Single-Rotor Shaft Drive for Rotation and Axial Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for driving rotation of a shaft are complex and require two rotors and two stators to achieve rotary movement and axial displacement, limiting their versatility and simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A device with an electric motor comprising a stator and a single rotor with two senses of rotation, allowing for two configurations: one with axial fixation of the shaft and stator, and another with axial relative displacement of the shaft and stator based on the rotor's rotation sense.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two rotors and two stators are used to achieve rotary movement and axial displacement, then the device can perform both functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single rotor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate in two opposite directions to simultaneously achieve rotary movement (when the shaft rotates with the rotor) and axial displacement (when the shaft is constrained from rotating). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic configuration switching where the shaft can be in different rotational states (free to rotate or constrained). By dynamically changing the shaft's rotational freedom based on the rotor's rotation direction, the system achieves both rotary and axial movements using a single rotor-stator assembly, avoiding the need for two separate rotor-stator pairs
2Device complexity
If a single rotor with two senses of rotation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve both rotary movement and axial displacement must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft's rotational state is dynamically controlled: when the rotor rotates in the first direction, the shaft is free to rotate achieving rotary movement; when the rotor rotates in the opposite direction, the shaft is constrained from rotating, forcing axial displacement. This dynamic switching of the shaft's degrees of freedom enables a single rotor to deliver both functional modes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational parameter of the shaft (from free rotation to constrained rotation) based on the rotor's rotation direction. By modifying the shaft's rotational freedom parameter in response to the rotor's bidirectional rotation, the device achieves both rotary and axial movements with a single rotor, maintaining functional versatility while simplifying the structure
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 device achieves simplicity and versatility by using a single rotor to drive both rotation and axial displacement of the shaft and stator, enhancing the device's operational capabilities without increasing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor comprising a stator and single rotor with two senses of rotation, the rotor for driving rotation of said shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device (1) for driving either rotation or translation of a shaft (2). It comprises an electric motor (3) that comprises a stator (4) and a single rotor (5) supporting the shaft (capable of being turned in two directions). Through an activatable/deactivatable system (9) which engages or disengages at least one element (71, 72), the device (1) is either in the first configuration for rotation of the shaft (2) or in the second configuration for a relative axial movement between shaft and static portions of the device (1). The single rotor (5) is a versatile rotor through selection between the first configuration or the second configuration.