US Patent 11522425 Planar high torque electric motor

A motor is provided, and includes: a stator having a plurality of electromagnets and a plurality of rolling elements arranged around the electromagnets; a rotor having a plurality of rotor traction components arranged to engage the plurality of rolling elements; and a control circuit; wherein the plurality of rolling elements are arranged relative to the plurality of rotor traction components to form a gap between the plurality of rolling elements and the plurality of rotor traction components; wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the plurality of electromagnets to cause the rotor to pivot about a pivot point defined in a spherical bearing and change the gap such that the rotor compresses against the stator and the plurality of rolling elements and the plurality of rotor traction components translate the compression into tangential thrust and rotation of the rotor.