Direct drive outer rotor brushless DC motor drive wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric motors in mobile robots experience efficiency losses due to mechanical energy transmission to remote load locations, such as wheels, which reduces the robot's range and use time, and there is a need for lighter, lower profile, and easily installable brushless direct current (BLDC) motors for direct drive applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel outer rotor BLDC motor design with an integrated tire, featuring a cylindrical outer rotor, stationary stator, and permanent magnet poles, along with a central shaft and radial wire passthrough bores for efficient power transmission, allowing direct conversion of electrical power to rotational movement and easy attachment to vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional electric motor is used to drive movement in mobile robots, then mechanical energy can be transmitted to wheels, but efficiency losses occur due to transmission to remote load locations
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is merged with the wheel assembly into a single integrated unit. The rotor of the motor forms the hub of the wheel, eliminating the need for separate transmission components. This direct integration eliminates mechanical energy losses associated with transmitting power from a remote motor to the wheel, while maintaining ease of operation through the unified structure.
2Loss of energy
If a BLDC motor is designed for direct drive application, then efficiency is improved, but the motor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structure. The rotor serves both as the rotating component of the motor and as the hub of the wheel. The integrated design combines motor housing, rotor, and wheel hub into one universal assembly that achieves direct drive efficiency without requiring separate transmission components, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the motor is integrated with the wheel, then installation and replacement become easier, but the motor weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the motor and wheel into a single integrated assembly, the invention eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware, axles, and coupling mechanisms. This integration simplifies installation and replacement procedures while the use of lightweight materials in both the motor housing and wheel structure helps mitigate the weight increase from integration.
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 design enhances efficiency, extends battery life, and simplifies installation and replacement of drive wheels in mobile robots by providing direct power conversion and a compact, lightweight motor configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical outer rotor having a plurality of poles positioned on an inner surface thereof; a stationary stator spaced inwardly of the rotor and having a plurality of electromagnets positioned on an outer circumference thereof
Implementation Method 2
outer rotor brushless direct current (BLDC) motor that provides direct conversion of electrical power to rotational movement
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed invention provides an outer rotor brushless direct current motor that includes a tire integrated as part of the outer rotor, and is thus configured as a direct drive wheel, such as may be used on a mobile robot. The drive wheel includes a cylindrical outer rotor having a plurality of poles positioned on an inner surface, a stationary stator spaced inwardly from the rotor and defining a magnetic clearance gap between the plurality of poles of the rotor and a plurality of electromagnets positioned on an outer circumference of the stator, and a stationary central shaft. The stator is mounted to the central shaft and the rotor is configured for rotation about the stator.