Double-Rotor Motor Structure for Higher Torque in Compact Washers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current washing machine motors face challenges in increasing output without significantly increasing size and weight, leading to larger washing machines due to the need for larger rotors and stators as capacity increases.

Innovation Solution

A double rotor type motor design featuring an outer rotor with a first base and extension, an inner rotor with a second base and extension, and a stator forming a rotating magnetic field between the outer and inner magnets, along with a bushing for rotation force transmission, allowing for enhanced torque and cooling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the motor output is increased to meet capacity increase requirements, then the motor can provide sufficient driving power for larger washing machines, but the size and weight of the motor increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor outputVSAvoidmotor weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the inner rotor inside the outer rotor, with the inner rotor's extension fitting within the space defined by the outer rotor's extension. This nested configuration allows two rotor systems to occupy the same spatial envelope, effectively doubling the motor output without proportionally increasing the motor's external dimensions or weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane rotor configuration to a multi-dimensional arrangement by adding the inner rotor within the outer rotor's volume. This spatial dimensionality change enables the motor to generate higher torque and power output while maintaining compact overall size, as the magnetic fields from both rotors operate in concentric layers rather than requiring sequential placement.

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

2Power

If the motor output is increased to meet capacity increase requirements, then the motor can provide sufficient driving power for larger washing machines, but the size of the motor increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor outputVSAvoidmotor size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the inner rotor inside the outer rotor, with the inner rotor's extension fitting within the space defined by the outer rotor's extension. This nested configuration allows two rotor systems to occupy the same spatial envelope, effectively doubling the motor output without proportionally increasing the motor's external dimensions or weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane rotor configuration to a multi-dimensional arrangement by adding the inner rotor within the outer rotor's volume. This spatial dimensionality change enables the motor to generate higher torque and power output while maintaining compact overall size, as the magnetic fields from both rotors operate in concentric layers rather than requiring sequential placement.

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

3Device complexity

If a single rotor design is used, then the motor structure is simple, but the torque output is insufficient for increased washing machine capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor structureVSAvoidtorque output
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the rotor function into two independent rotor systems (inner rotor and outer rotor) that operate simultaneously. Each rotor has its own magnets and magnetic field generation capability, allowing the motor to produce combined torque from both rotors. This segmentation enables higher total output without requiring a single overly complex rotor design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges two rotor systems into a single integrated motor structure where the inner rotor and outer rotor work together. The stator generates magnetic fields that interact with both rotors simultaneously, combining their torque outputs. This merging achieves high power output while maintaining a unified, manageable structure rather than requiring multiple separate motor units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design provides stronger torque, easier alignment and assembly, improved heat dissipation, and prevention of electric shock, while maintaining a compact size, thus addressing the need for increased output without size increments.

Implementation Method 1

a stator for forming a rotating magnetic field between the outer magnets and the inner magnets to rotate the outer rotor and the inner rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotating magnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

upon supply of power to the coil, the rotor rotates by action of a rotating magnetic field between the permanent magnets and the electromagnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

the rotor rotates by action of a rotating magnetic field between the permanent magnets and the electromagnet, and rotation torque of the rotor 5 is transmitted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS7911110B2Double rotor type motor
Publication Date: 2011.03.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US7911110B2 patent drawing
  • US7911110B2 patent drawing
  • US7911110B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to motors, and more particularly, to a double rotor type motor applicable to a washing machine or the like. The double rotor type motor includes an outer rotor having first base, and a first extension extended from a circumference of the first base substantially perpendicular thereto, the first extension having outer magnets mounted on an inside circumferential surface, an inner rotor having a second base mounted on an upper surface of the first base concentric to the first base, and a second extension extended from a circumference of the second base so as to be opposite to the first extension with a predetermined gap toward an inner side of the first extension, the second extension having inner magnets mounted on an outside circumferential surface, and a bushing at a center of the first base and the second base, for transmission of rotation force both from the outer rotor and the inner rotor to a rotating shaft.