Pancake Electric Motor with Segmented Electromagnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric motors are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and torque output, particularly in high-yield applications, where they fail to optimize power production while minimizing electrical power usage.
Innovation Solution
A high torque and energy-efficient electric motor design featuring a pancaked structure with a larger diameter shaft and shortened length, utilizing repelling/attracting magnetic fields, leverage, and low current flow, along with an elliptical housing electromagnet shape to manipulate magnetic fields and reduce power consumption, allowing for single-stage or multi-stage operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional electric motor designs are used, then power production is achieved, but energy consumption is high and torque output per energy consumed is low
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is divided into multiple independent pancake-style stages that can operate separately or in combination. Each stage contains its own electromagnet assembly and can be controlled independently, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption by activating only the necessary number of stages for the required torque output.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnets are activated in a sequential periodic manner rather than continuously. By timing the energization of individual electromagnets to coincide with rotor position, the system achieves continuous rotation while minimizing the duration each electromagnet remains active, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
2Power
If more current is supplied to increase torque output, then power production increases, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the current supply to individual electromagnets based on real-time operational requirements and rotor position. By varying the duration and intensity of current pulses rather than maintaining constant high current, the system achieves high torque output when needed while minimizing energy loss during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor utilizes changes in electromagnetic field parameters (strength, duration, timing) to optimize the relationship between torque output and energy consumption. By precisely controlling the timing and magnitude of current pulses to electromagnets, the system achieves high torque per energy consumed without continuous high current supply.
3Power
If the motor is designed for high torque output, then power production increases, but the motor size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pancake-style motor stages are merged into a single integrated assembly that shares common structural elements such as the rotor shaft, bearing supports, and control electronics. This modular approach allows high torque output through combined stages while avoiding the complexity of completely separate motor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The pancake-style electromagnet assemblies are designed as universal modular units that can function independently or in combination with other identical units. Each module serves multiple functions including torque generation, magnetic field containment, and structural support, reducing overall system complexity while enabling scalable torque output.
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 achieves high torque output with low power consumption, enabling efficient energy use and adaptable operation across various applications, including the ability to produce electricity without an external power source for a finite period in multi-stage systems.
Implementation Method 1
AC electric motors use electromagnetic induction. With electromagnetic induction, an electromagnetic force across a conductor is exposed to a time varying magnetic field and when a magnet is moved toward a conductor, an electromotive force is created.
Implementation Method 2
The motor utilizes leverage from the repelling or attracting magnetic forces to create the rotation of the cylindrical shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a high torque and energy efficient electric motor. With a larger diameter shaft and shortened length, the design of the motor is pancaked. With high torque, the electric motor can operate efficiently by taking advantage of repelling and attracting forces from magnetic fields. Two embodiments of the invention for the high torque motor are designed to be energy efficient utilizing lifting design electromagnets, and low current flow in relation to the magnetic field produced is a key element of the invention.