Multi-mode Motor with Dual Windings for Automatic Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor systems that utilize multiple power sources, such as mains and battery backup, are often bulky, expensive, and require additional equipment like transformers or switched-mode power supplies, leading to increased weight and cost, and typically require manual intervention for power switching.
Innovation Solution
A motor with dual windings and commutators, powered by separate power sources, automatically switches between mains and battery backup power based on detected thresholds, eliminating the need for separate motors or bulky equipment by optimizing winding design for different power sources and operating speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a high voltage motor is used with rectified mains AC voltage, then the motor can operate at high speed, but a large number of batteries are needed to generate high voltage in battery backup mode, increasing system cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is divided into two separate windings: a first winding designed for high-speed operation with rectified mains AC voltage, and a second winding designed for low-speed operation with battery backup voltage. This segmentation allows each winding to be optimized for its specific voltage source, eliminating the need for a large battery bank while maintaining high-speed capability when mains power is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor's operational parameters (voltage, current, speed) are changed by switching between two different windings based on the available power source. The first winding operates at high voltage/high speed with mains power, while the second winding operates at low voltage/low speed with battery power, allowing the system to adapt to different power availability conditions without requiring excessive battery capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a low voltage DC motor is used with transformer or switched mode power supply, then the motor can operate with battery backup, but additional circuitry increases system cost and physical weight
Solution Approach 1:
The motor combines both high-voltage and low-voltage windings within a single motor housing, eliminating the need for separate motors or additional power conversion circuitry like transformers or switched-mode power supplies. The commutator is configured to receive power from either mains or battery directly, merging multiple power source capabilities into one integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor housing performs multiple functions by accommodating both high-voltage and low-voltage windings that can operate with different power sources (mains AC or battery DC). The commutator design allows universal power input from either source without requiring additional conversion equipment, making the motor universally compatible with both power sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate motors are used in separate housing units, then one motor can be powered by rectified mains voltage and the other by battery backup, but the added expense and weight of the second motor increases system cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate motor functions into a single motor housing by incorporating both high-voltage and low-voltage windings within the same armature and commutator structure. This eliminates the need for a second motor while maintaining the capability to operate with either mains power or battery backup, significantly reducing system weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor housing achieves multi-functionality by designing the commutator and winding configuration to accept power from either mains AC or battery DC sources. The motor can seamlessly switch between operating modes based on power availability, providing dual power source operation without requiring two separate motor units.
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 configuration reduces the size, weight, and cost of the motor system by allowing seamless automatic switching between power sources, minimizing the use of additional equipment and reducing the load on the battery backup, while maintaining efficient operation of barriers or pumps.
Implementation Method 1
first and second windings (126, 128) wound to apply a rotating force to a rotating armature (124)
Data Source
AI summary
A motor is configured to operate in one of at least two modes in response to determining that a power provided by a power supply for the motor crosses certain thresholds. For example, first and second windings apply a rotating force to a rotating armature of a single motor. The first and second windings are electrically coupled to first and second commutators, respectively, which transmit power to the first and second windings from a first and second power source, respectively. In other aspects, different power sources power the motor, and the motor operates at different speeds depending on the power source applied. For example, the change in power sources is effected in response to detecting a change in applied power past a threshold, thus effecting the motor's operation in a second, different speed. So configured, a single motor can reduce deployment of bulky and expensive add-on equipment.