Voltage Converter Busbar Layout for Shielded Laser Welding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic units for rotating electrical machine voltage converters require complex enclosures and sealing to block laser beams during welding, leading to increased costs and the need for costly fume treatment systems.

Innovation Solution

The electronic unit design includes busbars with extensions that block laser beams without additional enclosures, using free zones to prevent beam interruption and reduce damage, eliminating the need for complex enclosures and fume treatment systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a rotating electric machine is miniaturized to reduce vehicle mounting space, then the size of the machine decreases, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates due to reduced radiator area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of rotating electric machineVSAvoidheat dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The stator winding is divided into multiple independent coil units (first coil unit, second coil unit, etc.), each capable of being independently controlled for current flow direction. This segmentation allows selective activation of different coil units based on operating conditions, enabling optimized heat distribution and dissipation across the stator structure while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device dynamically adjusts the current flow direction in different coil units based on real-time operating conditions (rotation direction, load, temperature). By reversibly changing current directions in specific coil units, the system adapts heat generation patterns to match varying operational demands, improving heat dissipation efficiency in the miniaturized structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the number of coils is reduced to simplify the structure, then the device complexity decreases, but the controllability of heat generation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of coilsVSAvoidcontrollability of heat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stator winding is segmented into multiple coil units along the circumferential direction, with each unit independently controllable. This segmentation provides multiple controllable elements for heat generation without requiring a complete increase in total coil count, as adjacent units can be controlled in coordinated patterns to achieve various heating zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device implements dynamic control by reversibly changing current flow directions in different coil units based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same physical coil structure to provide varied heat generation patterns, maintaining high adaptability while using a limited number of physical coils.

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

This design simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and minimizes damage to the housing by blocking laser beams effectively, thereby eliminating the need for costly fume treatment systems and cleaning operations.

Implementation Method 1

a three-phase alternating current is supplied to three-phase stator coils, a rotating magnetic field is generated, and an electromagnetic force is induced in the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a rotating magnetic field is generated, and an electromagnetic force is induced in the rotor, thereby causing the rotor to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

a permanent magnet is disposed on an inner circumference of the rotor, and the N poles and S poles are alternately disposed along an inner circumference of the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4360411B1Electronic unit for a voltage converter of a rotating electric machine
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP4360411B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4360411B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4360411B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic unit (1) for a voltage converter (104) of a rotating electric machine (130), comprising: - a first busbar (8) comprising: - a first plate (2), - a first connection portion (3) projecting from the first plate, from a first side (4) of the first plate (2), and comprising a first connection surface (5) able to be welded to a second connection surface (9) of a third busbar (10) of a power electronics module (110) by a first laser welding operation using a first laser beam, - a second busbar (6) separate from the first busbar (8) and comprising a second plate (12) parallel to the first plate (2) and located on a second side (13) of the first plate (2) opposite the first side (4), wherein the first busbar (8) or the second busbar (6) comprises a first extension (15) extending in line with the first connection surface (5), the first extension (15) being able to block the first laser beam. The invention also relates to a voltage converter (104) comprising such an electronic unit (1). The invention also relates to an electrical assembly (100) comprising such a voltage converter (104) and to a rotating electric machine (130).