BLDC Motor Commutation Control via Power Threshold Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional BLDC motor controllers use a single type of commutation, which limits motor performance optimization under varying load conditions, affecting speed, torque, and efficiency in power tools.

Innovation Solution

A controller-driven method that monitors power consumption and switches between different commutations based on threshold values to optimize BLDC motor performance, adjusting the switching array to adapt to changing load conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single type of commutation is used to control the BLDC motor, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but motor performance under varying load conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different commutation types (six-step and field-oriented commutation) based on real-time power consumption monitoring. The controller adjusts the commutation strategy according to load conditions, transitioning from six-step commutation at low power consumption to field-oriented commutation at high power consumption, thereby optimizing motor performance across varying operational demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the commutation parameter (commutation type) based on the power consumption level. By monitoring power consumption and comparing it against threshold values, the system selects appropriate commutation strategies, effectively changing operational parameters to match load conditions and improve overall motor performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If different types of commutation are used under different load conditions, then motor performance is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring power consumption and using this information to determine the appropriate commutation type. The controller compares real-time power consumption readings against predefined thresholds and automatically adjusts the commutation strategy, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes performance without requiring complex external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate with either six-step commutation or field-oriented commutation depending on conditions. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to adapt to different operational requirements, reducing the need for separate specialized systems for different load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If six-step commutation is used, then the motor operates efficiently at low power consumption, but performance deteriorates at high power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmotor performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the commutation parameter based on power consumption levels. At low power consumption, six-step commutation is used for its simplicity and efficiency. When power consumption exceeds a threshold, the system transitions to field-oriented commutation, which provides superior performance under high load conditions, thereby optimizing the balance between energy efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Force

If field-oriented commutation is used, then the motor delivers high torque at high power consumption, but efficiency decreases at low power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the commutation type based on real-time power consumption monitoring. Field-oriented commutation is activated only when power consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold and high torque is required. When power consumption drops below the threshold, the system switches to six-step commutation, which is more energy-efficient for lighter loads, thereby optimizing the balance between torque delivery and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11689124B2Controlling brushless motor commutation
Publication Date: 2023.06.27 SNAP ON INC
  • US11689124B2 patent drawing
  • US11689124B2 patent drawing
  • US11689124B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer implemented method for controlling commutation of a brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The method includes controlling a switching array to drive the BLDC motor at a first commutation, receiving and monitoring power consumption signals indicating power consumption of the BLDC motor, determining whether the power consumption exceeds a first threshold value, and controlling the switching array to drive the BLDC motor at a second commutation when the power consumption exceeds the first threshold value.