Motor Protection Apparatus Instantaneous Voltage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor protection systems, such as over-voltage and over-current monitoring apparatuses, fail to immediately detect instantaneous voltage or current variations, leading to potential damage and shortened lifespan of fans and motors due to their slow response times and inability to handle sudden changes.

Innovation Solution

A motor detecting and protecting apparatus comprising a detecting unit, an error determining unit, and a controlling unit that utilizes voltage and current variation values to generate a warning signal to stop the motor operation when abnormal states are detected, preventing unanticipated damage by using a combination of resistances and capacitors to differentiate between normal and abnormal conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If over-voltage or over-current monitoring apparatus is used to protect the motor, then the motor can be protected from extreme conditions, but the response speed is too slow to detect instantaneous voltage or current variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor protection capabilityVSAvoiddetection response speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electronic monitoring systems with a microcontroller-based digital detection system. The microcontroller continuously samples voltage and current values through ADC converters, enabling high-speed digital processing and immediate detection of instantaneous variations that analog monitoring systems miss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring voltage and current values, comparing them against threshold values, and immediately responding when abnormalities are detected. The microcontroller reads sensor data, processes it through comparison logic, and triggers protective actions in real-time, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures rapid response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If traditional monitoring apparatus is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot detect instantaneous abnormal states and fails to prevent unanticipated damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidinstantaneous abnormal state detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it detects voltage abnormalities, detects current abnormalities, controls motor operation, and manages the display module. This single component replaces what would traditionally require separate monitoring circuits, control circuits, and protection mechanisms, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate processing components including ADC converters that transform analog sensor signals into digital values, and a microcontroller that acts as an intermediary between sensors and the motor control system. These intermediaries enable sophisticated analysis and decision-making that simple direct monitoring cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the fan continues operating without immediate detection of instantaneous voltage changes, then continuous operation is maintained, but the motor suffers unanticipated damage and shortened lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidmotor lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection by continuously sampling voltage and current values before abnormal conditions cause damage. The microcontroller proactively monitors parameters and prepares to trigger protective actions, preventing damage before it occurs rather than reacting after failure happens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting instantaneous voltage drops or spikes and immediately stopping motor operation through the control circuit. This preemptive protective action counteracts the harmful effects of voltage abnormalities before they can cause motor damage, extending motor lifespan while maintaining productivity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS8315021B2Motor detecting and protecting apparatus and its method

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)

AI summary

A motor detecting and protecting apparatus electrically connected with a motor. The motor detecting and protecting apparatus includes a detecting unit, an error determining unit, a controlling unit and a driving unit. The detecting unit detects a state of the motor and outputs at least one first detecting signal and at least one second detecting signal to the error determining unit. The error determining unit has a first predetermined value, wherein the error determining unit outputs a warning signal to the controlling unit while a variation value between the first detecting signal and the second detecting signal exceeds the first predetermined value. And the controlling unit will control the motor to stop operating by the driving unit in accordance with the warning signal. And a motor detecting and protecting method is also disclosed.