Predictive Motor Air Gap Control for Route-Based Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor control systems for vehicles lack optimal efficiency in adjusting motor parameters such as air gap width, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and transmission efficiency, especially on varying road conditions and routes.

Innovation Solution

A motor controller that uses predictive adjustment based on data from sensors, employing machine learning models to adjust the air gap width of an electric motor in real-time according to predicted route characteristics, optimizing energy consumption and transmission efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the motor maintains the same operation regardless of the route traveled, then the control system is simple, but the energy consumption and efficiency are not optimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by receiving and storing route information (characteristic data) before the vehicle actually travels the route. The controller uses this advance information to pre-determine optimal motor parameters, allowing the motor to be adjusted proactively rather than reactively, thereby optimizing energy consumption from the start of the journey

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system transitions from a static operation mode to a dynamic adaptive mode. The controller automatically adjusts motor parameters (such as current, voltage, or other operational characteristics) based on the specific characteristics of the predicted route, enabling the motor to dynamically adapt its operation to match varying road conditions, gradients, and traffic patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If mechanical transmission is used to adjust rotation speed, then speed adjustment is possible, but efficiency losses occur due to mechanical friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation speedVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical transmission system with an electrical control system. Instead of using mechanical differentials or gear systems to adjust rotation speed, the controller directly regulates the motor's electrical parameters (current, voltage, frequency) to achieve the desired speed adjustment. This electrical substitution eliminates mechanical friction losses and improves overall transmission efficiency while maintaining the ability to adjust rotation speed according to route characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If real-time sensor data is used for motor adjustment, then the control is responsive, but the adjustment has delay due to data processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidadjustment delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system receives and processes route information (characteristic data) in advance before the vehicle actually encounters the route conditions. By performing the data processing and determination of optimal motor parameters beforehand, the system eliminates the time delay that would occur if real-time sensor data had to be processed during actual operation. The controller is ready with pre-calculated adjustments when the vehicle reaches the relevant route sections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system enhances motor efficiency by automatically adjusting the air gap width based on predicted route data, improving energy consumption and transmission efficiency across different road conditions and routes.

Implementation Method 1

The stator surrounds the rotor and generates a magnetic field that passes through it. The rotor is made up of a coil of conductive wires placed at the periphery of a rotating axis. The way the conductive wires are arranged makes it possible to create forces. These latter will constitute the driving torque.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3717298B1Motor with predictive regulation, motor controller and method for automated motor regulation
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 ORANGE SA
  • EP3717298B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3717298B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to the field of transport, particularly motor vehicles. The invention relates to a motor with predictive adjustment and in particular to a motor controller of a vehicle, which, in particular, is capable of automatically adjusting a physical parameter of a motor, such as the width of the air gap of an electric motor, etc. The invention relates to a motor of a vehicle comprising at least one physical parameter capable of being adjusted according to characteristic data predicted from the current path of the vehicle based on data provided by at least one vehicle motor sensor. Thus, the motor is automatically adjusted according to characteristic data predicted from the current path based on the data of a motor sensor for optimising the use of the motor, such as an electric motor, i.e. power consumption, transmission efficiency, rotor warming, etc., regardless of the route.