Flexure Based Electro-Magnetic Drive for High Torque Motor

The National Research Council (NRC) has identified the need for motors and actuators that can operate in extreme temperature environments as a technical gap to exploring deeper into our solar systems. Bear Technologies has been exploring motor design for more than 5 years. A number of designs are blended to create the basis of the proposed innovation. The research focuses on a fundamentally different motor design that explores the use of flexures to amplify the forces created by the electro-magnets. In this way, the design can be much simplified, eliminates wear, free play and the need for lubricants. Bear will focus on investigating low stress flexure designs and relatively high force electro-magnetic drives that can produce the forces needed for a high torque motor. If proven this flexure component will be an enabling technology for the extreme environment high torque motor.

NASA has a need for extreme environment actuators and motors to enable and increase capabilities of future missions. Advancing this technology has an impact on a majority of future missions. The "flexure" research will be an enabling electromagnetic design concept for extreme temperature motors.

The electro-magnetic technology will be an enabling component for extreme environment motors. The resulting motors have uses for the oil and gas industry in downhole drilling and enhanced oil recovery system (steam flood or injection), precision munitions and weapons control, glass and metal work in extreme temperature furnaces, and arctic research.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.