Two-Bearing Motor Configuration for Gimbal Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic motors in gimbals often suffer from mechanical failure due to overloading of bearings, leading to increased internal friction, reduced lifespan, and potential misalignment of motor components, which can render the gimbal inoperable.
Innovation Solution
A two-bearing motor configuration is designed with one larger bearing to bear the majority of the load, accompanied by a smaller bearing to reduce mechanical stress and failure risk, utilizing rolling-element bearings with optimized radii ratios to distribute load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three bearings of similar size are used in conventional motor designs, then the load is distributed across multiple bearings, but the bearings become overloaded and mechanical failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using bearings of different sizes instead of similar-sized bearings. The first bearing has a first size and the second bearing has a second size that is different from the first size. This asymmetric configuration allows the larger bearing to bear the majority of the load while the smaller bearing handles residual loads, preventing overload and mechanical failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the radius ratio between the first bearing's outer race radius and the second bearing's outer race radius. This creates different load-bearing capacities at different locations in the bearing system, with the larger bearing positioned to handle the primary load and the smaller bearing handling secondary loads, thereby distributing stress effectively and preventing mechanical failure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If three bearings are used to constrain rotor movement, then rotational stability is improved, but internal friction increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unnecessary third bearing from the conventional three-bearing configuration. By using only two bearings of different sizes optimized for specific load distributions, the design maintains rotor stability through the larger bearing while eliminating the redundant smaller bearing that contributed to increased internal friction and power consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If bearings are positioned outside the motor, then assembly is simplified, but the load path is extended and mechanical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by positioning the bearings within the motor housing structure. The first bearing connects the rotor to the stator, and the second bearing connects the rotor to the mount, with both bearings nested within the motor's interior space. This eliminates the need for external bearings and their associated load paths, reducing mechanical stress while maintaining assembly simplicity through integrated mounting features.
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 two-bearing motor design enhances reliability and longevity by minimizing mechanical failure, reducing power consumption, and maintaining precision, while the addition of a third bearing reduces vibration and improves control systems.
Implementation Method 1
which allows the rotor to rotate about its axis. Bearings generally constrain the rotor from moving in directions other than rotating about the rotational axis of the motor by bearing axial loads and/or radial loads
Implementation Method 2
To minimize friction, the rotor is coupled to the stator and/or other elements of the motor with multiple bearings (e.g., rolling-element bearings)
Data Source
AI summary
A motor including a rotor, a first arm, a mount, a stator, a first bearing, and a second bearing. The motor is configured to rotate the rotor. The mount connected to the first arm. The stator coupled to the mount. The first bearing located between and connecting the rotor to the stator. The second bearing located between and connecting the rotor to the mount. The first arm prevents movement of the stator and the mount.