Controller-Integrated Motor Current Detection via Segmented Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional controller-integrated rotating electrical machines face challenges in achieving accurate and reliable current detection due to structural limitations such as shake resistance, heat resistance, and detection accuracy, particularly in integrating magnetic detection elements with high rigidity and easy assembly.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a controller-integrated rotating electrical machine design where a current detector with a detection element is positioned along a straight power line connecting the rotating electrical machine and power element, allowing for easy assembly and high-accuracy positioning, while separating the magnetism detection element from the power unit to suppress noise and magnetic field influences, thus improving detection accuracy and reducing component complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a magnetic detection element is integrated into a controller-integrated rotating electrical machine, then current detection capability is improved, but structural reliability (shake resistance and heat resistance) deteriorates due to positioning difficulties and magnetic field interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent detection accuracyVSAvoidstructural reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the controller into separate functional modules: the current detection unit with magnetic detection element is separated from the power unit and control circuit. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently - the detection element can be positioned for maximum accuracy while the power unit handles switching operations, and the control circuit processes signals without direct exposure to high-current magnetic fields, thereby improving both detection accuracy and structural reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dedicated current detection unit as an intermediary component between the power unit and control circuit. This detection unit includes a magnetic detection element that detects current through magnetic field sensing, and the detected signal is then processed by the control circuit. This intermediary structure isolates the sensitive detection element from the harsh electromagnetic environment of the power unit while maintaining accurate current detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the controller is integrated with the rotating electrical machine, then compactness is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to integration of multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller sizeVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is segmented into distinct functional units (power unit, current detection unit, control circuit) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This modular segmentation maintains compact overall size while simplifying the manufacturing process, as each module can be optimized and tested separately before final integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller design incorporates universal mounting structures and standardized interfaces that allow the same basic architecture to accommodate different configurations and power ratings. This multi-functionality approach enables the controller to be adapted to various rotating electrical machine applications without requiring complete redesign, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the detection element is positioned close to the power unit for compactness, then space utilization is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to magnetic field interference from the rotating electrical machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller volumeVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic detection element is extracted from the immediate vicinity of the power unit and placed in a dedicated current detection unit with optimized positioning. This extraction allows the detection element to be located where it can sense current accurately without being overwhelmed by the strong magnetic fields generated by the power unit and rotating electrical machine, while still maintaining a compact overall controller design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enables easy assembly, high-accuracy positioning, and enhanced detection accuracy with improved shake resistance, reducing the impact of switching noise and magnetic fields on the control circuit, leading to a more reliable and precise current detection system.

Implementation Method 1

a current detector disposed at the straight line portion and detecting a current flowing between the power element and the rotating electrical machine main body via the power line at the straight line portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS7498701B2Controller-integrated rotating electrical machine
Publication Date: 2009.03.03 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC MOBILITY CORP
  • US7498701B2 patent drawing
  • US7498701B2 patent drawing
  • US7498701B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A controller-integrated rotating electrical machine includes: a power element disposed adjacent to a rotating electrical machine main body and controlled to perform control of energization to the rotating electrical machine main body; a control circuit disposed adjacent to the power element in the longitudinal direction and at a side opposite to the rotating electrical machine main body to control the power element; a power line connecting the rotating electrical machine main body to the power element and having a straight line portion having a substantially straight line shape; and a current detector disposed at the straight line portion and detecting a line current flowing between the power element and the rotating electrical machine main body via the power line at the straight line portion so that an output from the current detector is used by the control circuit for the energization control.