Single-Phase Motor Starter Using Hall Effect Sensor and Thyristor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for starting single-phase asynchronous motors, such as electronic starters with bimetallic contacts, face issues with wear, limited adaptability, and require idle time for repeated starts due to cooling needs, making them inefficient under challenging conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a dual-control adjustment mechanism with a thyristor and timer circuit, connected directly to the motor windings, allowing programmable adjustment of starting time and voltage threshold, enabling repeatable starts without idle times and adaptable to various motors without auxiliary power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic starters with bimetallic contacts are used to eliminate mechanical wear, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to required idle time for cooling between repeated starts

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoididle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the bimetallic thermal sensor (mechanical/thermal system) with an electronic control system using a microcontroller and Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect sensor detects rotor position electronically without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for thermal cooling periods while maintaining reliable operation during repeated starts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The microcontroller monitors motor current and rotor position in real-time, automatically determining when the motor is ready for restart without requiring fixed idle time. The system self-regulates the restart timing based on actual motor conditions rather than predetermined thermal cooling periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If bimetallic contacts are used for starting control, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability worsens due to arbitrary and non-modifiable restore time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements programmable and adjustable restart parameters through software in the microcontroller. The restart time, current threshold, and operational parameters can be dynamically modified via communication interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI) without any hardware changes, enabling adaptation to different motor types and application requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows modification of critical parameters including restart delay time, current threshold values, and operational modes through software configuration. This enables the same hardware platform to adapt to various motor characteristics and application needs without redesign or remanufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If centrifugal switches or relays are used to disengage start windings, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability worsens due to wear of mechanical parts and electrical contacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces centrifugal switches and electromagnetic relays with solid-state electronic switching using MOSFETs or IGBTs controlled by the microcontroller. This eliminates mechanical moving parts and electrical contacts subject to wear, significantly improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard electronic components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The Hall effect sensor provides contactless detection of rotor position and speed, replacing mechanical centrifugal switches. This magnetic field-based detection method has no wear mechanisms and provides reliable operation over extended periods with repeated starts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables adjustable and efficient starting of single-phase asynchronous motors by presetting and modifying starting time and voltage, eliminating idle times and allowing direct power supply from motor windings, suitable for various motor types without component adaptation.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor of the Hall effect type, arranged to detect the position of the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

substantially constituted by a thyristor, connected in series to the start winding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThyristor switching:

Data Source

PatentEP2253062B1Method and device for starting single-phase asynchronous motors

Publication Date: 2018.01.10 EBARA CORP

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AI summary

A method and device for starting single-phase asynchronous motors which substantially consists in disengaging the start winding of a single-phase asynchronous motor, after its starting, by using a switching means that is connected in series to the start winding. The switching means is controlled as a function of a starting time and of a starting voltage.