Compressor Cluster Block Radial Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor-driven compressors have a large axial size due to the projection of the cluster block, which increases the overall dimensions and complicates the structure.

Innovation Solution

The cluster block is fastened to the insulator flanges on the opposite side of the extended portions, with engagement pieces fitting into gaps between adjacent insulator flanges, reducing axial projection and simplifying the structure by utilizing existing openings for mounting, thereby minimizing axial size and structural complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cluster block is located adjacent to the coils in the axial direction, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the axial size of the compressor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidaxial size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cluster block is repositioned from an axial arrangement to a radial arrangement, moving it from the axial dimension to the radial dimension. The cluster block is now located radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the rotor, utilizing the radial space instead of axial space, thereby reducing the axial size while maintaining electrical connection functionality

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the cluster block axially adjacent to the coils as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the arrangement by positioning it radially inward from the rotor. This inverted spatial relationship allows the cluster block to be integrated into the radial structure of the motor, eliminating the need for axial projection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the cluster block projects axially from the insulator, then the electrical connection is secured, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cluster block is merged with the radial structure of the motor by positioning it within the radial space between the rotor and stator. This merging eliminates the need for separate axial mounting structures and integrates the electrical connection component into the existing radial architecture of the motor assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cluster block is extracted from the axial projection configuration and repositioned to a radial location. This extraction removes the unnecessary axial structural elements and simplifies the overall structure by using only the radial space that would otherwise be unused

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3525323B1Compressor driven by an electric motor
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORP
  • EP3525323B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3525323B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3525323B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor-driven compressor (10) includes a cluster block (52) accommodating a connecting terminal (51), which connects the driving electric motor (18) to a driving circuit (20). The motor comprises two insulators (31,32), each insulator (31, 32) includes a tubular base portion (33) covering the stator yoke (base ), extended portions (34) covering the stator teeth (25) and insulator flanges (35), covering the pole shoes (26). The cluster block (52) is fastened to at least a couple of insulator flanges (35) and includes a second wall (52d), facing the insulator flanges (35). Whereby the second wall (52d) includes engagement pieces (55), projecting in radial direction and the engagement pieces (55) are fitted to opening portions (36) or gaps between adjacent insulator flanges (35).