V-Shaped Permanent Magnet Rotor Contour for Lower Torque Ripple

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotors for electric machines experience undesirable torque fluctuations due to complex air gap arrangements, leading to manufacturing challenges and data transfer issues, which are not easily manageable by all machine types.

Innovation Solution

The rotor core is described using a simple outer contour defined by a limited number of radii with specific center points, allowing for straightforward data transfer and production, while reducing torque fluctuations through controlled air gap variation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the air gap is varied around the circumference to reduce torque fluctuations, then torque fluctuations are reduced, but the outer contour becomes complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque fluctuation reductionVSAvoidouter contour manufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor core is divided into multiple sectors, each containing permanent magnet arrangements with specific V-shaped configurations. This segmentation allows the complex air gap variation to be achieved through discrete, manufacturable sector elements rather than a continuously complex outer contour

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air gap is varied locally by positioning permanent magnets at different radial distances from the rotation axis in different sectors, rather than changing the overall outer contour. This allows torque fluctuation reduction through localized magnetic field adjustments while maintaining a simple global rotor shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the outer contour is made complex to reduce torque fluctuations, then torque fluctuations are reduced, but data transfer and production become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque fluctuation reductionVSAvoiddata transfer accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor design segments the air gap variation into discrete permanent magnet positions in different sectors, which can be described using simple geometric parameters rather than complex continuous contour data. This reduces data transfer complexity while achieving the desired torque characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of defining the outer contour through complex mathematical calculations, the invention uses parameter changes in permanent magnet positioning (radial distances, angular positions) to achieve torque fluctuation reduction. These parameters are simpler to communicate and less prone to interpretation errors

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

This approach simplifies the description and production of the rotor, reduces torque fluctuations, and ensures compatibility across various machine types, enhancing operational smoothness and manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

each of which contains a permanent magnet arrangement comprising two first permanent magnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4009495B1Rotor of an electric machine
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP4009495B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4009495B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4009495B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A rotor (3) for an electric machine (1) is described, comprising a rotor lamination stack (6) subdivided into several sectors (B), each containing a permanent magnet arrangement (4) with two V-shaped permanent magnets (13a, 13n) positioned symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry (C) dividing the sector (B) into two half-sectors (D, D'). An outer contour (E) of the rotor lamination stack (6) is symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry (C) in each sector (B) and is formed in each half-sector (D, D') by at least three different radii with as many different centers. The invention further relates to an electric machine (1) with such a rotor (3) and a vehicle (17) with such an electric machine (1).