Modular Electric Motor Elementary Cells with Autonomous Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic drive devices, such as those used in electrically assisted bicycles, require complex global control systems and are not easily adaptable to different bicycle masses or wheel sizes, and lack modular simplicity and autonomous operation.

Innovation Solution

The development of an elementary cell for electromagnetic drive devices comprising a conductive coil, a control card with a magnetic field sensor, a double comparator, and an H-bridge, allowing autonomous operation and reversible functionality as both a motor and alternator, with a kit including multiple cells and permanent magnets for modular assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a global control system is used to control multiple coils, then the electromagnetic drive device can be configured for specific applications, but the system complexity increases and adaptability to different applications decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different bicycle masses or wheel sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of global control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The global control system is segmented into multiple independent control cards, each controlling a specific coil. Each control card operates autonomously with its own magnetic field sensor, comparator, and H-bridge circuit, eliminating the need for complex centralized control while maintaining adaptability to different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each control card is designed to operate autonomously by detecting the magnetic field itself and automatically controlling the current in its associated coil. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external control systems and wiring, simplifying the overall device while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular system with individual control cards for each coil is implemented, then adaptability improves, but the wiring complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular configuration flexibilityVSAvoidwiring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field sensor, comparator, and H-bridge circuit are merged into a single integrated control card that directly controls its associated coil. This integration eliminates the need for complex wiring between separate components, reducing implementation difficulty while maintaining modular flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control card acts as an intermediary that locally processes magnetic field information and directly controls the coil current without requiring complex communication wiring to a central controller. This local intermediation simplifies the wiring architecture while maintaining modular adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional electromagnetic drive systems are used, then motor function is achieved, but reversible operation for energy recovery is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversible operation capabilityVSAvoidenergy loss during braking
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control card and H-bridge circuit are designed to operate in multiple modes: motor mode for propulsion and generator mode for energy recovery during braking. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to perform both driving and energy regeneration, eliminating energy loss during braking and enhancing system versatility.

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

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 simplifies the design of electromagnetic drive devices, enables autonomous operation, and allows for easy adaptation to various applications by providing a modular system that can operate as both a motor and an alternator, facilitating energy recovery during braking.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field sensor intended to provide a signal, called a magnetic signal, depending on the intensity of the magnetic field and the orientation of the latter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

an H-bridge which imposes the circulation of an electric current in the coil in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The circulation of an electric current in the conductive coils facing magnets in a controlled sequence then makes it possible to generate an electromagnetic interaction between said magnets and said coils thus causing the bicycle wheel to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3896839A1Elementary cells of an electric motor and corresponding electric motor
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3896839A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3896839A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3896839A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a set of elementary cells (10) of an electric motor, each cell comprising: - a coil (20); - a card which includes: - a magnetic field sensor (30) intended to provide a magnetic signal (Sc) greater or less than a pivot value depending on the amplitude and orientation of the magnetic field; - a comparator (40) intended to deliver at an output a high voltage, a low voltage or a neutral voltage as soon as the magnetic signal is, respectively, greater than a high threshold value, less than a low threshold value, or between the low threshold value and the high threshold value; - an H-bridge (50) which forces the circulation of an electric current in the conducting coil (20) in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first depending on the signal delivered by the comparator (40).