Dual-Source Motor Winding Control for Lane Fault Torque Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-lane permanent magnet synchronous motors face challenges in efficiently managing power distribution and fault tolerance, particularly in scenarios where one lane's DC power source experiences a fault, such as battery depletion or disconnection, leading to reduced torque output and potential system failure.
Innovation Solution
The motor apparatus incorporates a control circuit that selectively connects two DC power sources to phase windings, allowing for energy transfer between lanes through transformer coupling, enabling continued operation by balancing torque between lanes and maintaining overall torque demand even when one lane is faulty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-lane motors use independent DC power sources for each lane to improve fault tolerance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single DC power source to serve multiple lanes by allowing the motor controller to dynamically allocate power to different lanes based on operational needs and fault conditions. The same power source and control circuitry can support Lane 1, Lane 2, or both simultaneously, making the system more universal and reducing the need for separate power sources for each lane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function by allowing one DC power source to feed multiple lanes through a shared power distribution architecture. The control circuit combines power management functions to distribute electrical energy from a single source to different lane configurations (Lane 1 only, Lane 2 only, or both lanes) based on operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If both lanes are driven in normal use to reduce peak torque requirements per lane, then device complexity is reduced, but power distribution efficiency deteriorates when one lane experiences a fault
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lane configuration where the motor controller can switch between different operational modes: normal dual-lane operation, single-lane operation upon fault detection, and power transfer mode. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize power distribution efficiency by concentrating power to the healthy lane when needed, while maintaining simplified switching configuration through a unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting current distribution, voltage allocation, and torque sharing between lanes based on real-time fault conditions. When a fault is detected, the controller modifies electrical parameters to redirect power flow from the faulty lane to the healthy lane, maintaining power distribution efficiency without requiring complex hardware reconfiguration.
3Device complexity
If a single DC power source is used for both lanes to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates as there is no backup power source for fault conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the motor controller as an intermediary that manages power distribution from a single DC power source to multiple lanes. This intermediary component enables intelligent power allocation, fault detection, and power transfer functionality without requiring separate power sources. The controller acts as a mediator that maintains reliability through software-based fault tolerance and dynamic power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service fault tolerance by automatically detecting lane faults and reallocating power resources without external intervention. When a fault is detected in one lane, the controller automatically transfers power and control to the healthy lane, maintaining system operation. This self-service capability compensates for the absence of redundant power sources through intelligent resource management.
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 solution ensures seamless power transfer between lanes, maintaining motor functionality and torque output during faults, enhancing fault tolerance and reducing the impact of battery-related issues on the motor's performance.
Implementation Method 1
By applying AC drive waveforms to the phases, a magnetic field is produced which will rotate around the stator. The flux of the permanent magnets on the rotor interacts with this rotating magnetic field causing the rotor to rotate in synchronism with field.
Implementation Method 2
applying waveforms to one or more of the motor phase windings which causes energy to be transferred from the first DC power source of the first lane into a DC power source of the second lane through transformer coupling between the motor phase windings of the first lane and the motor phase windings of the second lane
Data Source
AI summary
A motor apparatus includes a multi-lane permanent magnet synchronous motor having at least two sets of phase windings, and a control circuit. The control circuit selectively connects a first direct current power source to the motor phase windings of a first set of the motor phasing windings to form a first lane. The control circuit may also selectively connect a second direct current power source to the motor phase windings of a second set of the motor phasing windings to form a second lane. The control circuit may cause current to flow in the motor that meets a current demand from a current demand circuit. During at least one mode of operation, the control circuit may apply waveforms to a motor phase winding which causes an actively controlled transfer of energy from the first direct current source of the first lane into a component of the second lane.