Integrated Electric Motor Brake Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor systems require separate brake arrangements, increasing the number of parts and space, which is undesirable for compactness and efficiency in actuator applications.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electric motor design incorporating a friction member made of magnetically susceptible material, biased by both a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, which generates braking torque when de-energized and reduces torque when energized, allowing for a compact and lightweight configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate brake arrangement is used to prevent motor rotation, then the braking function is reliable, but the number of parts and space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake arrangement is merged with the motor structure. The friction member is integrated into the motor assembly, specifically positioned to interact with the rotor, eliminating the need for a completely separate brake system while maintaining reliable braking function
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet serves dual functions: generating the rotating magnetic field for motor operation and providing the magnetic force to actuate the friction member for braking. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
2Reliability
If a separate brake arrangement is used to prevent motor rotation, then the braking function is reliable, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake components are merged with the motor structure. The friction member is positioned within the motor assembly to interact with the rotor, and the electromagnet is integrated into the stator, eliminating the need for additional external brake space
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 more compact and efficient braking system that prevents free rotation when not in use and reduces energy consumption by allowing the friction member to be reliably separated from the rotor with minimal power, enhancing the motor's overall performance and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the friction member comprises a magnetically susceptible material and being biased by a first biasing force toward the second element, wherein the first element, the second element and the friction member are configured such that: when the electromagnet is not energized, the first biasing force causes the friction member to contact the second element to generate a braking torque, and when the electromagnet is energized, the friction member is biased by a second biasing force generated by the electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
The at least one permanent magnet may attract the friction member such that the friction member is biased toward the second element
Implementation Method 3
the electric motor is arranged to generate a torque by applying a rotating magnetic field to the second element
Implementation Method 4
the friction member to contact the second element to generate a braking torque
Data Source
AI summary
An electric motor comprising: a first element having at least one electromagnet, a second element, rotatable relative to the first element about an axis, the second element comprising at least one permanent magnet, wherein the electric motor is arranged to generate a torque by applying a rotating magnetic field to the second element, and a friction member coupled to the first element such that the friction member is non-rotatable relative to the first element about the axis, the friction member comprising a magnetically susceptible material and being biased by a first biasing force toward the second element, wherein the first element, the second element and the friction member are configured such that: when the electromagnet is not energized, the first biasing force causes the friction member to contact the second element to generate a braking torque.