Brushless Motor Torque Ripple Reduction via Sensor Signal Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric motors, both brushed and brushless, experience increased torque ripples at the rotor due to control conditions, and existing brushless motor systems do not effectively utilize sensor signals for optimal rotor phase detection.

Innovation Solution

A brushless motor system with a mode switching unit for low-speed and high-speed modes, utilizing a signal correcting unit to adjust sensor output signals and an element control unit for selective energization control, including first, second, and third energization controls, to optimize rotor torque and reduce torque ripples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional brushless motor control is used with standard sensor signal utilization, then the control system is simple, but torque ripples at the rotor increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidtorque ripples
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by detecting the actual rotor phase using sensors and correcting the sensor output signals based on the relationship between detected phases and ideal phases. The control unit uses this corrected information to adjust energization timing, creating a closed-loop control system that reduces torque ripples while maintaining controlled complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of energization timing by correcting sensor output signals to advance or delay coil energization relative to standard timing. This parameter adjustment optimizes the magnetic field interaction with the rotor, reducing torque ripples without requiring fundamental changes to the control system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If sensor output signals are used without correction, then the control system is simple, but sensor signal utilization is ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing complexityVSAvoidsensor signal utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements feedback by comparing detected rotor phases with ideal phases and using this information to correct sensor output signals. This feedback mechanism transforms raw sensor data into precise control information, effectively utilizing sensor signals while maintaining reasonable processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical phase detection with electronic signal correction. Instead of relying on perfectly positioned mechanical sensors, the system uses electronic processing to correct sensor signals, substituting mechanical precision requirements with electronic computation.

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

3Device complexity

If standard energization control is used, then the control method is simple, but rotor torque optimization is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergization control complexityVSAvoid rotor torque
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes rotor torque by changing the timing parameter of coil energization. The control unit corrects sensor signals to determine optimal energization moments, advancing or delaying current application to coils based on actual rotor position feedback, thereby maximizing torque production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by correcting sensor signals in advance of the actual energization event. This allows the control unit to prepare the optimal energization timing before the rotor reaches the critical position, ensuring maximum torque efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If conventional wiper control with fixed speeds is used, then the control system is simple, but noise generation cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiper control complexityVSAvoidnoise generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the wiper to operate in multiple speed modes (low-speed and high-speed) rather than a fixed speed. The control unit dynamically selects the appropriate mode based on operational conditions, optimizing noise reduction during low-speed operation while maintaining efficiency during high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the speed parameter of the wiper motor based on operational requirements. By correcting sensor signals and adjusting energization timing, the control unit optimizes the motor's operating characteristics for different speed modes, reducing noise generation particularly during low-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively suppresses torque ripples and improves sensor signal utilization, allowing for precise control of rotor rotation phases and reduced noise generation.

Implementation Method 1

currents are supplied to the three coils at predetermined timing, and a rotating magnetic field is formed by the three coils to rotate the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

based on the intensity of the magnetic field formed by the sensor magnet, three sensors which output signals are provided to correspond to the U-phase, the V-phase, and the W-phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3089350B1Wiper device and control method for the wiper device
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 MITSUBA CORP
  • EP3089350B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3089350B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3089350B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A brushless motor (18) which supplies currents to coils (U1, U2, V1, V2, W1, and W2) and rotates a rotor (27), the brushless motor comprising a control apparatus (37) which switches and selectively executes: first energization control to start energization to the coils (U1, U2, V1, V2, W1, and W2)at first timing, and to continue the energization for a first period to control the rotation number of the rotor (27); and second energization control to start energization to the coils (U1, U2, V1, V2, W1, and W2) at second timing advanced by an electric angle with respect to the first timing, and to continue the energization for a second period longer than the first period to control the rotation number of the rotor (27).