The Boeing Company
Rotating machine having magnetically actuated pistons

Abstract:

A rotating machine is disclosed and includes a stator defining a circumference, a plurality of first magnet arrays, a rotor, and a first piston. The first magnet arrays are comprised of a plurality of discrete magnets arranged around the circumference of the stator in a first magnetic pattern. The rotor is rotatable about an axis of rotation and defines a main body. The main body defines a first passageway. The first piston includes a plurality of first magnetic elements and is actuated within the first passageway of the rotor. The plurality of discrete magnets are arranged in the first magnetic pattern and are positioned to interact with the magnetic elements of the first piston to create a first magnetic force as the rotor rotates about the axis of rotation. The first magnetic force represents a first amount of force required to actuate the first piston.