Dual-rotating differential electric motor assembly

Abstract

An improved counter-rotating (CR) differential electric motor assembly is utilized to power an aircraft or fan for moving gas, and includes two counter-rotating propellers that can be mounted to horizontal flight and vertical takeoff aircraft or fan housings in a space similar in size to the mounting space for a conventional motor having only one propeller, and includes a hollow central shaft and a slip ring assembly mounted within, slightly above, or completely above the counter-rotating components and around the hollow central shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 993,594, filed on March 23, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 893,290, filed on August 29, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 893,293, filed on August 29, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Description of Research and Development Funded by the Federal Government Not applicable

[0003] Notice of Copyrighted Material Portions of the material in this patent document are subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner does not object to the facsimile reproduction by any patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the publicly available files or records of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, but reserves all other copyrights. The copyright owner does not waive any of its rights to keep this patent document confidential, including, but not limited to, rights under 37 C.F.R.§1.14.

[0004] Background 1. Technical Field

[0005] The technology of this disclosure generally relates to counter-rotating (CR) differential motor assemblies, typically for medium to large (10 to over 100 pounds of thrust) applications, and frequently used to power aircraft or for air transport / fan technology. More specifically, the present invention relates to a CR differential motor assembly, often used to power horizontal flight and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, which allows two associated / coupled propellers to rotate very close to each other around a common central axis, where the airflow generated by one propeller is differentially coupled to the rotation of the other propeller, thereby increasing the efficiency of power consumption by the CR motor compared to an equivalent standard / conventional motor rotating a single propeller. The present invention can be used in aircraft or fan housings in spaces originally configured for standard / conventional motors.

[0006] 2.Background technology

[0007] U.S. Patents No. 8,198,773, No. 8,253,294, and No. 8,531,072 (issued to the present applicant) are for various counter-rotating motor / generator applications.

[0008] Relevant is U.S. Patent No. 10,116,187 (issued to the present applicant and referred to as Patent '187) relating to a thin, dual counter-rotating differential electric motor assembly. In particular, this CR motor assembly is specifically for relatively small electric motors, typically with thrust of less than approximately 10 pounds. As described in Patent '187, the CR motor assembly comprises a central solid shaft (which is fixed or rotates) having first and second ends, first and second rotating members rotating in opposite directions around the central solid shaft, first and second propellers fixed to the first and second rotating members, respectively, electromagnetic means for supplying power to the rotation associated with the first and second rotating members, and means for transporting electricity from an external power source fixed to the second end of the central solid shaft to the electromagnetic means, located between the rotating members rotating in opposite directions and the mounting means. This particular design is ideal for small CR motors (primarily the first and second rotating members and the electromagnetic means) with relatively small mass (thrust of less than approximately 10 pounds). However, with regard to medium to large CR motors (thrust of approximately 10 to over 100 pounds), the mass of the first and second rotating members and electromagnetic means increases, and in order to prevent harmful rotational harmonics, the first and second rotating members and electromagnetic means need to be as close as possible to the mounting means (base plate) during operation. The CR motor disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 187 positions the electrical transport means (usually a slip ring assembly or equivalent) between the first and second rotating members, the electromagnetic means and the mounting means, thereby placing the first and second rotating members and electromagnetic means at a considerable distance from the mounting means. In this case, too, it is perfectly fine for small CR motors, but harmful resonances easily occur in larger CR motors.

[0009] In addition, International Publication No. 2018 / 106611 (also issued to the present applicant and known as WIPO '611) describes an electric transport means or high-current and RPM compatible slip ring assembly that can be used with the CR motor disclosed in Patent '187. However, similar to the CR motor in Patent '187, this slip ring assembly must be used between the first and second rotating members (and associated electromagnetic means) and the mounting means, as the wires extend from the power source to the outside of the slip ring assembly. A central shaft or axis is solid for this slip ring assembly. Positioning this slip ring assembly within or above the first and second rotating members (bringing the mass of the first and second rotating members and electromagnetic means closer to the mounting means) is impossible because the propellers rotating in opposite directions would become entangled with the wires. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,198,773 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8,253,294 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 8,531,072 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 10,116,187 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2018 / 106611 Brochure [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The objective of the technology described herein is to provide medium-to-large CR differential electric motor assemblies used to power horizontal flight and vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0012] An additional objective of the technology described herein is to provide medium to large CR differential motor assemblies used to power a fan for the movement of air or other gases.

