Brushless DC Motor Rotor Position Sensing Under Speed and Disturbance Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brushless DC motor systems face inaccuracies in angular position detection during rapid load changes, blockage, or external electromagnetic emissions, particularly at high speeds, leading to unreliable motor control.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid method combining sensor-based and sensorless angular position detection using a rotor position sensor that integrates a position estimator and control loop to enhance accuracy and robustness by utilizing sensorless angular position information and sensor-based angular velocity information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensorless angular position detection is used at high speeds, then measurement accuracy is improved, but reliability under undesirable influences (rapid load changes, blockage, electromagnetic emissions) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular position measurement accuracyVSAvoiddetection robustness under disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sensorless angular position detection with sensor-based angular velocity detection to create a hybrid detection system. The control unit integrates both measurement methods, using sensorless position information for high-speed accuracy while incorporating sensor-based velocity information to maintain reliability under disturbances such as rapid load changes, blockage, and electromagnetic emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If sensor-based angular position detection is used at low speeds, then reliability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection robustness at low speedsVSAvoidangular position measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the detection method based on operating conditions. At low speeds, sensor-based detection provides reliable measurements, while at high speeds, the system transitions to sensorless detection for improved accuracy. The control unit continuously monitors operating parameters and adjusts the detection strategy accordingly, ensuring optimal performance across the entire speed range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If hybrid detection combining sensorless and sensor-based methods is used, then reliability under undesirable influences is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection robustness under disturbancesVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes sensorless position information, sensor-based velocity information, and integrates both measurement methods. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain reliability under various disturbances while managing complexity through unified control logic that adapts to different operating conditions.

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

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 method provides accurate and robust angular position determination across varying speeds, ensuring low vibration and quiet operation of the DC motor under adverse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

In sensorless detection, back-induced voltages or counterforces generated in the stator windings by the rotor's rotation are preferably used to determine the rotor's angular position. This is known in the relevant fields as BEMF measurement (Back Electromotive Force).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensorless angular position detection (BEMF measurement): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

In sensor-based angular position detection, sensors are placed in or on the DC motor, typically Hall sensors, which can directly measure the rotor's angular position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4645676A1Method for operating a brushless DC motor, arrangement for carrying out the method, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 MAHLE INT GMBH
  • EP4645676A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4645676A1 patent drawing
  • EP4645676A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for operating a brushless DC motor (2), in particular a drive motor for an e-bike or a pedelec, which has a stator with at least one stator winding and a rotor equipped with permanent magnets. The method provides that an angular position signal (6), representing the angular position of the rotor relative to the stator, is determined by means of a rotor position sensor device (3) based on a first, sensorless angular position information (4) of the rotor and a second, sensor-based angular velocity information (5) of the rotor. The invention further relates to an arrangement (17) configured for carrying out the proposed method and to an advantageous vehicle.