Single Motor for Combined Rotary and Linear Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating motors can only perform rotating movements, and achieving both rotating and translating movements typically requires two motors or complex electronics and control techniques.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an electric motor with a multi-phase coil arrangement and a control unit that determines currents based on the number of coils, rotor angle, and axial position, allowing for independent torque and axial force generation without the need for specific motors or complex electronics, using sensors to sense rotation and axial position for commutation algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a combination rotary and linear motor is designed to enable both rotating and translating movements, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity and electronic control requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rotary and linear motor functionalities into a single integrated device. The stator contains both radial coils for producing rotational magnetic fields and axial coils for producing linear magnetic fields, allowing the motor to deliver both torque and axial force simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate motors and complex control electronics that would be required if two independent motors were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is designed with multi-functionality to perform both rotational and linear movements using a single device. By incorporating both radial and axial coil arrangements in the stator, the motor can operate in multiple modes (rotational only, linear only, or combined), providing universal applicability across different motion requirements without needing separate specialized motors.
2Measurement precision
If current feedback loops and PI controllers are implemented to control coil currents, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and tuning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor employs self-service control mechanisms where the control system determines coil currents based on desired torque and axial force outputs without requiring complex external feedback loops. The control unit calculates the necessary current distribution among radial and axial coils based on the requested motion parameters, enabling direct control that eliminates the need for PI controllers and current sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex feedback control components (current sensors, PI controllers, feedback loops) from the system. Instead of using these complex elements to achieve current control, the invention uses a simplified control approach where currents are determined directly from motion requirements, removing the disturbing complexity while maintaining control capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standard motor is used instead of a specifically designed combination motor, then the manufacturing cost and design time are reduced, but the ability to generate independent torque and axial force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is segmented into distinct radial coil arrangements and axial coil arrangements, each responsible for specific functions. The radial coils generate magnetic fields for rotational motion and torque production, while the axial coils generate magnetic fields for linear motion and axial force production. This segmentation allows a standard motor to be adapted for dual functionality while maintaining the ability to generate independent torque and axial force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the axial dimension to a conventional rotary motor by incorporating axial coils that produce magnetic fields along the motor axis. This dimensional extension allows the motor to produce forces in both the radial direction (for rotation) and the axial direction (for linear motion), transforming a single-degree-of-freedom motor into a two-degree-of-freedom device without requiring a complete redesign.
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
Enables translating and rotating movements using a single motor, saving time and resources by eliminating the need for additional motors or complex designs, and allowing for decoupled torque and axial force control without current feedback loops.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor being movable along a direction of its rotational axis and having a number of poles respectively comprising at least one permanent magnet
Data Source
AI summary
In summary, the present invention relates to a device, a method and a computer program enabling a rotating and translating movement by means of a single motor. An electric motor (102) for linear and rotary movement can comprise a stator (104) having a multi-phase coil arrangement including a number of coils or coil sets and a rotor (106) being movable along a direction of its rotational axis and having a number of poles respectively comprising at least one permanent magnet. A control unit (108) may determine currents based on at least the number of coils or coil sets, an angle of rotation of the rotor and a parameter depending on an axial position of the rotor, and supply the determined currents to the coils or coil sets.