This is a FreeCAD project to model the Switched Flux Transmission device invented by Prajna Pranab.
SFT-Mk4 render image (using Luxcore)
To work with the complete assembly you will need to install the following addons via the FreeCAD Addons Manager: Assembly 4 Workbench; Fasteners Workbench; for rendering, the Render Workbench.
The model is organised as an Assembly 4 project and the assembly is contained in asm_SFT-Mk4.FCStd, so open that file in FreeCAD and it will open all the other parts. Once you've opened the project file, switch to the Assembly 4 Workbench and look near the top of the tree for the Variables object. In the Variables object properties you will find a Variable called Rotor Angle. The moveable parts positions are all calculated from the rotor axle's angle (specified in Rotor Angle) and you can adjust the state of the model by changing the value of Rotor Angle. You can also click the Animate Assembly button and select Rotor Angle as the variable to control.
For full details on what this SFT device is visit my website
There's plenty more to do. Some things that need checking in this model: Fitting and clearence of the holes that receive shafts and axles; I've only been working with FreeCAD for a month, so a level of inexpertise may be obvious to some skilled in the art and science of it; There is still work to do on the render setup (I'm still learning about that); I've never 3D printed anything and those who have may look at this design in horror at the lack of support or extravagant use of filament and probably other stuff I have no idea about, so I hope to find some pointers on that at our local(ish) FabLab and the design may dramatically change when I've been there. Feel free to join the discussion or raise an issue if you see something that could be better.
I went to visit my local FabLab to discuss the project. The guy I spoke to seems to think (from a quick look at the rendered image) that the model will be easy to print but there is a week-long event at the lab this week, so it will probably be next week before there is an opportunity to sit down with them.
26 May 24 - I returned to FabLab and was given a run-through of Prusa Slicer, installed and configured it on my laptop and then laid out the printable parts in Prusa. I also emailed https://www.coleherne.co.uk/, who specialise in electrical steel laminations, to ask for advice on the suitability of electrical steel for the Tabs/Fingers. They claim to offer such expertise and have a department for prototyping laminations using a laser cutter. Hopefully they will not be put off responding because it "looks like a free energy device."
A big shout out to Robert Murray-Smith, whose video about the Wesley Gary magnetic motor inspired this device. The wonderful renders could not have been done without the dedication and prompt updating of the FreeCAD Render Workbench by @howetuft to address issues I was having.
I've set up Discussions as a space to discuss this project.
Please be friendly and constructive.
Here's the Discussion.
To follow any activity in the repository, switch on the Watch functionality. If you find the project interesting, please star the repository. Starring a repository also shows appreciation to the repository maintainer for their work. You can star repositories and topics to keep track of projects you find interesting and discover related content in your news feed. Check out Saving repositories with stars to get more.