Motor Unit Thermal Management via Integrated Air Duct

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for higher output in blowers results in heat generation issues within the motor unit, which is not effectively addressed in existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A motor unit design that incorporates a thermally conductive portion in the motor case, which is in contact with the circuit board via an insulating member, and an air duct system to dissipate heat effectively through airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the output of the blower is increased, then the cooling performance is improved, but heat generation of the motor unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidheat generation of motor unit
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the motor unit into a beneficial cooling effect by directing it through the air duct to the centrifugal fan. The motor case is designed with a built-in air duct that guides the heat-generating air from the motor unit to the fan, where it is discharged to provide cooling. This transforms the waste heat into a useful cooling resource, resolving the contradiction between increased output and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor case is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the motor components (rotor, stator, circuit board) and simultaneously acts as a heat dissipation system through its integrated air duct. The air duct structure within the motor case enables the case to function both as a structural housing and as an active thermal management system, allowing the motor unit to handle higher outputs while maintaining acceptable temperature levels.

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

2Temperature

If high-heat-resistant components are used, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The motor unit utilizes its own generated heat to provide cooling for the centrifugal fan and surrounding components. The air duct system is designed to circulate the heat-generating air from the motor unit through the fan area, allowing the system to cool itself using its own waste heat. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional active cooling systems or expensive high-heat-resistant materials, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal management approach from passive heat resistance (using high-heat-resistant materials) to active heat utilization (directing heat flow through the air duct system). By modifying the air flow parameters and thermal pathways within the motor case, the system achieves effective heat dissipation using standard materials, avoiding the need for expensive high-heat-resistant components and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances heat dissipation, allowing for increased input power and high output while reducing the need for high-heat-resistant components, thus increasing design freedom and lowering costs.

Implementation Method 1

At least a part of the member constituting the air duct is a thermally conductive portion that comes into contact with the circuit board in a thermally conductive manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a member (61) constituting an air duct (4) between the motor case (6) and the centrifugal fan (2)... an air duct system to dissipate heat effectively through airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4664729A1Motor unit, blower and moving body
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4664729A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4664729A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4664729A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor unit is a motor unit for rotationally driving a centrifugal fan, and includes a rotor, a stator facing the rotor, a circuit board configured to control energization of the stator, and a motor case that houses the rotor, the stator, and the circuit board. The motor case includes a member constituting an air duct between the motor case and the centrifugal fan. At least a part of the member constituting the air duct is a thermally conductive portion that comes into contact with the circuit board in a thermally conductive manner.