Sequential Propulsion Drive With Dual Motors and Clutched Power Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power electric motor market is restrained by high initial costs, decreased fault tolerance, and a lack of multi-point design efficiency due to single power band optimization, which limits their adaptability and efficiency in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A sequential propulsion drive assembly with a primary output shaft extending through multiple bulkheads, featuring upper and lower electric motors, clutches, and a microcontroller to manage motor engagement and power distribution, allowing for adaptable power delivery and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electric motors are used to provide multi-point design efficiency and fault tolerance, then reliability and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent motor units (first electric motor and second electric motor), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even when one motor fails, thereby improving reliability while keeping each individual motor unit relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electric motors are combined to drive a common primary output shaft through their respective gear systems. This merging approach provides redundancy and fault tolerance, as the system can continue operating with reduced capacity if one motor fails, while sharing common structural elements to manage complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric motors are used to provide adaptable power delivery across multiple power bands, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which motors are active and their power output levels based on operational requirements, enabling adaptation across multiple power bands. The control system can engage or disengage individual motors and modulate their torque output, providing versatile power delivery without requiring a completely different motor design for each application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electric motor unit is designed to perform multiple functions across different operating conditions and power bands. The same motor-gear assembly can operate at various power levels and be independently controlled, eliminating the need for specialized motors for each application type and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If premium brushless direct current motors are used to increase efficiency, then energy efficiency improves, but initial cost increases disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standard, more cost-effective electric motor designs rather than premium brushless DC motors, accepting slightly lower individual motor efficiency in exchange for significantly reduced initial costs. The multi-motor configuration compensates for the lower efficiency of individual units through optimized power distribution and operational strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a single high-efficiency premium motor, the system employs multiple standard motors, engaging only the necessary number and power level required for each task. This partial action approach reduces energy consumption and costs by avoiding over-engineering, while still achieving adequate overall system efficiency through intelligent power management.
Data Source
AI summary
A sequential propulsion drive assembly is configured to drive a mechanical system. The sequential propulsion drive assembly has a primary output shaft that extends through the motor housing through a forward bulkhead, a central bulkhead, and a rear bulkhead. A collet is joined to a bottom plate and configured to stabilize the primary output shaft. An upper primary shift gear is operatively coupled to the primary output shaft and an upper output gear. An upper electric motor is resting on the central bulkhead and further comprising an upper output shaft. An upper clutch is joined to the upper output gear with an upper clutch. A lower primary shift gear is operatively coupled to the primary output shaft and a lower output gear. A lower electric motor resting on the rear bulkhead and further comprising a lower output shaft.