Additive Winding Head for Electric Rotating Machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing end winding arrangements for electrical rotating machines result in significant axial space usage, ohmic losses, and increased complexity due to the need for cooling and stiffening, which affects efficiency and rotor dynamics, especially in high-speed machines, and are costly and labor-intensive to produce.

Innovation Solution

An end winding arrangement featuring a base body with an electrically conductive material coated with an insulating layer, where conductors are applied using additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing or thermal spraying, allowing for complex and compact structures with improved insulation and mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional bending and offsetting methods are used to create winding heads, then conductor geometry can be achieved, but axial space consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor geometryVSAvoidaxial length
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from mechanical bending and offsetting processes to additive manufacturing parameters. The winding head is built layer-by-layer with precise control over conductor placement, cross-sectional shape, and insulation integration, enabling complex geometries without the axial space penalty of traditional bending methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention moves from 2D planar conductor arrangements to 3D volumetric construction through additive manufacturing. Conductors are deposited in multiple layers with varying orientations, creating complex three-dimensional geometries that optimize space utilization and reduce axial length while maintaining required conductor patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional manual joining and insulation methods are used, then conductor connections can be made, but manufacturing complexity and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate manufacturing operations into a single additive manufacturing process. Conductor deposition, insulation application, and structural formation are integrated into one continuous build process, eliminating the need for separate joining and insulation steps while maintaining connection reliability through controlled layer adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical joining operations with automated additive manufacturing processes. Conductors are joined through controlled material deposition and layer bonding rather than mechanical fastening or soldering, reducing labor intensity and process complexity while ensuring consistent connection quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional winding head designs are used, then electrical connection can be established, but ohmic losses increase due to longer conductor paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidohmic losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-optimizing the conductor path geometry during the additive manufacturing planning stage. The winding head structure is designed with minimal conductor lengths and direct current paths from the outset, preventing ohmic losses rather than addressing them afterward, while ensuring reliable electrical connections through precise conductor placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If traditional stiffening measures are applied to prevent vibrations, then mechanical stability can be achieved, but additional space and weight are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidwinding head weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by integrating reinforcement elements directly into the additive manufactured winding head structure. Different materials with varying mechanical properties are deposited in specific patterns to provide stiffness and vibration resistance where needed, while maintaining overall structure minimization and reducing weight compared to traditional uniform stiffening approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution reduces the axial length, minimizes ohmic losses, enhances mechanical stability, and simplifies production, making the end winding arrangement more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

the base body comprises an electrically conductive material with an electrically insulating coating, wherein the conductors are connected to the base body via the electrically insulating coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

the conductors are applied to the electrically insulating coating by means of a first additive manufacturing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdditive manufacturing: 3D Printing

Data Source

PatentEP3909116B1Winding head assembly for an electric rotating machine
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3909116B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3909116B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3909116B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a winding head arrangement (4) for an electric rotating machine. According to the invention, to provide a winding head arrangement (24) which is simpler and more cost-effective to produce compared with the prior art, the winding head arrangement (24) has at least one main body (26, 28) and a plurality of conductors (30) made of a first metal material, wherein the main body (26, 28) comprises an electrically conductive material having an electrically insulating coating (35), the conductors (30) are connected to the main body (26, 28) via the electrically insulating coating (35) and the conductors (30) are applied to the electrically insulating coating (35) by means of a first additive manufacturing method.