Axially Extended Permanent Magnet for Integrated Angle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronous motors face challenges in achieving compact, inexpensive, and reliable angle detection within the motor without interfering with the magnetic fields used for torque generation, while maintaining low moment of inertia and minimizing mechanical changes.

Innovation Solution

The motor incorporates an axially extended permanent magnet area that serves as a strong magnetic field transmitter for a sensor device, allowing for compact, integrated angle detection inside the motor, using sensors like Wiegand sensors that can operate at low speeds and provide high resolution with minimal interference from stator windings, and integrates the evaluation unit for angular position detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an incremental encoder is attached to the rotor shaft for angle detection, then angle detection capability is provided, but the moment of inertia increases and the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle detection capabilityVSAvoidmoment of inertia
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the angle detection function with the existing permanent magnet area by axially extending the permanent magnets. This integration eliminates the need for separate encoders or angle sensors, thereby maintaining low moment of inertia while providing accurate angle detection through magnetic field sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent magnet area serves dual functions: generating torque for motor operation and providing a magnetic field for angle detection. By extending the permanent magnets axially beyond the stator winding area, the same magnetic components perform both propulsion and sensing functions, reducing overall system complexity and inertia.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a sensor is positioned in the axial area separated from the stator winding, then interference from stator windings is reduced, but the magnetic field strength available for sensing decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference from stator windingsVSAvoidmagnetic field strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the axial dimension to resolve the contradiction between interference reduction and field strength. By extending the permanent magnets axially beyond the stator winding area, the sensor can be positioned in a region where it experiences strong magnetic fields from the extended magnets while being spatially separated from the interfering stator windings in the radial direction.

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

3Strength

If the permanent magnet area is axially extended beyond the stator winding area, then a strong magnetic field is provided for the sensor, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnet area is segmented into two distinct axial regions: a first axial area that overlaps with the stator winding area for torque generation, and a second axial area that extends beyond the stator winding area for angle detection. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the manufacturing process by clearly defining the boundaries and purposes of each magnetic zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables reliable, high-resolution angle detection with low susceptibility to failure, maintaining a low moment of inertia and reducing the need for additional angle sensors, by utilizing the same magnetic field for torque generation and angle detection, with minimal mechanical changes and robust energy supply even at slow speeds.

Implementation Method 1

synchronous motors have a permanent magnet area provided on the rotor which is provided in cooperation with the stator field for torque generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

Precisely these permanent magnet parts that are designed in this way and are located in the permanent magnet area are now designed to be axially extended. In this way, this extension is a transmitter with a very strong magnetic field for the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field transmission: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

The sensor device is arranged at the axial end of the extension and is used for detecting the angular position of the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

Because the folding of the impulse wire sensors, especially Wiegand sensors, occurs abruptly and leads to strong signal currents even at the slowest rotational speeds with almost standstill

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWiegand effect: Wiegand Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2206227B1Electric motor
Publication Date: 2012.11.28 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2206227B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Electric motor and use of a permanent magnet area which is provided on the rotor of an electric motor, with the permanent magnet area interacting with the field produced by the stator of the electric motor in order to produce torque, with the permanent magnet area extending further axially along at least one axial end area than that area at which the laminated core of the stator extends and/or over which the stator winding of the stator extends, with a sensor device being arranged at the axial end.