Lubricant supported electric motor

Abstract

A lubricant supported electric motor includes a static member and a movable member movably disposed within the static member to define a gap therebetween. The static member may be configured as a stator and the movable member may be configured as a rotor. The movable member may also be configured to move relative to the static member. The static member and movable member are configured to exert an electromagnetic force therebetween and convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and move the movable member. A lubricant is disposed in the gap between the static member and the movable member to support the movable member relative to the static member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62 / 563,735, filed Sep. 27, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates to electric motors. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to electric motors with lubricant support between a rotor and stator of the electric motor.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]This section of the written disclosure provides background information related to electric motors and is not necessarily prior art to the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed in this application.[0004]Various drivelines in automotive, truck, and certain off-highway applications take power from a central prime mover and distribute the power to the wheels using mechanical devices, such as transmissions, transaxles, propeller shafts, and live axles. These configurations may work well when the prime mover may be...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent relates to an electric motor that has a gap between the statent and movable member, which is filled with lubricant to improve rigidity and reduce size. This motor can be used in various vehicles or devices to replace the traditional axle with a lightweight, flexible rotor. The lubricant provides a rigid support mechanism for the rotor, reducing the need for additional radial and torsional stiffness. The lubricant also acts as a low-friction surface and helps regulate temperature. The technical effects of this innovation include improving motor performance, reducing weight and space requirements, and providing a flexible, efficient solution for on-wheel vehicle drives.

Problems solved by technology

However, on-wheel electric motors have a lack of mechanical robustness to survive the harsh on-wheel environment and lack efficiency in converting electric power to mechanical power.

For electric motors in a harsh environment, such as an on-wheel motor subject to significant mechanical shock, the spindle support problem may be challenging due to the very high shock and vibration levels that may be experienced in the wheel end of a vehicle.

Images