Electric Motor Cooling Apparatus with Gravity-Fed Passageways
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor cooling systems for vehicles are inefficient as they require continuous coolant flow to both the stator and rotor, even when the rotor does not need cooling, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and potential overheating issues.
Innovation Solution
A system with a variable speed coolant pump and an apparatus that adjusts coolant flow based on temperature, allowing coolant to flow only to the stator at low temperatures and to both the stator and rotor at higher temperatures, optimizing coolant distribution by using gravity-fed passageways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coolant is continuously supplied to both stator and rotor, then cooling coverage is maximized, but energy consumption increases and cooling efficiency decreases when rotor does not need cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable speed coolant pump that dynamically adjusts its operation based on motor temperature and rotor speed. The pump operates at different speeds or stops entirely depending on whether rotor cooling is needed, transforming a static continuous cooling system into a dynamic conditional cooling system that matches actual thermal requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of coolant supply by using a variable speed pump that adjusts flow rate and pressure based on temperature thresholds and rotor speed conditions. This allows the same cooling apparatus to provide different cooling intensities or no cooling at all, optimizing energy usage while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If coolant is supplied to both stator and rotor simultaneously, then comprehensive cooling is achieved, but system complexity increases due to additional flow control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent flow paths: one for the stator and one for the rotor. The variable speed pump can selectively supply coolant to each path based on thermal requirements, allowing independent control of stator and rotor cooling without requiring complex integrated control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor's own operational parameters (temperature and rotor speed) to automatically control coolant distribution. When the rotor is stationary or moving slowly, the pump redirects or stops coolant flow to the rotor while maintaining stator cooling, using the system's inherent operational state to dictate cooling needs without external intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If separate coolant supply systems are used for stator and rotor, then cooling precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single variable speed coolant pump serves multiple functions: it can supply coolant to the stator alone, supply to the rotor alone, supply to both simultaneously, or operate at different flow rates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated pumps for each component, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise cooling control
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes temperature thresholds and rotor speed conditions that determine coolant distribution. Based on these predetermined criteria, the variable speed pump automatically adjusts its operation before thermal problems occur, ensuring precise cooling control while simplifying the decision-making logic and manufacturing requirements
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 reduces energy consumption and enhances cooling efficiency by ensuring coolant only reaches the rotor when necessary, maintaining optimal temperatures and extending the lifespan of electric motor components.
Implementation Method 1
The coolant is flowable through the at least one first passageway to the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing a coolant to a stator and a rotor of an electric motor in a vehicle having a coolant pump is provided. The apparatus includes a base defining a plurality of first openings through at least one of which the coolant is flowable to the stator. The apparatus also includes at least one wall extending from the base to define a cavity configured to receive the coolant from the coolant pump. The apparatus further includes at least one first raised member within the cavity that extends from the base. The at least one first raised member defines at least one second opening substantially aligned with one of the first openings to form a first passageway through which the coolant is flowable to the rotor. The apparatus may be located above the electric motor such that the coolant is flowable by gravity to the stator and/or the rotor.