[0013] Another objective of the technology described herein is to provide a medium to large CR differential electric motor assembly having two propellers, which is used to power horizontal flight and vertical take-off and landing aircraft that require approximately the same spatial distribution as a conventional / standard motor with one propeller.

[0014] A further objective of the technology described herein is to provide medium-to-large CR differential electric motor assemblies that are used to power horizontal flight and vertical take-off and landing aircraft with reduced power input compared to mechanical power output when compared to standard / conventional motors with a single propeller.

[0015] A further objective of the technology described herein is to disclose a medium-to-large CR differential electric motor assembly used to power horizontal flight and vertical take-off and landing aircraft with longer battery life and greater thrust than comparable standard / conventional motors.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to disclose a medium-to-large CR motor that utilizes a combination of 1) additional energy that is not wasted by conventional motor mounts, 2) additional energy due to lower heat generation, 3) additional energy due to low vibration harmonics generated by the central-to-outward positioning of the slip ring assembly, and 4) synergistic differential coupling between two members rotating in opposite directions that increases the net rotational speed and improves the efficiency of the CR motor compared to a standard motor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] a) A central hollow shaft (or axis) having first and second ends, b) Two rotatable members attached around the central hollow shaft and rotating in opposite directions, wherein the first rotatable member includes a field coil winding and the second rotatable member includes a permanent magnet, c) A first set of propeller blades fixed to the first rotatable member and a second set of propeller blades fixed to the second rotatable member, d) A slip ring assembly for carrying electricity from a power source and a controller disposed around the central hollow shaft, within the first and second rotatable members, or entirely or partially above the central hollow shaft (towards the first end) to the field coil, e) A mounting base for fixing the CR motor assembly to a vehicle or a fan, f) Optionally, control means for operating the CR motor assembly, and g) And optionally, a power source, are disclosed for a medium to large CR differential electric motor assembly utilized to power an aircraft or a fan.

[0018] Further aspects of the technology described herein are revealed in the following parts of this specification, and the detailed description aims to fully disclose the preferred embodiments of the technology without imposing limitations.

[0019] The technology described herein will be more fully understood by referring to the following drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1A] A side view of an embodiment of the present invention where the slip ring assembly is partially or entirely disposed above the first and second rotatable members and around the central hollow shaft. [Figure 1B] A perspective view of the embodiment seen in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] A cross-sectional view of the embodiment seen in Figure 1A. [Figure 2A] A side view of another embodiment of the present invention where the slip ring assembly is disposed within the first and second rotatable members and around the central hollow shaft. [Figure 2B] It is a perspective view of an embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] It is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of a slip ring assembly used in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of a slip ring assembly used in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. [Figure 5] It is a top partial perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a slip ring assembly arranged at equal intervals with respect to the field coil connection part and the wire. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a partially exploded vertical view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 (the attached propeller is partially shown). [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of the assembled embodiment shown in FIG. 6 (the attached propeller is partially shown). [Figure 9] It is an external view of the assembled embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Referring to the drawings more specifically, for illustrative purposes, the present technology is embodied in a system shown generally in FIGS. 1 - 9. It will be understood that the subject system CR differential electric motor assembly may vary with respect to configuration and component details, and the method may vary with respect to specific steps and operating sequences without departing from the basic concepts disclosed herein.

[0022] The subject small to large CR motors may be of any desired electrical phase configuration, but for illustrative purposes and not limitation, the CR motors relevant to this specification are brushless electric three-phase designs. Other phase designs will function equally as well as the current three-phase version. An appropriate controller and power source are used to operate this CR motor.

