Design of surface-mounted permanent-magnet brushless DC motors combined with gear mechanisms

This paper presents novel design concepts by integrating surface-mounted permanent-magnet brushless DC (BLDC) motors with embedded planetary gear trains (PGTs) to form compact structure assemblies with desired functions. The operational principles and configurations of surface-mounted permanent-magnet BLDC motors are introduced. With the aid of fundamental circuits, kinematic characteristics of PGTs are identified. For rationalizing integrated design concepts, design requirements and constraints are concluded. Four feasible design concepts with interior and exterior configurations are successfully generated subject to these design requirements and constraints. The features of the integrated devices are also indicated.