An Adjustable Stiffness Torsional Magnetic Spring with a Linear Stroke Length

This paper presents the analysis, mechanical design, and proof-of-principle experimental testing of a new type of adjustable stiffness torsional magnetic spring for an ocean generator application. Unlike prior published designs the rotary magnetic spring is shown to have a highly linear adjustable stroke length. The presented torsional spring is experimentally shown to be able to create a ± 45° angular stroke range with a peak torque of ± 39.1 N·m. The stiffness is adjusted by using a stepper motor to axially adjust the axial magnet offset. The stepper motor contains a brake so that power is not expended when maintaining a desired spring stiffness. It is shown that by using a series spring arrangement the stroke length can be extended to ± 90°.