[0023] Generally, the present invention relates to medium (thrust over approximately 10 pounds) to large (thrust over approximately 100 pounds) CR differential electric motor assemblies used to power fans for aircraft or for moving gases. With respect to CR motors (or any medium to large motors) having considerable mass associated with their components, positioning the rotating component motor close to the mounting base helps to reduce thrust and eliminate adverse rotational vibrations that waste energy, wear down bearings, and generate harmful heat. This CR motor comprises: a) a central hollow shaft oriented along a central axis, having an outer (first) end and an inner (second, within the mounting base area) end, providing structural support for the CR differential motor assembly; b) an inner (first) rotating member fixed to an electromagnetic field coil around its outer circumference, which rotates in a first direction around the central axis during operation; c) a first bearing assembly fixed to the inner rotating member, enabling the inner rotating member to rotate in a first direction around the central axis; d) an outer rotating member that rotates in a second direction opposite to the first rotating member around the central axis during operation, which has a plurality of permanent magnets lined up that are repelled by the electromagnetic field coil when energized; and e) the outer rotating member rotating in a second direction opposite to the first rotation direction around the central axis. The system comprises: a second bearing assembly fixed to an outer rotating member; f) a first propeller assembly fixed to an inner rotating member, comprising at least two propeller blades; g) a second propeller assembly fixed to a second rotating member, comprising at least two propeller blades; h) a mounting base member fixed to a second end of a central hollow shaft; and h) a slip ring assembly for transporting electricity from an external controller and power supply to a field coil winding, the slip ring assembly being positioned within the first and second rotating members around the central hollow shaft, or protruding slightly above or completely above the first and second rotating members around the central hollow shaft.

[0024] The following description is for illustrative purposes only, not limiting, and specifically relates to horizontal flight and VTOL aircraft, emphasizing that this CR motor invention can also be used in air transport devices such as fans in homes or commercial buildings.

[0025] More specifically, a first embodiment of the 5th invention is shown, as depicted in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and 3, in which a slip ring assembly is positioned above two rotating members that rotate in opposite directions. Generally, this embodiment includes a first rotating member comprising both an outer portion 10 and an inner portion 12, which are rotatably fixed to a central hollow shaft 35 by bearings 11. For clarity, “outer” refers to being further away from the mounting base member 40 on the central hollow shaft 35, and “inner” refers to being closer to the mounting base member 40. A propeller 15 is fastened to the outer portion 10. The exemplary propeller 15 has two blades, but other numbers of blades (two, four, etc.) are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. An electromagnetic field coil 14 is fixed to the inner portion 12 of the first rotating member.

[0026] The second rotating member comprises both an outer portion 20 and an inner portion 25, which are rotatably fixed to a central hollow shaft 35 by bearings 26. A propeller 30 is fastened to the inner portion 25. Here again, the exemplary propeller 30 includes two blades, but other numbers of blades (two, four, etc.) are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. A permanent magnet 27 is fixed to and along the inner circumference of the outer portion 20 of the second rotating member.

[0027] The central hollow shaft 35 is fixed to the mounting base 40 and does not rotate during the operation of the CR motor. The mounting base can be used to fix the CR motor to devices such as aircraft and aerial mobility systems. The central hollow shaft 35 is hollow to allow electrical wiring 60 to pass from an external controller and power supply 62 to the power receiving component of the slip ring assembly (sintered / porous disk 73 as shown in Figure 3). The wiring 60 is mounted at position 66. The central hollow shaft 35 is usually manufactured from a suitable metal or metal alloy, but a structurally acceptable polymer may be used and has an internal passage 37 in which the wire 60 is positioned. However, it is emphasized that the internal passage 37 is usually circular, and although various cutting paths are possible within the central shaft 35, a circular passage is preferred to prevent harmful rotational resonance.

[0028] Each CR motor has two members that rotate in opposite directions, one of which has a set of permanent magnets 27 (outer portion 20 of the second rotating member) and the other having a field coil winding 14 (inner member 12 of the first rotating member). Therefore, an unconventional means is required to deliver electricity to these field coil windings 14. A preferred means of electrical transmission in Embodiment 5 is a slip ring assembly, which can be seen in Figures 1B, 1C, and 3. The slip ring assembly consists of a set of pairs of conductive discs 50 manufactured from a lubricant-containing sintered / porous metal or metal allowance (such readily available sintered / porous materials are called Oilite®). Bronze, brass, steel, etc., are often used to manufacture the sintered discs. The sintered discs contain fine passages that trap the applied lubricant inside and slowly release the lubricant during operation. The lubricant may be a natural oil or a synthetic oil, with a lighter SAE 10(W)-50 preferred, but other viscosities are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] While it is generally preferable that both discs 70 in a pair be lubricated sintered / porous discs, it should be noted that only one component of the discs 70 in each pair may be sintered / porous, with the other being a non-sintered / porous material such as metal or a metal alloy. This possibility has been found to have much higher wear characteristics during CR motor operation. Sintered / porous discs on both sides being lubricated have been found to have extremely low wear characteristics during long-term operation (over 100 hours) of the CR motor.

