Omnidirectional Wheel Hub Drive With Integrated Bearing Motor and Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for electric vehicles face limitations such as small wheel axle diameters, low load capacity, and lack of sensors for speed and direction of rotation, leading to inefficient energy transmission and mobility issues, particularly in omnidirectional configurations.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with two individually electromagnetically driven wheels, where the rim is mounted via a wheel bearing and the electromagnetic drive components are housed inside, coupled with a disk brake system that includes a pressure ring and brake pads, and equipped with sensors for speed and direction detection, allowing for efficient energy transmission and reliable braking without increasing overall dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the electromagnetic drive components are integrated inside the wheel bearing, then the load capacity increases significantly, but the space inside the wheel bearing becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic drive components (motor, gear, brake) are nested inside the wheel bearing housing, with the motor positioned in the central region, the gear mechanism surrounding it, and the brake system integrated into the outer structure. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space while accommodating all necessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from traditional lateral mounting of drive components to a compact three-dimensional integration within the wheel bearing volume. The electromagnetic motor is positioned axially, with the gear mechanism arranged radially and the brake system integrated in the axial direction, effectively utilizing space in multiple dimensions simultaneously.
2Shape
If the rim is mounted by means of the wheel bearing, then the structural compactness improves, but the wheel bearing must support higher mechanical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel bearing assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the inner race supports radial wheel loads, the electromagnetic motor provides drive torque, the gear mechanism transmits power, and the brake system provides stopping force. Each component is positioned to optimize load paths and minimize stress concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel bearing housing utilizes composite construction with high-strength materials for load-bearing components and lighter materials for non-critical structures. The housing incorporates reinforcement ribs and optimized wall thickness distribution to withstand high mechanical loads while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the drive system, then the control precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic motor serves multiple functions: it provides drive torque, acts as a sensor mounting platform, and enables speed and direction detection through back-EMF measurement. The gear mechanism not only transmits power but also provides mechanical feedback for position sensing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system utilizes its own operational parameters (current, voltage, back-EMF) to determine speed and direction of rotation, eliminating the need for external sensors in many cases. The control system processes electrical signals from the motor windings to extract rotational information, allowing the system to self-monitor its state.
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 a load capacity 5 to 10 times higher than conventional systems while maintaining compact dimensions, ensuring uniform ground contact and efficient energy transmission, with reliable braking and sensors for optimal control.
Implementation Method 1
two individually electromagnetically driven drive wheels
Implementation Method 2
the braking device comprises a pressure ring, having the brake pad, a brake disk and a further brake pad
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to, for example, drive systems for transport devices. In one example embodiment, a drive system is disclosed including at least two drive wheels, at least one wheel bearing, at least one rim of the at least one of the drive wheels mounted by means of the at least one wheel bearing, at least one drive of the at least one of the drive wheels is arranged within the at least one wheel bearing, and at least one braking device coupled to at least one of the drive wheels. The at least two drive wheels are aligned on a common first axis, the drive wheel axis of rotation, which is angled relative to a second axis, the pendulum axis, and a third axis, a pivot axis, is likewise arranged at an angle relative to the first and second axes.