Shaftless Annular Motor Structure for High Torque With Lower Weight

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque outputVSAvoidweight of motor
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

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

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque outputVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

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

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque outputVSAvoidweight of motor shaft
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of stationary object

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

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque outputVSAvoidsize adjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

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

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Implementation Method 2

at least one ball group or at least one roller group is installed between the inner ring and the outer ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20240372435A1Annular motor
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 ZHUHAI GEELLY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US20240372435A1 patent drawing
  • US20240372435A1 patent drawing
  • US20240372435A1 patent drawing

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.