Bi-Directional Motor Control for Gas Engine Replacement Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas engine replacement motor units for power equipment lack efficient and versatile power management systems, limiting their ability to provide bi-directional operation and adaptive power delivery.

Innovation Solution

A gas-engine replacement device featuring a housing with a battery receptacle, a motor, a power take-off shaft, a power switching network, and an electronic processor that controls the power switching network to rotate the motor in both directions, and to stop the motor using various braking methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gas engine is used to power equipment, then the equipment can operate in a single direction with simple control, but the equipment cannot operate in reverse direction and lacks adaptive power delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebi-directional operation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gas engine with an electric motor system that can be controlled electronically. The motor controller electronically switches the motor between forward and reverse rotation modes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission systems while enabling bi-directional operation. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control reduces overall system complexity while achieving the desired versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of the motor through an electronic controller that can adjust rotation direction, speed, and braking modes in real-time based on operational requirements. The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (forward rotation, reverse rotation, coasting, passive braking, active braking) to adapt to varying workload conditions, enabling the equipment to operate efficiently in both forward and reverse directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If traditional braking methods are used to stop the motor, then the motor can be stopped, but the stopping process is slow and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestopping timeVSAvoidenergy dissipation during braking
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed braking where the motor is dynamically pulsed in opposite phases to the first direction. This periodic action creates rapid oscillations that quickly dissipate kinetic energy and bring the motor to a stop much faster than continuous braking methods. The pulsed braking approach alternates between applying and releasing braking force in controlled cycles, achieving rapid deceleration while managing energy dissipation efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements multiple dynamic braking modes that can be selected based on operational needs: coasting (no braking force), passive braking (mechanical friction), active braking (electrical resistance), and dynamic pulsed braking (oscillatory electrical braking). The electronic controller dynamically switches between these modes to optimize stopping time and energy management for different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a battery pack is used to power the motor, then the system becomes portable and environmentally friendly, but the power delivery is limited and requires complex power management

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveemissionsVSAvoidpower delivery capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the battery pack voltage and current output by incorporating a power switching network controlled by an electronic controller. The controller adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, current, power) delivered to the motor based on operational requirements, enabling the battery-powered system to deliver appropriate power levels for different workload conditions while maintaining portability and zero emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic power management where the electronic controller continuously monitors battery status and adjusts power delivery to the motor in real-time. The power switching network dynamically switches between different power levels and modes to optimize energy utilization from the battery pack, extending operational duration while providing sufficient power for varying workload demands in this emission-free electric power system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables bi-directional operation of power equipment, allowing for efficient compaction and movement in both forward and reverse directions, while also providing adaptive power delivery and reduced physical stress on operators.

Implementation Method 1

a motor located within the housing... receiving torque from the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a power switching network configured to selectively provide power from the battery pack to the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12209369B2Bi-directional motor for gas engine replacement device
Publication Date: 2025.01.28 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • US12209369B2 patent drawing
  • US12209369B2 patent drawing
  • US12209369B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Bi-directional motor (36) for gas engine replacement device (10). One embodiment provides a gas engine replacement device (10) including a housing (14), a battery receptacle (54), a motor (36), a power take-off shaft (38) receiving torque from the motor (36), a power switching network (310) configured to selectively provide power to the motor (36), and an electronic processor (302) coupled to the power switching network (310). The electronic processor (302) is configured to rotate the motor (36) in a first direction and receive an input to switch a rotation direction of the motor (36). The electronic processor is also configured to control the power switching network (310) to stop the motor (36) and rotate the motor (36) in a second direction after controlling the power switching network (310) to stop the motor (36).