Motor Cooling via Segmented Airflow Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling systems in rotating electric machines face limitations in increasing airflow rates due to complex airflow paths and diffusion, making it difficult to efficiently cool the motor housing.
Innovation Solution
A motor design incorporating a rotor fan fixed to the shaft, a cylindrical rotor main body, an armature, and a housing with strategically positioned openings and a bearing mechanism that enhances airflow by guiding air through the motor housing efficiently, using the rotor fan to improve airflow rates and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling fan is provided in the motor housing to cool the inside, then cooling function is improved, but the airflow path becomes complicated and air current diffuses, limiting the airflow rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the airflow path into distinct segments: air inlet ports at the bottom, a rising airflow path through the lower space, and air outlet ports at the top. This segmentation prevents diffusion and maintains directed airflow, resolving the contradiction between providing cooling function and avoiding complicated airflow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning air inlet ports at the bottom and air outlet ports at the top, creating a upward airflow path. This dimensional arrangement simplifies the overall airflow structure compared to horizontal or radial paths, reducing complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
2Device complexity
If the cooling fan rotates integrally with the rotation shaft, then the cooling fan is simplified in structure, but the airflow rate is limited due to diffusion in the complex airflow path
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow path is segmented into distinct zones with dedicated inlet and outlet ports, preventing diffusion and maintaining high-velocity directed airflow. This enables the simple integral cooling fan to achieve higher airflow rates by eliminating path complexity rather than increasing fan complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor fan utilizes the existing rotational motion of the rotor to drive the cooling fan, eliminating the need for a separate drive mechanism. Combined with the simplified airflow path design, this self-service approach maximizes airflow rate without increasing structural complexity.
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 design effectively increases airflow rates and improves cooling efficiency within the motor housing by optimizing airflow paths and using the rotor fan to enhance air flow rates, allowing for better thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor fan which is fixed to the shaft at an upper side of the rotor main body
Implementation Method 2
The air taken into the motor housing from an air inlet port by the rotation of the cooling fan flows toward an outer peripheral side of the cooling fan
Data Source
AI summary
A motor includes a shaft with a central axis along an up and down direction as a center, a bearing mechanism rotatably supporting the shaft; a cylindrical rotor main body fixed to the shaft; a rotor fan fixed to the shaft at an upper side of the rotor main body; an armature facing the rotor main body in a radial direction; and a housing accommodating the rotor main body, the rotor fan, and the armature therein. The bearing mechanism includes a first bearing above the rotor fan in the housing and facing the rotor fan in the up and down direction and a second bearing positioned below the rotor main body. The housing includes a first opening, a second opening, and a bearing holding portion.