[0030] The set of paired disks shown in Figures 1B, 1C, and 3 comprises three pairs 70, each having an outer disk 72 and an inner disk 73 within each set. Each input electrical connection requires one pair of sets 70, each having an outer disk 72 and an inner disk 73. Thus, the exemplary CR motor 5 utilizes three-phase wiring, with three wires 60 entering the central hollow shaft opening 37 from the controller and power supply 62 and continuing to the set of three pairs of disks 50. In each set 70, the inner disk 73 in is held stationary within the spindle housing 45 while the CR motor is operating. Thus, each of the three input wires 60 is fixed to one of the stationary inner disks 73. Each pair of disks 70 (outer 72 and inner 73) is electrically isolated from the next pair of disks 70 by an insulating disk 75. The outer disk 72 of each pair of disks is connected to an output wire 65 extending to the field coil 14 via a mounting tab 67 that locks the outer disk 72 within the spindle housing 45. It should be noted that for each set of disks 70, the input and output wires can be switched as long as one disk in each pair is stationary and one disk is rotating, and as long as the input wire is attached to the stationary disk and the output wire is fixed to the rotating disk. The set of three pairs of disks 50 is held within a spindle housing 45, which includes one or more springs 52 as elastic means to apply compression to the stacked set of disks to maintain electrical contact during CR motor operation. The spindle housing 45 is manufactured from a sufficiently rigid nonconductive polymer such as Delrin, PEEK, various nylons and similar materials. The spindle housing 45 and associated components are typically, but not necessarily, enclosed by a slip ring assembly cover 51.

[0031] It should be emphasized that, if necessary, the outer disk 72 may be a non-rotating disk attached to the input wire 60, and the inner disk 73 may be a rotating disk attached to the exit / output wire 65.

[0032] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 4, and generally comprises a central hollow shaft having first and second ends, a first rotating member positioned around the central hollow shaft and rotating in a first direction around the central hollow shaft, a first propeller fixed to the first rotating member, a second rotating member positioned around the central hollow shaft and within the first and second rotating members, or between the first rotating member and the second end of the central hollow shaft, and rotating around the central hollow shaft in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotating member, a second propeller fixed to the second rotating member, and receiving electricity via a wire extending from an external power source through the central hollow shaft, the central A dual propeller CR differential electric motor assembly includes electromagnetic field coils and permanent magnets associated with the first and second rotating members to power the rotation of the first and second rotating members in opposite directions around a central hollow shaft, and a slip ring assembly for transmitting electricity from an external power source to the electromagnetic means, the slip ring assembly comprising: a slip ring assembly positioned around the central hollow shaft between the first rotating member and the first end of the central hollow shaft; the first and second rotating members rotating in opposite directions; a base member for mounting the slip ring assembly and the central hollow shaft to a support structure, the base member positioned in close proximity to the second end of the central hollow shaft.

[0033] More specifically, Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 4 relate to a second embodiment of the invention 100 in which the slip ring assembly is positioned between or slightly above two rotating members rotating in opposite directions. In Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 4, the element designations are in the 100s and are equivalent to those seen in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and 3 of the first embodiment, except that the slip ring assembly is lowered to the lower part of the space within the two rotating members rotating in opposite directions. Generally, this embodiment includes a first rotating member comprising both an outer portion 110 and an inner portion 112, which are rotatably fixed to a central hollow shaft 135 by bearings 111. For clarity, “outer” refers to being further away from the mounting base member 140 on the central hollow shaft 135, and “inner” refers to being closer to the mounting base member 140. The propeller 115 is fastened to the outer portion 110. The exemplary propeller 115 includes two blades, but other numbers of blades (two, four, etc.) are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. The electromagnetic field coil 114 is fixed to the inner portion 112 of the first rotating member.

