Hairpin Stator Slot Insertion Using a Radial-Shift Template

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing stators with hairpin conductors are complicated, as they often require additional deformation steps or are limited in flexibility regarding the number of layers and types of conductors used, leading to inefficiencies in insertion and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a stator core template with larger slots to facilitate the insertion and movement of hairpin conductors, allowing for easy formation of multiple layers and the use of different conductor types, by initially positioning conductors at a first location and then moving them radially to a second position, avoiding collisions and jamming, and using a gripper and presser for efficient transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If hairpin conductors are inserted directly into stator core slots in their final shape, then insertion precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to collision between overlapping parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion process is segmented into two distinct phases: first inserting conductors into a template with larger slots to avoid collisions, then transferring them to the final stator core. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A template with larger slots serves as an intermediary device during the insertion process. This mediator allows conductors with overlapping bridges to be positioned without collision, and subsequently transferred to the final stator core slots, achieving precise insertion without direct complex manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hairpin conductors are deformed after insertion into slots, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional twisting steps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductors are pre-shaped outside the stator core to their final configuration before insertion. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-insertion deformation operations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate different conductor types through flexible pre-shaping processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple layers of hairpin conductors are assembled outside the stator core, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to limited flexibility in layer formation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The template with enlarged slots serves multiple functions: it facilitates insertion of conductors, enables formation of multiple layers, and accommodates different conductor types all in one device. This multi-functionality increases productivity without requiring separate complex assembly systems for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The template provides additional spatial dimension with larger slot dimensions, allowing conductors to be arranged in multiple layers and positions before final insertion. This dimensional freedom enables efficient multi-layer assembly while maintaining flexibility for different conductor configurations.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If sub-groups of hairpin conductor nests are merged before insertion, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional merging steps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple hairpin conductors and their nests are merged together within the template structure during the insertion process itself, rather than requiring separate pre-merging steps. This integration of merging into the insertion operation reduces time loss while maintaining adaptability for different conductor arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3868006B1Apparatus and method for manufacturing a stator
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 ATOP SPA
  • EP3868006B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3868006B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3868006B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method and an apparatus are provided for manufacturing a stator with a plurality of hairpin conductors. For inserting the hairpin conductors (15, 15') into the slots (11) of a stator core (12) a stator core template (22) is provided. Hairpin conductors (15) are axially inserted into slots (21) of the stator core template (22) such that the hairpin conductor (15) is arranged at a first position (P1) within said slot (21). The hairpin conductor (15) is then moved within said slot (21) to a different position (P2). A complete nest (20) of hairpin conductors (15) formed within the stator core template (22) is then transferred to the stator core (12).