Modular Electric Motor Power Sharing and Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor systems lack flexibility, upgradeability, and serviceability, and struggle with efficient power distribution and management across multiple motors, particularly in applications requiring variable power prioritization and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A modular motor apparatus comprising separate families of motor core and driver modules, power supply modules, and external interface modules with different electrical characteristics, allowing for flexible configuration and power sharing among motors, including a master motor regulator that can sacrifice power to maintain operation of auxiliary motors, and a performance configuration module with a user interface for graphical scaling without a computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electric motor systems use fixed integrated construction, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but flexibility, upgradeability, and serviceability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The motor system is divided into separate functional modules: motor cores, driver modules, and power supply modules. Each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled. This segmentation allows different modules to be configured in various combinations to meet specific application requirements while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized module production.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture creates universal interfaces and standardized connection protocols that allow the same motor core to work with different driver modules and power supply configurations. This multi-functionality enables a single module type to serve multiple applications, enhancing both manufacturing efficiency and configuration flexibility.
2Reliability
If each motor has its own AC to DC power circuit, then power independence is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple motor driver modules share a common AC to DC power conversion circuit. The rectifier and DC bus are consolidated at the system level rather than being duplicated in each motor module. This merging reduces the total component count and system complexity while maintaining reliable power distribution to all motors through the shared DC bus.
Solution Approach 2:
A central power management unit acts as an intermediary between the AC power source and multiple motor driver modules. This mediator distributes power efficiently to various motors and can implement power sharing protocols, reducing the need for each motor to have its own complete power conversion system while maintaining power independence through controlled distribution.
3Device complexity
If power is distributed equally to all motors, then system simplicity is maintained, but ability to prioritize critical motors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system implements dynamic power allocation that can adjust in real-time based on system needs. The control architecture allows transition from equal power distribution to prioritized distribution without hardware changes. Critical motors can be dynamically identified and allocated higher power shares when needed, while non-critical motors receive reduced power or are shut down to preserve system-wide reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular motor apparatuses, systems and methods are disclosed. Certain embodiments comprise a motor core and driver module a power supply module, and an external interface module. Families of these modules may utilize a standardized communication protocol to enhance flexibility, upgradeability, and serviceability in the configuration of the motor apparatus. Certain embodiments comprise a power sharing system in which a power supply module serves two or more motor core and driver modules. Certain embodiments comprise a motor performance configuration module including an integrated or remote user interface. The user interface is configured to allow a high reliability graphical performance configuration and scaling of motor performance without the use of a computer on the motor.