[0034] The second rotating member comprises both an outer portion 120 and an inner portion 125, which are rotatably fixed to a central hollow shaft 135 by bearings 126. The propeller 130 is fastened to the inner portion 125. Here again, the exemplary propeller 130 includes two blades, but other numbers of blades (two, four, etc.) are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. The permanent magnet 127 is fixed to and along the inner circumference of the outer portion 120 of the second rotating member.

[0035] The central hollow shaft 135 is fixed to the mounting base 140 and does not rotate during the operation of the CR motor. The mounting base 140 can be used to fix the CR motor to devices such as aircraft and aerial mobility systems. The central hollow shaft 135 is hollow to allow electrical wiring 160 to pass from an external controller and power supply 162 to the power receiving component of the slip ring assembly (sintered disc 173 shown in Figure 4). The wiring 160 is mounted at position 166. The central hollow shaft 135 is usually manufactured from a suitable metal or metal alloy, but a structurally acceptable polymer may be used and has an internal passage 137 in which the wire 160 is positioned. However, it should be emphasized that the internal passage 137 is usually circular, and although various cutting paths are possible within the central shaft 135, a circular passage is preferred to prevent harmful rotational resonance.

[0036] Each CR motor has two members that rotate in opposite directions, one of which has a set of permanent magnets 127 (outer portion 120 of the second rotating member) and the other having a field coil winding 14 (inner member 112 of the first rotating member). Therefore, an unconventional means is required to deliver electricity to these field coil windings 114. A preferred means of electrical transmission in Embodiment 100 is a slip ring assembly, which can be seen in Figures 2B, 2C, and 4. The slip ring assembly consists of a set of pairs of conductive discs 150 manufactured from a lubricant-containing sintered / porous metal or metal allowance (such readily available sintered / porous materials are called Oilite®). Bronze, brass, steel, etc., are often used to manufacture the sintered discs. The sintered discs contain fine passages that trap the applied lubricant inside and slowly release the lubricant during operation. The lubricant may be a natural oil or a synthetic oil, with lighter SAE 10-50 preferred, but other viscosities are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] The paired disk sets shown in Figures 2B, 2C, and 4 comprise three pairs 170, each containing an outer disk 172 and an inner disk 173. Each input electrical connection requires one pair of sets 170, each containing an outer disk 172 and an inner disk 173. Thus, the exemplary CR motor 100 utilizes three-phase wiring, with three wires 160 entering the central hollow shaft opening 137 from the controller and power supply 162 and continuing to the set of three pairs of disks 150. In each set 170, the inner disk 173 in is held stationary within the spindle housing 145 while the CR motor is operating. Thus, each of the three input wires 160 is fixed to one of the stationary inner disks 173. Note that for each set of disks 170, the input and output wires can be switched as long as one disk in each pair is stationary and one disk is rotating, and as long as the input wires are attached to the stationary disks and the output wires are fixed to the rotating disks. Each pair of disks 170 (outer 172 and inner 173) is electrically isolated from the next pair of disks 170 by an insulating disk 175. The outer disk 172 of each pair is connected to an output wire 165 extending to a field coil 114 via a mounting tab 167 that locks the outer disk 172 into the spindle housing 145. A set of three pairs of disks 150 is held within the spindle housing 145, which includes elastic means of one or more springs 152 that apply compression to the stacked set of disks 150 to maintain electrical contact during CR motor operation.

[0038] It should be emphasized that, if necessary, the outer disk 172 may be a non-rotating disk attached to the input wire 160, and the inner disk 173 may be a rotating disk attached to the exit / output wire 165.

[0039] Figure 5 shows that for the first CR motor embodiment 5, the preferred configuration within the slip ring assembly for the output disk connector / wire 65 (leading to the field coil 14) is a symmetrical arrangement within the spindle housing 45. The symmetrical arrangement of the connector / wire 65 minimizes harmful or energy-wasting rotational vibrations.

[0040] In horizontal flight and VTOL aircraft, CR motor mounts 40 and 140 often have apertures used to secure the CR motors 5 and 100 to the selected aircraft. One advantage of the CR differential motor assemblies 5 and 100 is that they readily fit within the area where conventional / standard motors with propellers would fit.

