Hollow Shaft Drive Unit for Compact Motor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive units with electric motors and transmission gears are excessively large in terms of overall length, which is detrimental for various applications.
Innovation Solution
The drive unit features a hollow shaft output shaft design allowing the transmission gear to be partially or fully integrated within the electric motor, enabling a compact size and length, with options for a servo motor, planetary gear, and a non-rotatable connection of gear components to the static part of the unit to be driven.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transmission gear is connected at the end of the electric motor to a protruding section of the output shaft, then the transmission gear can be easily connected and maintained, but the overall length of the drive unit becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission gear is nested within the hollow shaft output shaft of the electric motor, with the transmission gear components arranged concentrically inside the rotor. This nesting arrangement allows the transmission gear to be integrated within the existing motor structure without increasing the overall length, while maintenance openings provide access for servicing the nested components
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission gear is arranged in a radial direction inside the rotor rather than extending axially from the motor. By utilizing the radial space within the hollow shaft, the design transforms the spatial arrangement from an axial extension to a radial integration, significantly reducing the overall length while maintaining all transmission functions
2Length of moving object
If the transmission gear is arranged within the electric motor using a hollow shaft output shaft, then the overall length is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow shaft output shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the motor's output shaft for torque transmission, provides a structural housing for the transmission gear components, and creates a sealed environment for the transmission lubricant. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall structure despite the compact arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The output shaft and transmission gear housing are merged into a single integrated component. The hollow shaft structure combines the motor output function with the transmission housing function, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and reducing the number of parts that would otherwise be required
3Length of moving object
If the transmission gear is integrated within the motor, then the drive unit becomes more compact, but access for maintenance and lubrication becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission gear housing is segmented with maintenance openings that can be opened to provide access to the internal transmission components. These openings allow for lubrication, inspection, and repair of the transmission gear without requiring complete disassembly of the motor, thereby facilitating maintenance while maintaining the compact integrated design
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 results in a significantly more compact drive unit with enhanced angular position control and maintenance capabilities, while maintaining efficient torque transmission and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (40) and a transmission gear (3) connected to an output shaft (6) of the electric motor (40) in a rotationally driving manner
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A drive unit comprising an electric motor and a transmission gearbox connected to an output shaft (6) of the electric motor in a rotary-driving manner, wherein the electric motor has a stator (4) and a rotor (5) encompassing the output shaft (6), is characterized in that the transmission gearbox is arranged within the output shaft (6) which is designed as a hollow shaft.