Rotor Permanent Magnet Segmentation for Centrifugal Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing segmented permanent magnet electric machine rotors face stress issues due to centrifugal forces at high speeds, particularly when magnets are imbalanced, leading to reduced magnetic power and complex manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

The rotor design incorporates parallelepipedic permanent magnets with beveled angles and trapezoidal ends, allowing for reduced mass and force distribution, optimized magnetic volume, and simplified manufacturing through radial retention lips and pads, along with optional springs and cooling circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a radial reinforcing plate is used to support permanent magnets in notches, then rotor strength is improved, but magnet volume is reduced and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor strengthVSAvoidmagnet volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor body is segmented into multiple notches that receive permanent magnets, allowing the magnetic mass to be divided into functional segments. This segmentation enables the magnets to be positioned strategically to provide reinforcement without requiring a continuous radial plate, thereby preserving magnet volume while achieving structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structural reinforcement function and magnetic function are merged into a single integrated design. The permanent magnets themselves serve dual purposes: generating magnetic field and providing structural reinforcement to the rotor body, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing plates that would occupy space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If a radial reinforcing plate is used to support permanent magnets in notches, then rotor strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor body structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the magnetic circuit path, contains the notches for magnets, and provides structural reinforcement through the arrangement of magnets and notches themselves. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcing components, simplifying manufacturing.

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

3Power

If permanent magnets are positioned in imbalance due to assembly games, then magnetic power is maintained, but stress on rotor body increases at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic powerVSAvoidstress on rotor body
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor design incorporates local variations in notch geometry and magnet positioning to accommodate assembly tolerances. The notches are designed with specific geometric characteristics that distribute centrifugal forces more evenly across the rotor body, reducing stress concentrations that would arise from magnet imbalance while preserving magnetic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design reduces stress on the rotor, enhances magnetic performance, and simplifies the manufacturing process, enabling efficient operation at high speeds while maintaining magnetic power.

Implementation Method 1

The rotor comprises a body formed by a stacking sheet leaves held in the form of a package by means of a suitable fixing system, such as rivets crossing axially the rotor on the other hand. The rotor comprises poles formed for example by permanent magnets housed in slotted notches in the magnetic mass of the rotor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

These stress areas are caused by the centrifugal forces applied on the rotor body by the magnets positioned inside the notches, in particular when the magnets are positioned in imbalance due to the assembly games.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3259830B1Rotor of rotary electric machine with permanent magnet segments
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 VALEO EQUIP ELECTRIC MOTEUR
  • EP3259830B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3259830B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention mainly relates to a rotor (10) of an electrical rotating machine, comprising a body (11) and at least one slot (16) made in said body (11). Said slot (16) extends from one face to the other of said body (11) of said rotor (10), and at least two permanent magnets (17) are inserted in said slot (16).