Pericyclic Magnetic Continuously Adjustable Transmission Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-115 Topic Title: Pericyclic Magnetic Continuously Adjustable Transmission Proposal No.: N102-115-0375 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Information Technologies Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100 Torrance, California 90501-1821 Contact: Alireza Shapoury Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: 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. Benefits: The PM-CAT not only relaxes the stringent maintenance intervals and solves problems of toothed gearboxes, but also provides a more compact, lightweight, and efficient gear mechanism. The technological development resulting from this project will significantly impact myriad a applications such as water pumps, automotive, wind turbines, milling, manufacturing, robotic handling, bore drilling applications, and so on, wherever torque-speed conversion is needed. Return