Dual-Rotor Motor Assembly With Integrated Independent Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor assemblies for propulsion systems, such as those in urban mobility vehicles and aircraft, face challenges in achieving efficient and compact dual propulsion with independent control of multiple rotors and stators, leading to increased complexity and wiring requirements.

Innovation Solution

A dual rotor motor assembly with a housing containing two rotors and their respective stators, an electronics module for independent control of rotor direction and speed, and a cooling module, allowing for compact integration and reduced wiring by incorporating all necessary components within a single housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional motor assemblies use separate housings for multiple rotors, then each rotor can be independently controlled, but the overall system size and wiring complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control of multiple rotorsVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple motor assemblies into a single integrated housing structure. The housing contains multiple stators and rotors that share common structural support and cooling systems, reducing the number of separate components and wiring harnesses needed while maintaining independent control capability through a unified electronics module

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If conventional motor assemblies use separate housings for multiple rotors, then each rotor can be independently controlled, but the system becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control of multiple rotorsVSAvoidsystem volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple motor assemblies are merged into a single housing volume, with stators and rotors arranged in a compact configuration that shares common structural and thermal management resources, significantly reducing the total system volume compared to separate housings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where inner rotors are positioned within the magnetic field of outer stators, and multiple rotor-stator pairs are concentrically or axially nested to maximize space utilization within the housing, achieving compact integration of multiple propulsion units

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If conventional motor assemblies use separate housings for multiple rotors, then each rotor can be independently controlled, but manufacturing and assembly become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control of multiple rotorsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated housing design allows multiple stators and rotors to be manufactured as coordinated assemblies that can be pre-tested and then installed as units, reducing the number of separate assembly operations and quality checks needed compared to multiple independent housing assemblies

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

The solution enables a compact and efficient dual propulsion system with reduced wiring and transmission line effects, allowing for independent control of multiple rotors and stators, thereby enhancing propulsion efficiency and reducing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

electrical machines direct drive for propulsion systems, for example, propellers or ducted fans in urban mobility vehicles, rotorcraft, small aircraft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

rotor magnets rotate relative to a fixed stator to drive a rotor to carry torque to an output shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4328138A1Motor assembly
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP4328138A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4328138A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4328138A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A motor assembly (100, 200) including a housing (101, 201), a first rotor (R1, R1') and a second rotor (R2, R2') provided in the housing (101, 201). The first rotor (R1, R1') is configured to drive a first output shaft (110, 210), and the second rotor is configured to drive a second output shaft (112, 212).