Shaftless Annular Motor Structure for High Torque With Lower Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motors require larger diameters and increased production costs and weight to achieve high torque, due to the necessity of a motor shaft, which constrains size adjustments and increases material usage.
Innovation Solution
An annular motor design without a motor shaft, featuring a circular inner and outer ring with ball or roller groups and permanent magnets, allowing for adjustable outer diameter and reduced material usage by eliminating the need for a shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the outer diameter of the motor is increased to output high torque, then the torque output is improved, but the weight of the motor increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor shaft from the traditional motor structure, extracting this component that contributes significantly to weight. By eliminating the shaft while maintaining torque transmission capability through the annular stator-rotor configuration, the motor achieves high torque output with reduced weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional radial flux motor structure to an annular configuration where the stator and rotor form concentric rings. This dimensional reorganization allows torque to be generated through the annular area between the rings, enabling high torque output without proportionally increasing overall motor weight
2Power
If the diameter of the motor shaft is increased to achieve high torque, then the torque output is improved, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the motor shaft entirely, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture, assemble, and maintain this expensive component. The annular stator-rotor structure provides alternative pathways for torque transmission that do not require a central shaft, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining high torque capability
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is divided into modular annular components (stator ring, rotor ring, bearings) that can be manufactured independently and assembled. This segmentation allows for more efficient production processes and reduces the complexity and cost associated with manufacturing a single integrated shaft assembly
3Power
If the diameter of the motor shaft is increased to achieve high torque, then the torque output is improved, but the weight of the motor increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The motor shaft is completely extracted from the design, eliminating its weight contribution. The annular configuration distributes the mechanical load across the stator and rotor rings, allowing torque transmission without a heavy central shaft
4Power
If the outer diameter of the motor is increased to output high torque, then the torque output is improved, but the adaptability of size adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annular motor design allows for dynamic scaling of the annular dimensions (width, radial thickness) without being constrained by a fixed shaft diameter. This enables flexible adaptation to different torque and speed requirements while maintaining a consistent structural configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The annular stator-rotor configuration serves multiple functions: it generates torque, supports radial and axial loads through the bearing arrangement, and allows for scalable sizing. This multi-functionality within a single structural framework enhances adaptability across different application requirements
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 annular motor design reduces steel usage and weight, enabling flexible torque output adjustments by varying motor size without the constraints of a shaft, thus optimizing performance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ball group or at least one roller group is installed between the inner ring and the outer ring
Implementation Method 2
at least one ball group or at least one roller group is installed between the inner ring and the outer ring
Implementation Method 3
even numbers of permanent magnets are installed on an outer side of the inner ring, and the other one of the coil winding set and the even numbers of permanent magnets is installed on an inner side of the outer ring
Implementation Method 4
One of a coil winding set and even numbers of permanent magnets is installed on an outer side of the inner ring, and the other one of the coil winding set and the even numbers of permanent magnets is installed on an inner side of the outer ring
Implementation Method 5
An oil seal ring is installed in the outer oil seal groove and the inner oil seal groove connected with the outer oil seal groove
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to an annular motor, which includes a circular ring-shaped inner ring, a circular ring-shaped outer ring, and a junction box. The inner ring is sleeved in the outer ring, and at least one ball group or at least one roller group is installed between the inner ring and the outer ring. One of a coil winding set and even numbers of permanent magnets is installed on an outer side of the inner ring, and the other one of the coil winding set and the even numbers of permanent magnets is installed on an inner side of the outer ring. The junction box is installed on an inner wall of the inner ring or an outer wall of the outer ring, and a lead line of the coil winding set is connected to a binding post in the junction box.


