Skipping Motor Electromagnet Sequencing for Smooth Rotor Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motors lack versatility in performing skipping-like motions and efficient rotational transitions between motor states, leading to inefficiencies and limited operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A skipping motor design featuring a rotor that nutates and rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, utilizing a configuration of electromagnets with controlled ON-OFF activation sequences to achieve sequential skipping motions, with each motor state characterized by specific rotor-stator contact surfaces and magnetic field interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electric motor designs are used, then basic rotational motion is achieved, but versatility in performing skipping-like motions and efficient rotational transitions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The motor divides the rotor into multiple magnetizable regions (poles) and the stator into multiple electromagnets, each capable of independent activation. This segmentation allows the motor to achieve complex skipping-like motions through coordinated activation of individual segments, enabling versatility without requiring an entirely different motor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor employs dynamic control of electromagnet activation sequences, where the timing and pattern of electromagnet switching are varied to produce different motion patterns including skipping, rolling, and traditional rotation. This dynamic activation approach allows a single motor design to perform multiple functions.
2Productivity
If sequential electromagnet activation is used to achieve skipping motions, then rotational transitions between motor states become efficient, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor uses periodic activation sequences where electromagnets are switched on and off in repeating patterns. Each pattern corresponds to a specific motor state transition, and the periodic nature of these sequences enables efficient, predictable rotational transitions while simplifying control logic through repetition rather than arbitrary switching patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor design allows the magnetic fields and mechanical inertia to naturally guide the rotor through transitions between states. The system leverages the physical properties of magnetization and demagnetization, along with rotor momentum, to achieve efficient transitions with minimal active control intervention, reducing the burden on the control system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact surfaces are used for rotor-stator interaction, then skipping-like motions are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor employs curved or spherical contact surfaces on both the rotor and stator rather than flat surfaces. This curvature provides natural point contact during skipping motions, reducing the sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances. The curved surfaces allow for smooth transitions and maintain reliable contact even with moderate variations in manufacturing precision.
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 skipping motor enables efficient and controlled rotational transitions, allowing for smooth and adaptable operation across various applications, including children's toys, robots, drones, submarines, and spaceships, by optimizing magnetic field paths and contact surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
each contact surface of the stator comprises a surface of an electromagnet of a plurality of, 'N', three or more electromagnets
Implementation Method 2
At each motor state the rotor is attracted by magnetic fields of the electromagnets
Implementation Method 3
contact between the rotor and stator provides a relatively low reluctance magnetic field path for a magnetic field generated by magnetization of at least two magnetized electromagnets
Data Source
AI summary
A skipper motor comprising: a stator and a rotor; a plurality of N greater than two electromagnets mounted to the stator or to the rotor, each of the electromagnets comprising a core having at least one contact surface, wherein the at least one contact surface of any of the cores is rotatable about a same first axis of rotation with a same first radius of rotation into substantial congruence with at least a portion of the at least one contact surface of any other of the electromagnet cores; and a coupling of the rotor to the stator configured to enable rotation of the rotor and contact of the stator and rotor along at least one contact surface during operation of the motor.