Linear Motor Cooling via Internal Airflow Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear motors generate significant heat, which can deteriorate the performance of sensitive components like armature coils and magnetic cores, and existing cooling systems are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A forced air convection cooling system with strategically placed gaps between armature coils and magnetic cores, utilizing a fan bank to create high-velocity turbulent airflow for efficient heat transfer, optimizing gap geometry and fan arrangement to maximize heat dissipation while minimizing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fan bank and heat sink system is used to cool the linear motor, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from a separate external system (heat sinks and fan banks) and integrates it directly into the motor structure itself. The stator core incorporates cooling channels and features that allow air to flow through the motor, carrying away heat generated by the armature coils and magnetic cores. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling components while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is merged with the motor's structural components. The stator core serves dual purposes: generating magnetic fields and facilitating heat removal through integrated cooling channels. The housing and internal structures are designed to guide airflow and maximize heat dissipation without requiring additional dedicated cooling parts.
2Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used, then heat removal is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to higher grade steel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling functionality is merged into the existing stator core structure, allowing the use of conventional steel grades. The integrated design means that standard manufacturing processes and materials can be used without requiring specialized high-grade steel or complex assembly procedures for separate cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor structure itself provides the cooling function through its design. The stator core and housing are configured to naturally guide airflow through the motor, allowing the motor to cool itself without requiring external cooling systems or special materials. This self-cooling capability reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for higher grade steel and complex cooling system fabrication.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If heat sinks and fan banks are placed on either side of the motor, then heat dissipation is improved, but the system requires more space and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate heat sinks and fan banks by extracting the heat dissipation function and embedding it within the motor's internal structure. The cooling channels are integrated into the stator core, and the housing is designed to facilitate airflow, eliminating the requirement for external cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is nested within the motor structure itself. The cooling channels are embedded in the stator core, and the airflow path is integrated into the housing design. This nesting approach allows the cooling function to be contained within the motor's existing volume without requiring additional external components or increased overall dimensions.
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
The system achieves high cooling efficiency with fewer parts and lower complexity, allowing the use of conventional steel, reducing fabrication costs without compromising motor performance, and effectively managing heat to maintain component temperature within safe limits.
Implementation Method 1
a fan configured to cause air to flow in the gap between the armature coil and the internal housing
Implementation Method 2
Heat generated during the operation of motor 100 is removed by conduction into heat sink 102. A fan bank 104 cools heat sink 102, thus dispersing the heat into the surrounding atmosphere and cooling motor 100.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an electric machine. The electric machine includes an internal housing, an armature coil disposed within the internal housing and separated from the internal housing by a gap, and a magnetic core associated with the armature coil. The apparatus also includes a fan configured to cause air to flow in the gap between the armature coil and the internal housing.