Spherical Motor Searchlight for Reduced Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing searchlight systems rely on multiple actuators to rotate the light about two perpendicular axes, leading to high torque requirements and exposure to harsh environmental conditions, which reduces reliability and increases size, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A spherical motor-based searchlight system that is independently rotatable about two perpendicular axes, with the motor and light source disposed within a protective cavity in the lens, eliminating the need for multiple actuators and reducing torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to rotate the searchlight about two perpendicular axes, then the searchlight can achieve full rotational coverage, but the torque requirement increases and the system is exposed to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators into a single spherical motor that can independently rotate about two perpendicular axes. This merging reduces the number of components exposed to environmental conditions and eliminates the high torque requirements associated with multiple actuators, while maintaining full rotational coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical motor introduces a new dimensional approach by enabling independent rotation about two perpendicular axes within a single motor unit. This allows the searchlight to achieve pan and tilt functionality without requiring multiple actuators arranged in series, thereby reducing torque requirements and improving reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to rotate the searchlight, then rotational coverage is achieved, but the system size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple actuators into a single spherical motor unit, reducing system size, weight, and complexity while maintaining the ability to rotate the searchlight about two perpendicular axes for full rotational coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical motor is designed to perform multiple functions independently within a single unit, providing both pan and tilt rotation capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators, thereby reducing overall system size and complexity while maintaining full adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used, then rotational functionality is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single spherical motor, reducing component count and assembly complexity. This merging approach lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining full rotational functionality for pan and tilt operations
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical motor provides universal rotational functionality for both pan and tilt axes within a single device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized actuators. This reduces overall system cost while maintaining full adaptability for various searchlight applications
4Ease of operation
If actuators are directly exposed to the environment, then the searchlight can be mounted externally, but the actuators are exposed to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical motor is positioned in a different spatial configuration within the vehicle, located inside the vehicle body rather than externally mounted. This dimensional repositioning protects the motor from harsh environmental conditions while maintaining external searchlight functionality through the vehicle's 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 system achieves increased reliability, reduced weight, and decreased size by using a single spherical motor, with an 80%-90% reduction in torque requirement, and protects the motor from environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The spherical motor is disposed within the cavity and is rotationally coupled to the mount structure. The spherical motor is independently rotatable, relative to the mount structure and the lens, about two perpendicular axes.
Data Source
AI summary
A searchlight assembly includes a mount structure adapted to be mounted to an external surface of a vehicle; a lens coupled to an extending from the mount structure and having an inner surface defining a cavity; a spherical motor disposed within the cavity and coupled to the mount structure to independently rotate about two perpendicular axes relative to the mount structure and the lens; and a light source disposed within the cavity and coupled to the spherical motor to be rotatable therewith about the two perpendicular axes.