Asymmetric Magnetic Guide Rotor Segment for Oscillation Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly and maintenance of rotor segments in rotating electric machines with skewed magnetic guides are costly and time-consuming, especially in large machines, due to their complex design and the need for precise alignment to reduce mechanical oscillations.

Innovation Solution

A rotor segment design featuring magnetic guides with asymmetric faces and projections that allow for non-uniform magnetic field distribution along the axis, reducing oscillations and spatial harmonics while enabling axial sliding and simplified assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the rotor segment is arranged along an alignment axis forming a skew angle with the generatrix to reduce mechanical oscillations, then the mechanical oscillations are attenuated, but the assembly cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical oscillationsVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic guide is designed with an asymmetric cross-section where the first face has a greater surface area than the second face. This asymmetry creates a non-uniform magnetic field distribution along the axial direction, which effectively reduces mechanical oscillations and spatial harmonics while allowing the rotor segment to be assembled parallel to the rotation axis, thereby reducing assembly time and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the rotor segment is arranged along an alignment axis forming a skew angle with the generatrix to reduce mechanical oscillations, then the mechanical oscillations are attenuated, but the assembly cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical oscillationsVSAvoidassembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic guide features an asymmetric cross-section with the first face having a greater surface area than the second face. This asymmetric design creates the necessary non-uniform magnetic field to reduce oscillations while maintaining a simpler geometric configuration that is easier and less costly to manufacture compared to skewed arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of solving the oscillation problem by skewing the rotor segment in the radial direction (forming an angle with the generatrix), the invention transitions to solving it in the axial dimension by creating asymmetric face areas. This dimensional shift allows for cost-effective manufacturing while achieving the same oscillation reduction effect.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the rotor segment is arranged along an alignment axis forming a skew angle with the generatrix to reduce mechanical oscillations, then the mechanical oscillations are attenuated, but the disassembly procedure becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical oscillationsVSAvoiddisassembly procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric cross-section of the magnetic guide with unequal face areas provides the necessary non-uniform magnetic field for oscillation reduction while maintaining a straightforward geometric structure. This simplicity facilitates easy disassembly and reassembly during maintenance operations, unlike complex skewed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 design effectively reduces mechanical oscillations and spatial harmonics by creating a non-uniform magnetic field, facilitating easier assembly and maintenance of rotor segments in rotating electric machines.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic guides are configured to house respective magnetic modules and to guide the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic modules to an air gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

guide the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic modules to an air gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3084939B1Rotor segment and electric machine rotor and electric machine comprising such a rotor segment
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 WINDFIN BV
  • EP3084939B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3084939B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3084939B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rotor segment of a rotating electric machine, the rotor segment (7) extending along a given plane (PI) and comprising at least two magnetic guides (10), which are aligned along the given plane (PI) and designed to house respective magnetic modules (11) and to guide the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic modules (11) to an air gap (8), wherein each magnetic guide (10) comprises a first and a second face (12, 13) facing the air gap (8) and extending along a first and a second surface respectively; the first surface being greater than the second surface; and the first face (12) of one magnetic guide (10) being aligned with and adjacent to the second face (13) of the other magnetic guide (10).