulsion unit with a single row of coils 100. The magnetic field propulsion unit can generate a propulsion force to the left or the right.

Fig. 32 shows a two-dimensional magnetic field propulsion unit. As already described with reference to fig. 30, such a two-dimensional magnetic field propulsion unit with rows and columns of air coils placed side by side allows to generate propulsion forces in any direction of the plane without having to rotate the array in a preferred direction.

Other air coil arrangements and suitable control algorithms will allow the two-dimensional array to be rotated even in any horizontal direction.

It should be understood that the features described in the various exemplary embodiments may also be combined with one another. While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject invention.

Description of the reference numerals

1 magnetic field propulsion unit

10 magnetic field generating device

20 contact breaker device

22 contact breaker

30 energy supply unit

32 power driver

34 deactivation unit

40 control unit

Field lines of 50 magnetic field

100 conductive wire, coil

102 lumen

104 semiconductor fluid

106 energy supply line

108 distance between adjacent or neighboring coils

110 longitudinal axis

112 period

114 plane

116 first part

118 second part

122 magnetic field strength

124 center of rod antenna

125 first interface

126 second interface

127 third interface

128 fourth interface

140 matrix structure

141 columns

142 lines

202 electromagnetic field propulsion unit

210 electromagnetic field generating device

220 generating unit, antenna

225 linear axis