Motor-Integrated Fan Structure Without Bevel Gears for eVTOL
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tail rotor of existing helicopters is structurally complex and difficult to compactify due to the use of a bevel gear, and mechanical bearings are challenging to apply at high circumferential speeds, complicating blade rotation.
Innovation Solution
A motor-integrated fluid machine with a shaft part, rotation part, and outer peripheral part, utilizing a motor that can rotate the rotation part without gears, and incorporating a rotor-side and stator-side magnet arrangement for increased rotation output and simplified structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bevel gear is used to rotate the blades, then the blade rotation function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bevel gear system with a motor-integrated rotation mechanism. The motor directly drives the blade rotation through electromagnetic forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components like bevel gears. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic actuation achieves blade rotation while significantly simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor and rotation mechanism into an integrated unit. The motor is directly coupled to the blade rotation system, combining what were previously separate components (motor, gear train, blade support) into a unified structure. This merging eliminates intermediate transmission elements and reduces structural complexity while maintaining the blade rotation function.
2Reliability
If a mechanical bearing is provided in the outer peripheral part to support the hub, then the rotation support function is achieved, but it becomes difficult to apply at high circumferential speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical bearings in the outer peripheral part with a motor-integrated support system. The motor structure itself provides the necessary support and positioning for the rotating components, eliminating the need for separate mechanical bearings that would be subject to high circumferential speed limitations and mechanical wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the support function from the outer peripheral mechanical domain to the central electromagnetic domain. By integrating the support function into the motor structure and utilizing electromagnetic forces for positioning and support, the system avoids the mechanical speed limitations inherent in bearing-based support systems.
3Device complexity
If the structure is simplified by removing the gear, then the compactness is improved, but the hub cannot be properly supported when rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hub support function with the motor structure. The motor's internal components and mounting structure provide the necessary support for the hub and rotating elements, eliminating the need for separate support mechanisms like gears or external bearings. This integration maintains structural reliability while achieving simplification and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic actuation for rotation, structural support for the hub, and positioning for rotating components. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliability without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, achieving both simplification and proper support.
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 allows for compact, efficient blade rotation with high thrust generation and reduced weight, suitable for vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
a motor that rotates the rotation part... includes a rotor-side magnet provided on an outer peripheral side of the rotation support ring in the radial direction and a stator-side magnet provided on an inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral part and is provided to face the rotor-side magnet
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A motor-integrated fan 1 including one or more motors integrated therein comprises: a shaft part 11 which serves as a supporting system disposed at the center of a rotational axis; a rotation part 12 which is a rotating system rotating about the shaft part 11; a duct 13 which serves as a supporting system provided on the outer periphery of the shaft part 11; and a motor 14 which rotates the rotation part 12, wherein the rotation part 12 comprises: a plurality of blades 32 rotatably supported at least on the shaft part 11 and rotating thereabout, the blades 32 being arranged in a circumferential direction of the rotational axis I; and a rotation support ring 33 connected on one side of each of the blades 32 in a radial direction of the rotational axis, the rotation support ring 33 supporting the plurality of blades 32.