Motor Phase Impedance Sensing Without Extra Transmission Wires

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring arrangements for electric machines require additional transmission lines for data transmission and do not efficiently utilize the existing electrical connections for parameter measurement and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A measuring arrangement that uses a measuring circuit with a coupling branch and a sensor to influence the impedance of the phase train without a galvanic connection, allowing parameter measurement and data transmission through changes in electrical quantities detectable at the electrical terminals of the phase train.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a measuring assembly with a measuring arm and support arm is used to measure the inner diameter of a workpiece, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the requirement of two separate arms and multiple sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinner diameter measurement capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the measuring arm and support arm into a single integrated probe structure. The measuring arm is pivotally connected to the support arm, forming a unified component that performs both measurement and support functions simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe is designed as a multi-functional component that can measure both inner and outer diameters of workpieces. By integrating multiple sensing capabilities (first sensor on the measuring arm, second sensor on the support arm) into a single probe structure, it eliminates the need for separate measurement devices, reducing overall system complexity.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are installed on different arms to enable comprehensive measurement, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional measurement accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensors are integrated into a single probe assembly during manufacturing. The first sensor is disposed on the measuring arm while the second sensor is disposed on the support arm, but both are assembled together as one unit, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to producing and assembling separate measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe is designed with modular segments (measuring arm and support arm as separate but connected components) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled through pivotal connection. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual components while maintaining the integrated functionality of the complete probe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the measuring arm is made movable relative to the support arm to adapt to different measurement positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement position flexibilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring arm is designed to be movable relative to the support arm through a pivotal connection, allowing dynamic adjustment of the measuring arm's position and orientation. This dynamic capability enables the probe to adapt to different measurement positions and workpiece geometries without requiring multiple fixed-position probes, thereby improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple mechanics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4427331B1Measuring assembly
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 EBM PAPST MULFINGEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4427331B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4427331B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4427331B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring assembly (21) having a measuring circuit (22), which is arranged on or in an electrical machine (10), and an evaluation unit (24), which is arranged outside the electrical machine (10) and is connected to one of the phases (11) of the electrical machine (10). The electrical connections of the phase (11) that are present anyway are used for this. The measuring circuit (22) has a sensor (25), which can change its sensor value continuously or in stages as a function of a parameter (P) to be measured. The sensor (25) is coupled to a coupling branch (23) of the measuring circuit (22), which coupling branch is in turn coupled to one of the windings (16) of the phase (11). The measuring circuit (22) is configured to influence a coupling branch impedance (ZK) of the coupling branch (23) as a function of the sensor value and therefore of the parameter (P), as a result of which the total impedance (ZG) of the phase (11) changes. The influence of the total impedance (ZG) can be detected by the evaluation unit (24). In this way, a signal describing the parameter (P) can be transmitted to the evaluation unit (24) via the electrical connections of the phase (11).