Pericyclic Magnetic Continuously Adjustable Transmission

To address the Navy’s need to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a flightworthy magnetic-based transmission for utility winch and reeling applications, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Pericyclic Magnetic Continuously Adjustable Transmission (PM-CAT). This proposed magnetic gearbox design is based on pericyclic motion with direct magnetic coupling. The innovative torque-speed governor mechanism in PM-CAT will enable the device to operate as a variable transmission with a forward/reverse direction coupling. This device offers stepless torque-speed conversion and is a noncontact gear mechanism without lubrication. It is a compact and reliable solution that directly addresses the H-60/53 helicopter program requirement to increase service availability for mission-critical applications. In Phase I, POC will analyze the proposed gear, and demonstrate the feasibility of the PM-CAT in a simulated environment. We will then build a laboratory-scale prototype to verify the design principle with respect to volume, weight, and performance metrics such as stiffness, magnetic hysteresis, gear ratio, efficiency, and torque density. In Phase II, POC will fabricate a proof-of-concept prototype, perform qualification-type testing, and further optimize the design based on additional objective metrics such as vibration, torque ripple, and overall cost.