Brushless Motor Segmentation for Compact Vehicle Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsion systems for self-propelled vehicles face challenges in increasing propulsive power while maintaining compactness, as larger motors are limited by mechanical constraints and reduce the vehicle's ability to navigate bends without interference.
Innovation Solution
Coupling two or more brushless electric motors around a single clutch ring gear allows for increased power without widening the motor, enabling modulation of performance, temperature management, and the use of freewheel couplings for efficient gear ratios and safety backups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the diameter of the electric motor is increased to obtain higher torque, then the propulsive power is improved, but the width of the motor increases which limits the vehicle's ability to negotiate bends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single motor function into multiple independent brushless electric motors (at least two) that are coupled to the same ring gear. Each motor operates independently but contributes to the total propulsive power, allowing the system to achieve higher power without increasing the width of individual motors beyond acceptable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing power by enlarging motors in the radial direction (increasing width), the patent transitions to arranging multiple motors around the periphery of a ring gear, utilizing the circumferential dimension. This dimensional shift allows power scaling without compromising the vehicle's bend negotiation capability.
2Power
If the axial extension of the motor is increased to obtain higher power, then the propulsive power is improved, but the maximum lateral angle of inclination when negotiating bends is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power generation function across multiple motors arranged circumferentially around the ring gear rather than extending a single motor axially. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required power output while maintaining a compact axial profile that does not interfere with the vehicle's lateral inclination during bending maneuvers.
3Power
If the centre-to-centre distance between gears is increased to accommodate higher power motors, then the motor power is improved, but the primary gear tip speed increases beyond mechanical limits
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power transmission through multiple motor-gear interfaces rather than a single large motor-gear interface, the patent allows each individual gear mesh to operate within acceptable speed and load limits while collectively delivering the required total power to the vehicle.
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
This configuration significantly increases power and autonomy, allows for efficient temperature management, and provides a safety backup, while maintaining compact dimensions and allowing for high performance and flexibility in speed and torque delivery.
Implementation Method 1
two or more brushless electric motors, positioned around the periphery of the ring gear
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A propulsion system for a self-propelled vehicle comprises a motor body (15) which is associated with a mechanical transmission (6) conveying motion to the driving wheels (7) of the vehicle, and which integrates and contains in a single body electric propulsion means (30), comprising at least several components (12, 13) of a brushless rotary motor (2); a clutch coupling (4) located downstream of and mechanically connected to the electric propulsion means (30); and a gearbox (5) with discontinuous gear ratios, having an input shaft (17) connected to the clutch coupling (4) and an output shaft (18) coming out to the outside of the motor body (15) and connecting to the mechanical transmission (6). The electric propulsion means (30) comprise the components (12, 13) of at least two brushless motors (2), each equipped with a respective driving shaft (3) provided with a pinion (19) which is coupled by meshing with a predetermined ratio to a clutch coupling (4).