Gravity-powered device with permanent magnets

[kEhYo77]

Hi.
My advice to your idea would be to build it in a form of a pendulum with
electromagnets on both sides and permanent magnets attached to the swinging mass.
Please study the principles shown in videos on that site http://www.gap-power.com/
That should give you a good start

[Rafael Ti]

Hi
You can also use two magnetic strips helping the weights to be shifted... Thing is to tune correctly the distance between strip and iron weight & shape of strips to avoid the 'sticking points'.. /do you remember the V-track?/

[wdford]

Hi Mark
Using a permanent magnet together with an electromagnet provides the “switch” you refer to! When the electromagnet is positive the attractive force is present, when the polarity is reversed the magnetic force is repelling, and when the electromagnet is deactivated there is no magnetic force at all between the permanent magnet and the non-magnetic mass.

The resistance in the electromagnet is not really an issue, as we will use minimal current â€" the force in this attraction comes from the permanent magnet. The purpose of the small electromagnet is just to provide the “switch”.

The distance issue is solved by minimising the distance the mass can travel. The lever can be longer on the other side if needed.

[telecom]

Hi Mark
Using a permanent magnet together with an electromagnet provides the “switch” you refer to! When the electromagnet is positive the attractive force is present, when the polarity is reversed the magnetic force is repelling, and when the electromagnet is deactivated there is no magnetic force at all between the permanent magnet and the non-magnetic mass.

The resistance in the electromagnet is not really an issue, as we will use minimal current â€" the force in this attraction comes from the permanent magnet. The purpose of the small electromagnet is just to provide the “switch”.

The distance issue is solved by minimising the distance the mass can travel. The lever can be longer on the other side if needed.

Hi wdford,
believe it or not, but I was contemplating about a very similar concept for some time.
I made some calculations - the pm magnet rated 1000 lbs should be able to generate approx 25 W full time, less 5W for
the solenoid, so the total balance should be around 20 w.
I found these magnets, which I believe should do the trick:
http://apexdistribution.stores.yahoo.net/350lbraeamaw1.html
(3 of them).
And this coil for a solenoid:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?Partnumber=266-864
IMHO the reason why all the magnetic devices don't work, is because they don't use magnets strong enough - and the magnet is the source!
Alex

[telecom]

This an idea of a test set up for determining if any extra power can be achieved.
The leverage between input and output stages is 1:10.
Solenoid is in blue, and PM in red.
The stroke between the PM and solenoid ~1/4", which makes travel of the output ~2.5".