Electric Motor Sensor Correction for Rotor Alignment Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric motor systems face challenges in accurately detecting rotor alignment and speed with minimal resources, leading to potential errors in stator tooth activation timing, which can impede rotor rotation and potentially damage supporting circuitry.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an alignment sensing mechanism using three sensors to determine rotor alignment relative to stator teeth, with error detection and correction processes that utilize timestamps and counters to manage stator tooth activation and compensate for processing offsets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sophisticated rotor speed and position detection processes are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor alignment detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing power requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the rotor alignment detection process into discrete steps: obtaining current rotor alignment, comparing with expected alignment values, detecting errors when mismatches occur, and implementing correction mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to achieve sophisticated detection accuracy while maintaining manageable processing requirements through modular, step-by-step operations rather than requiring complex continuous processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If error detection and correction processes are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestator tooth activation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing elements and memory
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the detected rotor alignment is continuously compared against expected alignment values, and correction actions are taken based on detected errors. This feedback loop ensures reliable stator tooth activation by constantly monitoring and adjusting for alignment deviations, achieving high reliability through iterative correction rather than requiring overly complex predictive models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If resource-intensive error detection processes are used, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor position determination accuracyVSAvoidprocessing power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing error detection and correction only when necessary - specifically when the detected rotor alignment does not match the expected alignment within acceptable tolerances. Rather than continuously performing computationally intensive verification, the system selectively applies correction processes only when errors are suspected or detected, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when it matters most.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 approach enables reliable rotor alignment and speed estimation with reduced resource intensity, minimizing errors in stator tooth activation and preventing damage to motor components.

Implementation Method 1

alignment sensing mechanism using three sensors to determine rotor alignment relative to stator teeth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Electromagnetic fields may be formed, such as on a portion of a stator, and the resulting force interaction between a portion of a rotor and the formed electromagnetic field may provide a torque on the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3549252B1Sensor error detection and correction
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 ARM LTD
  • EP3549252B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3549252B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3549252B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present techniques generally relate to electric motor which may include one or more sensors usable to determine rotor alignment and/or speed. A method and apparatus for rotor alignment and/or speed error detection and/or correction are proposed, such as using signals from one or more sensors. A method and apparatus for controlling stator tooth activation based, at least in part, on corrections and offsets is also disclosed.