[0041] The onboard power source is often one or more suitable batteries. In addition, a standard and readily available electronic speed controller (ESC) is used to control the input electricity to power the rotation and actuate the field coil windings 14 in a way that generates the magnetic repulsive force necessary to start and continue the rotation.

[0042] Typically, onboard controllers for level flight and VTOL aircraft communicate remotely with ground controllers via radio waves, infrared signals, or equivalent.

[0043] The differential or first-to-second propeller feedback operation of the present invention is important in explaining the effectiveness or efficiency of the present invention having two internally differential-coupled propellers compared to a conventional / standard motor equipped with only a single propeller. The set of blades on the first propeller encounters the opposing air and increases the velocity of the air moving away. The set of blades on the second propeller encounters the first propeller-accelerating air, which rotates the second rotating member faster, thereby further accelerating the first rotating member, and the two internally differential-coupled rotating members operate at a higher efficiency than a motor with only one propeller that does not provide synergistic feedback enhancement between the rotating members, as seen in the CR version.

[0044] Figures 6–9 show one embodiment of the present technology obtained from a CAD program showing components of a fully functional CR motor. Figure 6 is an exploded view of components of one embodiment of the present technology. It is emphasized that other equivalent embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The outer retaining ring 205 is secured by mounting screws 200 onto a slip ring assembly or “rotating transformer” 210 (see above for a description of a typical slip ring assembly or rotating transformer 50) through which a hollow central shaft or shaft 240 extends. Next, there is a bearing 215 (all other bearings are also denoted by reference numeral 215) fitted around the hollow central shaft 240. Next, the outer portion 220 of the first rotating member is positioned around the hollow central shaft 240. A first set of propeller blade anchor points is found around the outer portion 220 of the first rotating member (depending on the exact number of blades on which two or more desired propeller blade anchor points exist). Next, another bearing 215 is positioned (the exact position of the bearing 215 may vary based on the precise requirements of any given particular CR motor). This is followed by the inner portion 225 of the first rotating member, which is also positioned around the hollow central shaft. The inner portion 225 of the first rotating member contains an electromagnetic field coil. Next is the outer portion 230 of the second rotating member. The outer portion 230 of the second rotating member contains a permanent magnet fixed to the inner surface of the outer portion 230. Within the outer portion 230 of the second rotating member are another bearing 215 and a second rotating inner member 235 which provides a second set of propeller mounting points. This is followed by the final bearing 215. The inner retaining ring 245 is secured by mounting screws 250. Obviously, the outer and inner mounting screws may be replaced by equivalent means.

[0045] Figure 7 shows a partially exploded view of one embodiment of this CR motor. The propeller is attached to the CR motor.

[0046] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the assembled CR motor shown in Figures 6 and 7. The electrical wiring 255 can be seen extending through the hollow central shaft 240 to the slip ring assembly 210 (in this case, the details of the slip ring assembly are described above).

[0047] Figure 9 shows an assembled external view of the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8.

[0048] A first embodiment of the subject invention comprises a central hollow shaft having first and second ends; a first rotating member positioned around the central hollow shaft and rotating in a first direction around the central hollow shaft; a second rotating member positioned between the first rotating member and the second end of the central hollow shaft and rotating around the central hollow shaft in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the first rotating member; and electromagnetic field coils and permanent magnets associated with the first and second rotating members to power the rotation of the first and second rotating members in opposite directions around the central hollow shaft when electricity is received via a wire extending from an external power source through the central hollow shaft. The present invention includes a CR differential motor assembly comprising: a slip ring assembly for transmitting electricity from an external power source to the electromagnetic means, the slip ring assembly being positioned around the central hollow shaft and within the first and second rotating members or between the first rotating member and the first end of the central hollow shaft; the first and second rotating members rotating in opposite directions; a base member for attaching the slip ring assembly and the central hollow shaft to a support structure, the base member being positioned in close proximity to the second end of the central hollow shaft.

