BLDC Motor Internal PCB Connection for Compact Dual-Sensor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electric motors for vehicle applications, such as those used in gearboxes or transmission devices, require complex wiring and external connections for multiple control boards and sensors, which increases space requirements and vulnerability to vibrations.

Innovation Solution

An electric motor design that incorporates a connection member within the housing to connect two control boards internally, reducing the need for external connections and allowing for a single interface to a central control unit, thereby minimizing space usage and enhancing structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two separate control boards are used for determining parameters of rotor shaft and output shaft, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and wiring complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter determination capabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate control boards into a single integrated control board that houses both determination devices (first and second sensors). This merging eliminates the need for separate wiring connections for each control board, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining the capability to determine both rotor shaft and output shaft parameters simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single control board is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating both determination devices within it. This universal control board can determine parameters of both the rotor shaft and output shaft, eliminating the need for separate specialized control boards and reducing overall system complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If control boards are connected externally outside the housing, then connection flexibility is improved, but build space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidbuild space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests both determination devices and the control board within the existing housing of the electric motor. The control board is integrated into the housing structure, and the determination devices are arranged within the available internal space, eliminating the need for external connections and reducing the overall build space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the internal three-dimensional space within the housing by arranging the control board and determination devices in different axial positions and spatial configurations. This efficient use of internal volume allows all components to be contained within the housing without increasing the external footprint of the motor.

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

3Ease of operation

If multiple individual connection ports are provided for control boards, then connection accessibility is improved, but structural integrity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accessibilityVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple connection functions into a single connection port on the housing. This single port provides access to both determination devices through the integrated control board, maintaining connection accessibility while eliminating multiple openings in the housing, thereby preserving structural integrity and vibration resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4485764A1Electric motor
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP4485764A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4485764A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4485764A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Electric motor (1), in particular BLDC-motor, comprising a control unit with a first control board (7) connected with a first determination device (9) and a second control board (8) connected with a second determination device (10), wherein at least one connection member (13, 13', 13") connects the first control board (7) and the second control board (8), wherein the connection member (13, 13', 13") is arranged in a receiving section inside a housing (6) of the electric motor (1).