Brushless Motor Speed Control for Dive Propulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional diver propulsion vehicles face inefficiencies due to non-optimized propellers and motors, leading to increased battery power requirements for range and run time, and are hindered by size, weight, and cost issues, as well as susceptibility to propeller deflection and complex maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A personal dive device equipped with a brushless motor and a propeller assembly where the blades are rigidly engaged to the hub, utilizing a controller that varies power output through digital modulation and a trigger mechanism for speed control, allowing for efficient operation at multiple speeds without the need for sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional propellers are used to regulate speed, then speed control is achieved, but propeller efficiency decreases and deflection occurs at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed controlVSAvoidpropeller efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical propeller pitch adjustment system with an electronic speed control system using a brushless motor. The controller regulates motor speed electronically rather than mechanically adjusting propeller pitch, eliminating propeller deflection and efficiency losses while maintaining speed control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using a brushless motor with electronic control to vary rotational speed directly. This allows the motor to operate at optimized speeds for different conditions without the mechanical limitations of conventional propeller systems, improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If motor is not optimized for efficiency at user-desired speed, then maximum speed is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic speed control system where the brushless motor and electronic controller can continuously adjust operating speed to match user requirements. This allows the motor to operate at its most efficient point for each speed condition rather than being fixed at maximum speed, reducing power consumption while maintaining the capability to reach maximum speed when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If conventional battery-powered system is used, then power source is provided, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower sourceVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional brushed motor systems with a brushless motor system, which eliminates mechanical brushes and commutators. This substitution reduces maintenance requirements and improves reliability while allowing for more efficient power usage, indirectly reducing the power source size needed for the same performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If propeller pitch is adjusted for speed control, then speed regulation is achieved, but propeller complexity and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed regulationVSAvoidpropeller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical propeller pitch adjustment mechanism with an electronic control system. The controller regulates motor speed through electronic signals rather than mechanical propeller adjustments, simplifying the propulsion system and reducing maintenance needs while maintaining speed regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances efficiency and reduces size and weight by optimizing motor and propeller performance, providing longer range and run time with smoother acceleration and reduced maintenance complexity, while minimizing noise and reliability risks in a marine environment.

Implementation Method 1

A personal dive device (10) includes a body (12), a power source (30) disposed in the body (12)... A brushless motor (42) is in selective electrical communication with the electronic controller (56)... A propeller assembly (54) is engaged with an output shaft (46) of the brushless motor (42)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8011314B2Personal dive device with electronic speed control

Publication Date: 2011.09.06 MCGEEVER BENJAMIN

AI summary

A personal dive device includes a body having a power source that is disposed in the body with a voltage of the power source being greater than or equal to about 37 volts. A controller is in electrical communication with the power source. A rotary device is in selective electrical communication with the controller and a propeller assembly is engaged with the rotary device. A method for controlling the speed of a personal dive device includes providing a personal dive device having a power source disposed within a body and an electronic controller. A signal from a trigger mechanism is received. An effective power output from the power source is varied based on the signal from the trigger mechanism. The effective power output from the power source is provided to a rotary device that is in selective electrical communication with the electronic controller.