A novel combined lift and propulsion system for a steel plate conveyance by electromagnets

A novel lift and propulsion system using alternating-current electromagnets is proposed. The proposed system can simplify the configuration of a non-contacting conveyance system for a steel plate by magnetic force. Both finite element analysis and experiments were carried out. After investigating the basic characteristics of the proposed electromagnetic linear actuator, magnetic levitation experiments with four controlled electromagnets were performed and stable levitation was realized though about 65% of the total mass of the steel plate was supported by uncontrolled alternating-current electromagnets. The results indicate that the proposed system can produce not only the strong levitation force but also the propulsion force on a steel plate.