Asymmetrical Delta IPM Rotor Layout for Torque Peak Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interior permanent magnet (IPM) motors suffer from suboptimal total torque output due to misalignment between peak reluctance torque and peak magnetic torque, which occurs when magnets are arranged in a symmetrical delta shape.

Innovation Solution

The magnets are arranged in an asymmetrical delta shape by varying their length, thickness, angles, or positions, with the top magnet shifted towards one of the other magnets, aligning the peak magnetic torque with the peak reluctance torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If magnets are arranged in a conventional symmetrical configuration, then the motor structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the peak magnetic torque and peak reluctance torque are misaligned resulting in suboptimal total output torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal output torqueVSAvoidmagnet arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by arranging three permanent magnets in an asymmetrical delta shape configuration where the magnets have different orientations and positions relative to each other. Specifically, the magnets are arranged such that their magnetic torque axis is shifted to align with the reluctance torque axis, creating an asymmetrical pattern that optimizes torque production. This asymmetrical arrangement allows the peak magnetic torque to coincide with the peak reluctance torque, thereby maximizing the total output torque while maintaining a relatively simple three-magnet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If magnets are arranged to align peak magnetic torque with peak reluctance torque, then total output torque is optimized, but the magnet configuration becomes complex requiring different sizes and orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal output torqueVSAvoidmagnet positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving each magnet in the asymmetrical delta configuration distinct local characteristics - different orientations, positions, and potentially different sizes. Each magnet is specifically positioned and oriented to contribute to the overall torque alignment objective. The magnets have different angular positions relative to the rotor axis, creating localized variations in magnetic field distribution that collectively achieve the alignment of magnetic and reluctance torque peaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional symmetrical magnet arrangement is used, then manufacturing is easier, but motor efficiency is reduced due to torque misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnet arrangement easeVSAvoidmotor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing an asymmetrical delta configuration that, while slightly more complex than symmetrical arrangements, maintains practical manufacturability through a simple three-magnet design. The asymmetry is achieved through straightforward angular positioning and size variations that can be implemented using conventional manufacturing techniques, while delivering significant efficiency improvements through optimized torque alignment.

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

This alignment results in a significant increase in the total motor output torque by closely aligning the peak magnetic torque with the peak reluctance torque.

Implementation Method 1

peak magnetic torque produced the magnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic torque: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

peak reluctance torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReluctance torque: Magnetic Reluctance

Data Source

PatentUS12609565B2Systems and methods for asymmetrical delta shape interior permanent magnet machine
Publication Date: 2026.04.21 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC
  • US12609565B2 patent drawing
  • US12609565B2 patent drawing
  • US12609565B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for an asymmetrical delta shape interior permanent magnet machine include rotor having a plurality of magnets arranged on an interior of the rotor. The plurality of magnets can include a first magnet having a first size, a second magnet having a second size, and a third magnet having a third size. The first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet can be arranged in a triangular shape. Each of the first size, the second size, and the third size can be different from one another.