Double-Motor Drive Unit for Stage Technology Traction Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive units for traction means in stage technology face challenges in providing greater drive power and maximum tractive force while maintaining a small axial overall length, as larger drive motors required for higher torques result in increased axial length, which is undesirable.

Innovation Solution

The drive unit incorporates two transversely arranged drive motors with their axes perpendicular to the winding axis, connected to a drive wheel that is coupled to the winding drum, allowing for efficient torque generation with a belt-shaped drive means, and features compensating rollers and a self-locking gear mechanism to ensure fail-safety and low noise operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a larger drive motor is used to provide greater drive torque, then the drive power and maximum tractive force are improved, but the axial overall length of the drive unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive powerVSAvoidaxial overall length
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional axial arrangement of drive components to a transverse arrangement where the drive motor axis is perpendicular to the winding drum axis. This dimensional change allows the drive motor to be positioned sideways rather than extending axially, thereby providing greater drive power without increasing the axial overall length of the drive unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive unit is segmented into functionally independent modules: the winding drum for traction means, the drive motor with transverse axis for torque generation, the drive wheel for power transmission, and the belt-shaped drive means for coupling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and arranged in a compact transverse configuration that maximizes power density while minimizing axial footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If a larger drive motor is used to provide greater drive torque, then the maximum tractive force is improved, but the axial overall length of the drive unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum tractive forceVSAvoidaxial overall length
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive motor is positioned with its rotation axis perpendicular to the winding drum axis, allowing the generation of high tractive force through transverse torque transmission via the drive wheel and belt mechanism, without requiring the motor to extend axially along the winding drum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A belt-shaped drive means acts as an intermediary between the transverse drive motor and the winding drum. This belt mechanism transmits the drive torque from the motor through the drive wheel to the winding drum, enabling high tractive force transmission while maintaining a compact axial profile through the transverse motor arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the drive motor is arranged transversely to reduce axial length, then the axial overall length is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial overall lengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse drive motor configuration serves multiple functions: it provides the primary drive torque, enables compact axial packaging, and integrates with the drive wheel and belt mechanism to achieve both power transmission and structural support. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering superior power density and compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables a compact drive unit with enhanced drive power and tractive force capabilities while maintaining a small axial length, ensuring reliable operation and low noise levels essential for stage technology applications.

Implementation Method 1

the winding drum is set in rotation by the tensile force of a belt-shaped drive means wound onto itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTensile force: Tension

Implementation Method 2

a belt-shaped drive means that can be wound up or unwound is accommodated, which can be unwound from the winding drum and wound up on a drivable drive drum while generating a drive torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The drive wheel can be designed as a worm wheel, and a drive worm can sit on the drive shafts of the drive motors. As a result, a self-locking gear can be formed in each case.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-locking mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentEP3010613B1Double-motor drive unit for traction means
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 SOWKA MAURYCY
  • EP3010613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3010613B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3010613B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive unit for at least one traction means (8), particularly in stage technology, comprising a winding drum, which is supported rotatably about a winding axis (4) and has at least one receiving region (6), on (each) of which a traction means that can be wound or unwound is received. A cylindrical driving region (14), on which a windable or unwindable belt-shaped driving means (12) is received, is arranged axially adjacent to the receiving region on the winding drum. Said driving means can be unwound from the winding drum and wound on a drivable driving drum (18), a driving torque acting on the winding drum thus being produced, or conversely can be unwound from the driving drum and wound onto the winding drum, rotation of the winding drum thus being permitted. Two drive motors (30) are provided, each having a drive shaft (34), the axes of rotation (37) of which extend in a drive plane arranged perpendicular to the winding axis. A drive wheel (38) is provided, which has a drive connection to the drive shafts and the axis of rotation (40) of which extends parallel to the winding axis, wherein the drive wheel has a drive connection to the driving drums (18).