[0049] A second embodiment of the subject invention comprises a central hollow shaft having first and second ends; a first rotating member disposed around the central hollow shaft and rotating in a first direction around the central hollow shaft; a first propeller fixed to the first rotating member; a second rotating member disposed around the central hollow shaft and within the first and second rotating members or between the first rotating member and the second end of the central hollow shaft, and rotating around the central hollow shaft in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotating member; a second propeller fixed to the second rotating member; and a second rotating member that receives electricity via a wire extending from an external power source through the central hollow shaft and rotates in the opposite direction around the central hollow shaft. A CR differential motor assembly includes an electromagnetic field coil and permanent magnet associated with the first and second rotating members to supply power to the rotation of the first and second rotating members in a direction, and a slip ring assembly for transmitting electricity from an external power source to the electromagnetic means, the slip ring assembly comprising: a slip ring assembly positioned around the central hollow shaft between the first rotating member and the first end of the central hollow shaft; the first and second rotating members rotating in opposite directions; a base member for mounting the slip ring assembly and the central hollow shaft to a support structure, the base member positioned in close proximity to the second end of the central hollow shaft.

[0050] A third embodiment of the subject invention is an improved CR differential electric motor assembly comprising: a central shaft having first and second ends; a first rotating member positioned around the central shaft and rotating in a first direction around the central shaft; a second rotating member positioned between the first rotating member and the second end of the central shaft and rotating around the central shaft in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the first rotating member; electromagnetic field coils and permanent magnets associated with the first and second rotating members to power the rotation of the first and second rotating members in opposite directions around the central shaft upon receiving electricity; a slip ring assembly for transmitting electricity from an external power source to the electromagnetic means; and the first and second rotating members rotating in opposite directions. An improved CR differential motor assembly includes a slip ring assembly and a base member for attaching the central shaft to a support structure, wherein the base member is positioned close to the second end of the central shaft, and the improvement includes utilizing the hollow central shaft to allow wiring to be extended between the slip ring assembly and an external power supply, and positioning the slip ring assembly around the hollow central shaft and within the first and second rotating members or between the first end of the hollow central shaft and the first rotating member, thereby positioning the first and second rotating members close to the base member to minimize harmful vibrations during the operation of the CR differential motor assembly.

[0051] As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” may refer to multiple objects unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. A reference to a singular object is not intended to mean “only one,” but rather “one or more,” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0052] Expressions such as “A, B and / or C” within this disclosure describe the possibility of any one of A, B, or C being present, or any combination of matters A, B, and C. Expressions such as “at least one of” followed by a group listing elements indicate the presence of at least one of these group elements, which, where applicable, includes any possible combination of these listed elements.

[0053] Any reference in this specification that includes “an embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” or similar expressions of embodiment indicates that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the described embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, these various embodiment phrases do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor do they refer to a particular embodiment distinct from all other embodiments described. Embodiment phrases should be interpreted as meaning that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic of a given embodiment may be combined in any suitable way in one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, system, or method.

[0054] As used herein, the term “set” refers to a collection of one or more objects. Therefore, for example, a set of objects may include a single object or multiple objects.

[0055] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and “about” are used to describe and explain small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or situation, the term can refer not only to the event or situation occurring exactly, but also to the event or situation occurring with a close approximation. When used with a numerical value, the term can refer to a range of variation of that value of ±10% or less, for example, ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.1%, or ±0.05%. For example, “substantially” aligned can refer to an angular variation of ±10° or less, for example, ±5°, ±4°, ±3°, ±2°, ±1°, ±0.5°, ±0.1°, or ±0.05°.

[0056] Furthermore, quantities, ratios, and other numerical values ​​may sometimes be presented in the form of ranges as described herein. Such range forms are used for convenience and brevity and should be understood flexibly to include numerical values ​​explicitly identified as limits of the range, but also to include all individual numerical values ​​or subranges contained within that range, as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly identified. For example, a ratio in the range of about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include the explicitly enumerated range of about 1 to about 200, but also to include individual ratios such as about 2, about 3, and about 4, as well as subranges such as about 10 to about 50, and about 20 to about 100.

[0057] While this specification contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but merely provide examples of some currently preferred embodiments. Therefore, it should be recognized that the scope of this disclosure encompasses all other embodiments that may become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0058] All elements of disclosed embodiments known to those skilled in the art that are structurally and functionally equivalent to such elements are expressly incorporated by reference herein and are included in the claims. Furthermore, any elements, components or method steps not included in this disclosure are intended to be made public, regardless of whether such elements, components or method steps are expressly described in the claims. Elements of the claims of this application should not be construed as "means plus function" unless they are expressly described using the expression "means for..." Elements of the claims of this application should not be construed as "steps plus function" unless they are expressly described using the expression "steps for..."

