Motor Terminal Box Data Transmission Over Three-Phase Cable

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-phase motors require complex and costly installations and maintenance, with a high probability of defects and failures, and lack efficient condition monitoring without separate power supplies.

Innovation Solution

A three-phase motor system with a terminal box containing a data collector and sensors, using the three-phase cable for data transmission and modulation, allowing condition monitoring via internet-connected computers without a separate power supply, and utilizing signal electronics in the control cabinet for evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate power supply is provided for the data collector, then the data transmission reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power supply function and data transmission function into a single three-phase cable. The data collector is powered from the three-phase cable while simultaneously using it for modulated data transmission, eliminating the need for separate power supply lines and reducing installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The three-phase cable is made multi-functional by using it both for power supply to the data collector and for data transmission through modulation. This universal usage of the existing cable infrastructure avoids additional wiring while maintaining system reliability

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

2Productivity

If a powerful computer is installed in the motor, then the data processing capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidmotor complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into two parts: a simple data collector with minimal processing capabilities installed in the motor, and a powerful computer located remotely that performs computationally intensive operations. This segmentation allows the motor to remain simple while still achieving high data processing capability through the remote computer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication system (modulated voltage components transmitted via the three-phase cable) that connects the simple data collector in the motor to the remote powerful computer. This intermediary enables the motor to leverage remote computing power without housing a powerful computer internally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If additional cables are used for data transmission, then the data transmission reliability is improved, but the installation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data transmission function with the existing power supply cable (three-phase cable). By modulating data onto the voltage components of the power cable, the system eliminates the need for separate data transmission cables while maintaining reliable communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The three-phase cable is made multi-functional by using it both for power supply and for data transmission through modulation. This universal usage of the existing cable infrastructure avoids additional wiring while maintaining system reliability

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

4Productivity

If the modulation frequency is increased, then the data transmission rate is improved, but the interference from motor current increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidinterference from motor current
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by modulating data during specific time windows when motor current is absent or minimal (such as during inverter switching intervals). This periodic modulation approach allows higher data transmission rates while avoiding continuous interference from motor current

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the modulation timing and frequency based on the motor's operational state. By synchronizing data transmission with periods when motor current interference is minimal, the system achieves higher effective data transmission rates while managing interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables simple and cost-effective installation and maintenance, reduces defects, and facilitates high system availability with contactless data transmission and interference reduction, while allowing computationally intensive evaluations on remote servers.

Implementation Method 1

a data collector (6) is arranged in the terminal box (5) of the electric motor (3), which has a data storage device and which is electrically connected to at least one sensor (4) arranged in and/or on the electric motor (3), wherein the data collector (6) has an electronic circuit for modulating and demodulating voltage components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

an electronic circuit for modulating and demodulating voltage components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDemodulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP4066360B1System with electric motor and sensor data transmission
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4066360B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a system, in particular equipment, comprising an electric motor, wherein the electric motor has a terminal box into which a three-phase power cable is guided and in which the stator winding, in particular the wire ends of the winding wire of the stator winding, of the electric motor is electrically connected to electrical lines of the three-phase power cable, wherein a data collector is arranged in the terminal box of the electric motor, which has a data store and which is electrically connected to at least one sensor arranged in and/or on the electric motor, wherein the data collector has an electronic circuit for the modulation and demodulation of voltage portions.