Switching device for an electric motor and an electric motor comprising said switching device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric motor switching devices are complex, costly, and unreliable due to the need for numerous switches and complex wiring, making them difficult to implement and maintain, especially in applications requiring variable configurations without mechanical transmission.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with a moveable body that can change the electrical configuration of an electric motor's phases between series, parallel, star, and delta configurations using a single movement unit, simplifying control and reducing component count and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If numerous switches and complex wiring are used to achieve variable motor configurations, then the motor can adapt to different working conditions, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidswitching device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stator winding is divided into multiple independent phase fractions (first and second phase fractions) that can be selectively connected in series or parallel. This segmentation allows the motor to achieve different configurations without requiring complex switching networks, as each phase fraction can be independently controlled through simple series/parallel connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the first and second phase fractions of each phase into a unified switching structure that can be simultaneously reconfigured across all phases. By merging the switching functionality into a integrated system with moveable bodies that contact multiple connection portions, the device achieves variable configurations with fewer components than traditional independent switches per phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent switches are used per phase to enable reconfiguration, then the motor can change electrical configuration, but the reliability decreases due to multiplicity of non-redundant elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical configuration variabilityVSAvoidswitching device reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The moveable bodies serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as switches, connectors, and configuration controllers. Each moveable body can contact multiple fixed connection portions to establish different electrical configurations, reducing the total number of switching elements required while maintaining full reconfiguration capability across all phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using fixed switches with moveable connections, the patent inverts the approach by using moveable bodies with fixed connection portions. The moveable bodies carry the connection points and move to contact fixed portions on the stator, fundamentally changing the switching architecture to reduce component count and improve reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex wiring and multiple switches are implemented, then variable motor configurations are achieved, but the size and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase configuration capabilityVSAvoidswitching device volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device is nested within the stator structure, with moveable bodies positioned in the radial gap between the stator and rotor. The fixed connection portions are integrated into the stator winding structure, and the moveable bodies nest within the available space, minimizing the overall volume occupied by the switching mechanism while enabling full reconfiguration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If numerous switches and complex wiring are used, then the motor can be reconfigured for different applications, but ease of manufacture and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific configurationVSAvoidswitching device manufacturability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stator winding is pre-divided into first and second phase fractions during manufacturing, with fixed connection portions prepared in advance. The moveable bodies are pre-configured with contact portions that match the fixed connection geometry. This preliminary preparation simplifies assembly, as the switching device can be installed by simply positioning the moveable bodies without complex wiring or alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12155275B2Switching device for an electric motor and an electric motor comprising said switching device

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 ELDOR CORP SPA

AI summary

A switching device for an electric motor provided with a plurality of phases includes a fixed body equipped with a plurality of connection portions and at least one moveable body that can be moved with respect to the fixed body between at least a first position, in which the phases are arranged in a first electrical configuration, and a second position, in which the phases are arranged in a second electrical configuration. The second electrical configuration is separate from the first one due to the connection between the phase fractions within each phase and/or due to the reciprocal connection between the phases.