Vehicular Rotor Magnet Segmentation for Torque Pulsation Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Torque pulsations in rotating electric machines used in automotive applications cause noise and vibration, affecting driver and passenger comfort, and existing technologies have not effectively minimized both magnetic and reluctance torque pulsations.

Innovation Solution

The use of permanent magnets with magnet pieces formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and trapezoidal shapes, along with varying lengths and positions, to reduce torque pulsations by optimizing the magnetic flux distribution and reluctance torque generation, and the adoption of a concentrated winding system and fractional pitch winding to further minimize torque ripple.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the rotor adopts a structure that assures lower magnetic resistance at auxiliary magnetic poles to increase reluctance torque, then the output torque is improved and magnet mass is reduced, but reluctance torque pulsations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput torqueVSAvoidreluctance torque pulsations
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor core is segmented into multiple yokes arranged circumferentially, with each yoke containing auxiliary magnetic poles. This segmentation allows independent optimization of magnetic resistance in each sector, enabling the reduction of reluctance torque pulsations while maintaining high output torque through proper configuration of the segmented structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary magnetic poles are designed with asymmetric magnetic resistance characteristics relative to the q-axis magnetic flux. By creating controlled asymmetry in the magnetic circuit path through different air gap lengths and yoke configurations, the patent optimizes reluctance torque generation while balancing the pulsation effects across different rotor positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Power

If permanent magnets are embedded in the rotor core to provide strong magnetic energy, then the torque output is improved, but torque pulsations caused by cogging torque occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque outputVSAvoidtorque pulsations
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the rotor core are given different magnetic properties through the segmentation into multiple yokes. Each yoke can be independently designed with specific magnetic resistance characteristics, allowing local optimization to reduce cogging torque effects while maintaining strong magnetic energy from the embedded permanent magnets in critical torque-generating regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by arranging multiple yokes circumferentially around the rotor core, creating a multi-layered magnetic circuit structure. This circumferential segmentation adds a spatial dimension to torque generation, allowing the superposition of magnetic fields from multiple yokes to smooth out torque pulsations while maintaining high overall torque output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the position of permanent magnets is offset along the circumferential direction to reduce torque pulsations, then magnetic torque pulsations are reduced, but the structure does not address reluctance torque pulsations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic torque pulsationsVSAvoidreluctance torque optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented yoke structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it offsets permanent magnets to reduce magnetic torque pulsations, provides auxiliary magnetic poles for reluctance torque generation, and creates asymmetric magnetic resistance paths to balance reluctance torque pulsations. This multi-functional design addresses both magnetic and reluctance torque pulsations within a single integrated structure.

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

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 significantly reduces torque pulsations, noise, and vibration, enhancing driver and passenger comfort while improving the efficiency and productivity of the rotating electric machine, allowing for a more reliable and compact design suitable for electric vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a rotor core (252) and permanent magnets (254, 255) embedded in the rotor core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

d-axis magnetic flux (296) and magnetic torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

auxiliary magnetic poles, through which a q-axis magnetic flux passes... increased the reluctance torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReluctance torque: Magnetic Reluctance

Data Source

PatentEP2466727B1Dynamo-electric machine for use in vehicles
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYST LTD
  • EP2466727B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2466727B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2466727B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A rotating electric machine for vehicular use having n types of magnet pieces includes: a stator (230) that includes a stator core (232) and a stator winding (238) wound at the stator core (232); and a rotor (250) that is rotatably disposed relative to the stator (230) and includes a rotor core (252) formed by laminating a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets with a plurality of magnet insertion holes (272) formed therein and includes a plurality of permanent magnets (254, 255) each held in each of the plurality of magnet insertion holes (272) to form a magnetic pole. Each of the plurality of permanent magnets (254, 255) extends along a rotor axis and is formed in a shape assuming at least two different lengths along a circumference of the rotor.