Power Tool Motor Commutation Control at Expanded Conduction Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric motor control systems face issues with inaccurate commutation point detection, leading to commutation lag and system failures, particularly when the conduction angle is expanded beyond 120°, causing the floating phase to be submerged during commutation.

Innovation Solution

A power tool with a controller that accurately detects the commutation point by monitoring phase voltage and current, adjusting the conduction angle of the stator windings, and adapting the conduction manner based on load conditions to prevent commutation lag and system failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the conduction angle of the electric motor windings is expanded beyond 120° to increase rotational speed, then the rotational speed is improved, but the commutation point detection accuracy deteriorates, causing commutation lag and system failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speedVSAvoidcommutation point detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller predicts the ideal commutation point in advance based on the electrical angle and rotational speed of the motor. By calculating the expected commutation timing before it occurs, the system compensates for detection delays and ensures accurate commutation control even when the conduction angle is expanded beyond 120°.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the actual commutation point detection status and compares it with the predicted ideal commutation point. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the commutation timing to eliminate lag and maintain precise control under expanded conduction angle conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the conduction angle is increased to more than 150° to improve field weakening and rotational speed, then the rotational speed is improved, but the floating phase may be submerged during commutation, causing system failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speedVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller calculates and determines the ideal commutation point in advance based on the expanded conduction angle and motor operating conditions. By preparing the commutation timing beforehand, the system ensures that the floating phase does not get submerged during commutation, maintaining system reliability even at conduction angles exceeding 150°.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary measures to prevent floating phase submersion by predicting potential commutation issues and adjusting the commutation timing in advance. This proactive approach counteracts the harmful effect of floating phase submersion before it can occur, ensuring stable operation at high conduction angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4418524B1Electric tool
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 NANJING CHERVON IND
  • EP4418524B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4418524B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4418524B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is a power tool and a control method thereof. The power tool includes an electric motor including a rotor and three-phase stator windings, where the stator windings have a certain electrical conduction angle when the electric motor operates; a driver circuit having multiple semiconductor switching elements; a parameter detection module configured to detect a working parameter of the operating electric motor; and a controller electrically connected to at least the driver circuit and the electric motor. The controller is configured to acquire the working parameter; and according to the working parameter, correct the electrical conduction angle of the stator windings of the operating electric motor.