Motor Interface Circuit Voltage Normalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems face challenges in using motor control interface circuits that are compatible with multiple motor types due to different DC voltage ranges, leading to potential damage to internal motor controls and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A motor control interface circuit with a solid-state switching device and a normalizing circuit, including a clamping device, that can switch and limit DC voltage to a predefined interface level, allowing the circuit to operate with various motor types having different voltage ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single control interface circuit is used to drive multiple motor types with different DC voltage ranges, then versatility and cost are improved, but the risk of damaging internal motor controls increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with multiple motor typesVSAvoiddamage to internal motor controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A normalizing circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the control interface circuit and the motor. This circuit includes voltage detection components that sense the motor's voltage range and adjustment components that modify the control signal voltage accordingly, preventing damage while maintaining compatibility across different motor types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface circuit dynamically changes its output voltage parameters based on the detected motor type. By detecting the motor's voltage range and adjusting the control signal voltage level, the system adapts to different motors without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each motor type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If separate control interface circuits are used for each motor type, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of motor controlsVSAvoidnumber of control interface circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface circuit is designed with multi-functionality to work with multiple motor types through a single unified design. The normalizing circuit enables this universal interface to adapt its behavior based on the connected motor's characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated circuits while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface circuit automatically detects the motor type and adjusts its output parameters without external intervention. The voltage detection and adjustment components operate autonomously to match the motor's requirements, simplifying the system while ensuring proper protection and compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10044301B2Providing a motor interface compatible with multiple motor types

Publication Date: 2018.08.07 COPELAND COMFORT CONTROL LP

AI summary

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for providing a motor interface compatible with multiple motor types. In an exemplary embodiment, a motor control interface circuit generally includes a solid-state switching device controllable to switch a DC voltage from a DC voltage source to provide a signal at a tap of a motor. A normalizing circuit is provided between the DC voltage source and the tap, the normalizing circuit having a clamping device configured to limit a voltage of the signal provided at the tap to an interface voltage level predefined for driving a plurality of motor types having different interface voltage ranges.