Hub-Motor Wheel Assembly for Emission-Free Unitractor Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional combustion engine-based unitractors are unsuitable for developing regions due to high fuel costs and health concerns from pollution, and they lack modernization despite their potential in agricultural work.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with an internal electrical motor comprising a stator and rotor, where the energy source and controller are housed within the hub, enabling a compact, emission-free, and flexible power solution for unitractors, allowing for off-road use and integration with various implements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a combustion engine is used to power the unitractor, then sufficient power for agricultural work is achieved, but fuel costs increase and harmful emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combustion engine (mechanical/chemical system) with an electrical motor (electrical system). The wheel assembly includes an electrical motor with a stator and rotor, where the rotor is integrated with the wheel. This substitution eliminates emissions while providing sufficient torque for agricultural applications, directly resolving the contradiction between power generation and harmful emissions.
2Power
If a combustion engine is used to power the unitractor, then sufficient power for agricultural work is achieved, but operational costs increase due to fuel expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the combustion engine with an electrical motor system that can be powered by rechargeable batteries or other electrical energy sources. This replacement eliminates the need for continuous fuel purchases, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining the power necessary for agricultural work.
3Ease of manufacture
If the energy source and controller are positioned outside the hub, then cooling and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the energy source (battery) and controller into the hub structure itself, merging multiple components into a single compact unit. The hub serves simultaneously as the structural center, bearing support, energy source housing, and controller mounting location. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components, simplifies assembly, and decreases overall device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
4Power
If a traditional driveline with chain or gears is used, then power transmission is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate driveline components (chain, gears, belts) from the power transmission system. The electrical motor's rotor is directly integrated with the wheel, creating a direct-drive configuration where electrical energy is converted to rotational motion at the wheel itself. This removal of intermediate components significantly reduces device complexity and maintenance requirements.
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 provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and adaptable power source for unitractors, enhancing their suitability for agricultural tasks while reducing emissions and operational costs, and enabling remote or autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
an internal electrical motor comprising a stator and a rotor... The wheel is rotatable connected to the hub via at least one bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly is for a unitractor. The wheel assembly has a wheel, a static hub and an internal electrical motor. The wheel has a rim, a traction member arranged to the periphery of the rim and a plurality of magnets arranged to the inside of the rim. The hub has a stator having spherical windings. The wheel is rotatably connected to the hub via at least one bearing. At least one side panel extends from the rim and to the at least one bearing. At least one of an energy source and a controller for controlling the energy source is positioned in the hub. The hub is provided with a coupling member for an implement frame. A unitractor having the wheel assembly is also described.