Claims

1. a. A central hollow shaft having first and second ends, b. A first rotating member arranged around the central hollow shaft and rotating in a first direction around the central hollow shaft, c. A second rotating member is positioned between the first rotating member and the second end of the central hollow shaft, and rotates around the central hollow shaft in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotating member, d. When electricity is received via a wire extending from an external power source through the central hollow shaft, electromagnetic field coils and permanent magnets associated with the first and second rotating members are used to power the rotation of the first and second rotating members in opposite directions around the central hollow shaft, e. A slip ring assembly for transmitting electricity from an external power source to the electromagnetic field coil, wherein the slip ring assembly is positioned coaxially with the central hollow shaft and between the first rotating member and the second rotating member or on the opposite side of the second rotating member to the first rotating member, and includes at least a rotating disk having an upper surface pressed against the bottom surface of a non-rotating disk or a rotating disk having a bottom surface pressed against the upper surface of a non-rotating disk, such that electrical contact between the rotating disk and the non-rotating disk is maintained. f. A base member for attaching the first and second rotating members that rotate in opposite directions, the slip ring assembly, and the central hollow shaft to a support structure, wherein the base member is positioned close to the second end of the central hollow shaft, A dual counter-rotating (CR) differential motor assembly comprising:

2. a. A central hollow shaft having first and second ends, b. A first rotating member arranged around the central hollow shaft and rotating in a first direction around the central hollow shaft, c. A first propeller fixed to the first rotating member, d. A second rotating member, which is positioned around the central hollow shaft between the first rotating member and the second end of the central hollow shaft, and which rotates around the central hollow shaft in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotating member, e. A second propeller fixed to the second rotating member, f. When electricity is received via a wire extending from an external power source through the central hollow shaft, electromagnetic field coils and permanent magnets associated with the first and second rotating members are used to power the rotation of the first and second rotating members in opposite directions around the central hollow shaft, g. A slip ring assembly for transmitting electricity from an external power source to the electromagnetic field coil, wherein the slip ring assembly is coaxial with the central hollow shaft and positioned on the opposite side of the second rotating member from the first rotating member, and includes at least a rotating disk having an upper surface pressed against the bottom surface of a non-rotating disk or a rotating disk having a bottom surface pressed against the upper surface of a non-rotating disk, such that electrical contact between the rotating disk and the non-rotating disk is maintained. h. A base member for attaching the first and second rotating members that rotate in opposite directions, the slip ring assembly, and the central hollow shaft to a support structure, wherein the base member is positioned close to the second end of the central hollow shaft, A dual-propeller, dual-counter-rotating (CR) differential electric motor assembly.

3. An improved dual counter-rotating (CR) differential electric motor assembly comprising: a central shaft having first and second ends; a first rotating member positioned around the central shaft and rotating in a first direction around the central shaft; a second rotating member positioned between the first rotating member and the second end of the central shaft and rotating around the central shaft in the opposite direction to the rotation of the first rotating member; electromagnetic field coils and permanent magnets associated with the first and second rotating members to power the rotation of the first and second rotating members in opposite directions around the central shaft upon receiving electricity; and external power A slip ring assembly for transmitting electricity from a source to an electromagnetic field coil, comprising: a slip ring assembly including at least a rotating disk having an upper surface pressed against the bottom surface of a non-rotating disk or a rotating disk having a lower surface pressed against the upper surface of a non-rotating disk, such that electrical contact between the rotating disk and a non-rotating disk is maintained; first and second rotating members rotating in opposite directions; and a base member for attaching the slip ring assembly and the central shaft to a support structure, wherein the base member is positioned close to the second end of the central shaft, and the improvement is, a. By utilizing the hollow central shaft, which allows for the extension of wires within the hollow central shaft and between the slip ring assembly and the external power supply, b. Positioning the slip ring assembly coaxially with the hollow central shaft and between the first and second rotating members or on the opposite side of the second rotating member relative to the first rotating member, thereby positioning the first and second rotating members close to the base member, thereby minimizing harmful vibrations during the operation of the CR differential motor assembly. An improved dual counter-rotating (CR) differential motor assembly, including the following.

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