Three-Dimensional Control of an Iron Ball by Flux-path Control Mechanisms Located around Magnetic Source

Three-dimensional control is achieved in a magnetic suspension system with three flux-path control mechanisms located around a permanent magnet (magnetic source). In the flux-control mechanism, a ferromagnetic control plate is placed beside the magnetic source. The attractive force acting on an iron ball (floator) can be varied by moving the control plate in the vertical direction. The suspension force has two components: vertical and lateral. Therefore, three-dimensional control of the floator can be achieved by moving three control plates individually. Such suspension is realized in the developed experimental apparatus.