Would this be of use in our field?

[redboat219]

Just saw this,

[RCSubGuy]

Interesting.

For those not interested in investing the 7mins to watch the video, the builder used a series of magnets to create a magnetic clutch in a driveshaft.

My take is that it would work, but I don't know that it would work well in our application. We're putting a lot more torque through the shaft than that little RC car had. We typically have a lot more room to work with, leaving more options for gearboxes and gear reduction, larger motors, etc. which would be better solutions.

Still... very unique solution to his problem. He talked about using magnets as a shock absorber as well. That's a really cool idea, too!

Thanks for sharing!

[QuarterMaster]

Didn't watch it, but isn't Tom already doing this? He may already have worked it out, or destroyed a neighborhood with an artificial Magnetar.

[trout]

Still playing with magnets......I am open to anyone making it work and improve.

[ffr2608]

I have experimented with magnetic couplers. My design looked like a revolver spindle. Alternating positive and negative polarity around the spindle. I also made the coupler extra deep so I could stack magnets to get the proper hold with an 1/8" plex wall. Worked well with a clutching effect if running into weeds or fishing line. Never found a model to use it in though.

[RCSubGuy]

Yeah, I beenere and dunnit, too, but this solution from the video was pretty unique as the magnets formed part of the driveshaft directly.

[Schmitty1944]

Magnetic couplers in a high torque drive train are always going to be a major weak point. Nothing beats a direct solid connection and in the case of a submerged connection a well engineered seal.

Jason

[RCSubGuy]

Magnetic couplers in a high torque drive train are always going to be a major weak point. Nothing beats a direct solid connection and in the case of a submerged connection a well engineered seal.

Jason

You missed the whole point. The idea is to create a pre-engineered and intentional weak point. In the video, he wanted a controlled slippage, like a clutch. In our application, a slipping shaft could be very useful to protect the motor and shaft in the case of a fouled prop. Better to slip a few notches in a magnetic drivetrain than overheat a motor or snap a dogbone or universal joint.

[Schmitty1944]

I understand. I was thinking the major advantage for us would be no seal to worry about leaks. I'm not so sure about a purposely slip-able link in the drive train. Even modern automotive automatics have a TCC (torque converter clutch) to lock the drive train without slippage. Why? because it's more efficient. It does have potential but I can't say I've ever had a sub (or any boat) where this would have been helpful.

Jason