Multi-Phase Motor Switching to Eliminate Torque Holes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motors experience a torque hole phenomenon during configuration changes, causing a momentary zeroing of torque that affects the driving experience due to transient intermediate situations between configurations.
Innovation Solution
The electric motor is designed with multiple phase groups, where at least one group maintains its electrical configuration unchanged during switching, using a switching device to vary connections between terminals of other groups, ensuring continuous torque delivery by at least one group during configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stator winding is subdivided into different sections that are selectively combined to vary motor configuration, then the working range and adaptability of the motor are extended, but during configuration changes a transient intermediate situation occurs where no winding is connected, causing momentary torque zeroing
Solution Approach 1:
The stator winding is divided into multiple independent phase groups (first group and second group), each capable of independent configuration switching. This segmentation allows one group to maintain active configuration while another undergoes reconfiguration, ensuring continuous torque production without complete disconnection of windings.
Solution Approach 2:
Before switching the configuration of the first phase group, the second phase group is already in a ready state to immediately take over or continue torque production. This preliminary preparation ensures that there is always at least one active phase group supplying torque, eliminating the torque hole phenomenon.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration switching is implemented using complex wiring, relays and/or solid-state devices, then the motor can achieve reconfigurability, but the overall dimensions, costs and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration switching functionality directly into the phase group structure itself, rather than using separate complex switching devices. The phases are divided into groups that can be independently switched, combining the winding structure and switching function to reduce overall device complexity while maintaining reconfigurability.
3Productivity
If all phases are switched simultaneously during configuration change, then the reconfiguration is completed quickly, but the torque hole phenomenon occurs due to transient intermediate situation where no winding is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The phase groups are segmented into at least a first group and a second group, allowing independent switching operations. This segmentation enables sequential or staggered switching where one group can be reconfigured while the other maintains active connection, achieving both fast reconfiguration and continuous torque delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining at least one active phase group throughout the configuration change process. While one phase group undergoes reconfiguration, the other phase group continues to produce torque, eliminating interruptions and ensuring uninterrupted motor operation.
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
The torque hole phenomenon is significantly reduced or eliminated, allowing the motor to continuously supply torque, enhancing user experience by maintaining stable operation during configuration changes.
Implementation Method 1
The switching device is coupled to the first group of phases and can be activated to switch an electrical configuration, varying the electrical connections between its terminals
Implementation Method 2
the at least second group is configured to maintain its electrical configuration during the switching of the electrical configuration of the first group
Data Source
AI summary
An electric motor includes a plurality of phases and a switching device. The phases extend between respective terminals and are divided into a plurality of distinct groups, in particular at least a first group and a second group. The switching device is coupled to the first group and is operable to switch an electrical configuration thereof. The second group of phases is instead configured to maintain its electrical configuration unchanged during the switching of the electrical configuration of the first group.