Gear-Interconnected Traction Motor Assembly for Compact Axial Envelope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor assemblies for automated vehicles and robots lack efficient integration of gear-interconnected wheels and output shafts, leading to increased axial envelope requirements and limited space for additional components like controllers and encoders, which hampers their compact design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A motor assembly with a gear-interconnected wheel and output shaft configuration where the rotor shaft and wheel shaft extend alongside each other, reducing the axial envelope and allowing for the integration of a controller and encoder assembly, enabling a more compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional motor assembly configurations are used, then the structure is simple, but the axial envelope is large and space for additional components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor assembly with gear-interconnected wheels and output shafts into an integrated unit. The wheels are directly coupled to the output shafts through gear mechanisms, merging the motor, transmission, and wheel functions into a single compact assembly, thereby reducing the axial envelope while providing space for additional components like controllers and encoders.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanisms are nested within the motor assembly structure, with the wheels positioned around the output shafts. This nesting arrangement allows the gear-interconnected components to occupy radial space rather than axial space, reducing the overall axial envelope of the motor assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If compact design is pursued, then space efficiency improves, but integration of additional components like controllers and encoders becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules, with the gear-interconnected wheels and output shafts arranged to create available spaces for additional components. This segmentation allows controllers and encoders to be integrated into the assembly without increasing the axial envelope, as they can be positioned in the radial or circumferential directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that not only provides motor drive and gear transmission but also accommodates additional components like controllers and encoders. This universal design allows a single compact assembly to perform multiple functions, including propulsion, control, and sensing, without requiring separate dedicated spaces for each function.
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 reduces the axial space required for the motor assembly, enabling the inclusion of additional components like controllers and encoders, enhancing the motor's compactness and functionality while maintaining efficient power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The wheel gear drivingly intermeshes with the output gear, such that rotation of the output gear imparts rotation to the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Electric motors are disclosed. The motors are preferably for use in an automated vehicle, although any one or more of a variety of motor uses are suitable. The motors include lift, turntable, and locomotion motors.