Synchronous Motor Coil Connection Layout Without Bulky PCB Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting coils in electric motors, such as those used in tubular actuators, face challenges with size constraints and increased complexity and cost due to bulky plastic components and the need for printed circuits, which are unnecessary in sensorless motors.

Innovation Solution

A synchronous electric motor design featuring a dedicated support part with a rigid substrate between the stator's support part and flange, allowing coil connections without direct attachment to the stator or printed circuits, facilitating simpler manufacturing and reduced size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If wire ends are directly connected to a printed circuit board mounted on the stator, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to additional soldering steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil connection processVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate connection element (metal lug or bridge) that mediates between the wire end and the printed circuit board. This intermediary component simplifies the connection process by providing a pre-formed connection point that requires minimal additional manufacturing steps, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the wire end, the intermediate connection element (metal lug/bridge), and the printed circuit board. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled through simpler processes, reducing the complexity of the overall manufacturing process compared to direct wire-to-PCB soldering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a printed circuit board is used for coil connections, then electrical connection is achieved, but device size increases due to the necessary space for the PCB

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmotor volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the printed circuit board within the hollow interior space of the stator body. The PCB is positioned in the available void space, allowing it to be nested within the motor structure rather than adding external volume. This nesting approach enables electrical connections to be made without increasing the overall motor dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system utilizes the internal three-dimensional space of the stator by positioning the PCB in the hollow interior. This dimensional approach allows the PCB to be accommodated within the existing motor volume by utilizing the internal cavity, rather than requiring additional external space, thus maintaining compact motor dimensions while enabling sophisticated electrical connections.

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

3Ease of operation

If a printed circuit board is used for coil connections, then electrical connection is achieved, but device cost increases due to unnecessary PCB components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components from the system by implementing a simplified PCB design that contains only the essential connection traces and mounting points required for wire connections. By taking out unnecessary electronic components and circuitry, the design reduces overall device complexity and cost while maintaining the essential electrical connection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by implementing a PCB with minimal functionality - only the specific traces and connection points necessary for coil connections are included. This partial implementation approach avoids the cost and complexity of a full-featured PCB while still achieving the required electrical connection function, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 design simplifies the coil connection process, reduces material volume, and eliminates unnecessary components, making it suitable for compact motor applications while maintaining efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

A synchronous electric motor (1) comprises a stator (2), a rotor (3), a support piece (23) attached to the stator on the side of its first flange (22), and a printed circuit board (25) with a rigid substrate sandwiched between the support piece and the flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Implementation Method 2

The stator is formed by a stator core containing pole pieces that support windings or coils. These pole pieces are distributed along a peripheral wall of the stator, specifically on an internal wall of the stator body. The coils are designed to receive a selective electrical current from an external source, generating a magnetic induction that drives the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3610562B1Synchronous electric motor and method for assembling said electric motor
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3610562B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3610562B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3610562B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This synchronous electric motor comprises a tubular stator (2) and a rotor rotating inside the stator (2) about an axis of rotation (X) coaxial with the stator, the stator including coils each formed by winding an electrically conductive wire. The stator (2) comprises: - a flange (22) securely mounted on the end of the stator; - an electrically insulating support part (23), secured to the flange and provided with electrical connectors (233), each including a power supply terminal (2331) and two curved blades (2332, 2333) electrically connected with the corresponding power supply terminal, the curved blades of each connection element each being electrically connected to an end portion of wire from a coil, each connector forming a common connection point between two coils associated with different electrical power phases of the motor.