Motor-Integrated Inverter Layout for Side-Mounted Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor driving systems face issues with the installation and connection of inverters, which protrude above the motor, leading to space inefficiency and degraded workability due to differing coupling directions between the reducer and inverter, requiring design changes when motor size increases.

Innovation Solution

A motor-integrated inverter is installed parallel to the motor's shaft, incorporating a power module, capacitor, cooler, control board, and sensors within a sealed cover, allowing the inverter to be coupled in the same direction as the motor, reducing the need for separate reducers and improving assembly and space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the inverter is coupled to the upper portion of the motor, then the inverter can be installed, but the upper space of the motor cannot be utilized and the installation position changes when motor size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation workabilityVSAvoidupper space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter is relocated from the vertical upper portion to the horizontal side surface of the motor, changing the coupling direction from vertical to horizontal. This dimensional change allows the inverter to be installed in the radial direction of the shaft, utilizing previously unused space and maintaining consistent installation positioning regardless of motor size variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the inverter protrudes to the upper portion of the motor, then the inverter can be coupled, but the upper space of the motor cannot be utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinverter couplingVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling direction is changed from vertical (upper portion) to horizontal (side surface), allowing the inverter to be installed in the radial direction. This eliminates the protrusion issue and enables effective utilization of the motor's upper space for other components or functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the reducer and inverter have different coupling directions, then they can be installed separately, but workability is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidassembly workability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter is designed with an asymmetric coupling structure that aligns with the reducer's coupling direction. Both components are now coupled to the side surface of the motor in the radial direction, creating a consistent asymmetric installation pattern that simplifies assembly operations and improves workability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Ease of operation

If the inverter is installed in the upper portion of the motor, then the inverter can be coupled, but design changes are required when motor size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinverter connectionVSAvoiddesign adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side surface coupling structure serves as a universal installation interface for both the inverter and reducer, regardless of motor size. This universal coupling approach eliminates the need for design changes when motor dimensions are scaled, as the radial coupling direction remains consistent across different motor sizes.

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

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 configuration maintains a consistent connection structure even with increased motor size, simplifies assembly, reduces design time and costs, and enhances space utilization by integrating the inverter with the motor, improving assemblability and reducing the risk of contact failures.

Implementation Method 1

a rotation angle sensor configured to detect a rotation angle of the motor by detecting a variation in a magnetic field due to the permanent magnet when the shaft is rotated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a cooler disposed to be in contact with the power module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11848631B2Motor-integrated inverter
Publication Date: 2023.12.19 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11848631B2 patent drawing
  • US11848631B2 patent drawing
  • US11848631B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A motor-integrated inverter is provided. The inverter includes a motor with a shaft disposed in a horizontal direction, and a power module configured to generate driving power for driving the motor and coupled to the motor in a direction in which the shaft is disposed.