Rotor End-Face Induction Coil for Self-Powered Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric machines face challenges in supplying sensors associated with the rotor with sufficient electrical energy, leading to limited continuous power due to unknown rotor temperature, which can result in overheating and damage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sensor element and signal processing unit connected to an induction coil on the rotor's end face, which generates electrical energy from the rotating magnetic front stray field, allowing for self-sustenance and reducing the need for external power sources like batteries or collecting rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors and signal processing units are installed on the rotor to enable real-time temperature monitoring, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increase due to the need for external power sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor temperature measurementVSAvoidpower supply system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system on the rotor is powered by the magnetic field it monitors. The induction coil generates electrical energy directly from the rotating magnetic field, enabling the sensor and signal processing unit to be self-sufficient without external power sources like batteries or collecting rings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The induction coil acts as an intermediary that converts the magnetic field (which already exists for motor operation) into electrical energy to power the sensor system. This mediator enables power transfer without mechanical contact or external power sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a safety margin is applied to the maximum rotor temperature, then reliability is improved by preventing overheating, but productivity decreases due to limited continuous power output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverheating preventionVSAvoidcontinuous power output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor continuously monitors the actual rotor temperature and feeds this information back to the control device. The control device adjusts the power output based on real-time temperature data, allowing operation right up to the maximum temperature limit without requiring a conservative safety margin

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs periodic temperature measurements and control adjustments, allowing dynamic optimization of power output while maintaining safety. The continuous monitoring enables the system to operate at maximum capacity with real-time safety management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If traditional power supply methods like collecting rings or batteries are used for rotor sensors, then power supply reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex installation and maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supplyVSAvoidrotor installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The induction coil generates electrical energy autonomously from the rotating magnetic field, eliminating the need for batteries that require replacement or collecting rings that require precise alignment and maintenance. The system powers itself through its normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply function is extracted from external components (batteries, collecting rings) and integrated directly into the rotor structure through the induction coil, which generates power internally from the existing magnetic field

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution enables accurate temperature measurement and reduces the risk of overheating by providing a reliable power source for sensors and signal processing units, allowing for improved operation and easier installation of the rotor.

Implementation Method 1

at least one induction coil, which includes at least one electrical conductor and is arranged at least indirectly on an end face of the rotor and is configured for generating electrical energy from a magnetic front stray field, which is rotating in relation to the rotor or temporally changing during the operation of the electric machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11843288B2Rotor for an electric machine and electric machine having a rotor
Publication Date: 2023.12.12 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • US11843288B2 patent drawing
  • US11843288B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotor (1) for an electric machine (2) includes at least one sensor element (3) configured for detecting at least one condition variable of the rotor (1), a signal processing unit (4) connected to the at least one sensor element (3) and configured for generating measured data from the detected condition variable of the rotor (1) and transmitting the measured data to a control device (5), and at least one induction coil (7) that includes at least one electrical conductor (8), is arranged at least indirectly on an end face of the rotor (1), and is configured for generating electrical energy from a magnetic front stray field (12) rotating in relation to the rotor (1) during the operation of the electric machine (2).