Hollow Core Electric Motor for UAV Mid-Fuselage Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric motor configurations in UAVs often interfere with cameras and sensors due to propeller rotation and pose balancing challenges when mounted at the front or rear, limiting design options and thrust delivery to aerodynamic control surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A hollow-core electric motor system featuring a hollow shaft supporting an electromagnet and a drum that allows objects to pass through, enabling mid-mounting on the aircraft fuselage, reducing interference and improving balance and thrust distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric motor is mounted at the front or rear of the UAV, then the control wiring can be easily routed, but the aircraft balance becomes difficult to achieve and thrust delivery to aerodynamic control surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional front/rear motor mounting positions to a mid-fuselage mounting position, utilizing the central dimension of the aircraft structure. This dimensional repositioning allows control wiring to be routed through the hollow shaft, solving both wiring accessibility and aircraft balance requirements simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If the electric motor is mounted at the front or rear of the UAV, then the structure is simplified, but the thrust delivery to aerodynamic control surfaces is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the motor from extreme front/rear locations to the mid-fuselage position, the patent optimizes the mechanical leverage and thrust vector alignment with aerodynamic control surfaces. The hollow shaft configuration maintains structural simplicity while enabling superior thrust delivery through improved force transmission geometry.
3Speed
If the electric motor is mounted at the front of the UAV, then the propeller can be positioned forward, but the propeller rotation interferes with cameras and sensor equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor and propeller assembly from the traditional front mounting position and relocates it to the mid-fuselage position. This separation removes the harmful rotational interference from the sensor equipment location while maintaining propeller functionality. The hollow shaft allows wiring to be extracted through the motor assembly, enabling this repositioning.
4Strength
If a solid shaft motor is used, then the structure is rigid and simple, but control wiring cannot be routed through the motor to enable mid-fuselage mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solid shaft with a hollow shaft configuration, creating a flexible conduit pathway through the motor assembly. This hollow structure maintains the necessary mechanical strength and rigidity for motor support while providing a passage for control wiring, thereby enabling mid-fuselage mounting flexibility without compromising structural integrity.
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
Enables the electric motor to be mounted mid-fuselage, reducing interference with sensors, improving balance, and enhancing thrust delivery to aerodynamic control surfaces, thus optimizing UAV design and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system, device and method for an electric motor generally includes a hollow shaft having a first end and a second end. An electromagnet is coupled to the hollow shaft, where the electromagnet is suitably configured to emit an electromagnetic field, and where the electromagnet is disposed between the first end and the second end of the hollow shaft. A drum substantially encases the electromagnet, where the drum is coupled to rotate about an axis of the hollow shaft in response to the electromagnetic field emitted by the electromagnet.