Electric Machine Rotor Optical Link for Wear-Free Signal Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing externally excited synchronous machines face challenges in transmitting rotor information to a static control device due to relative movement, leading to wear and inaccurate results from contact-based or modeling methods, especially in applications with high temporal variability like motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Utilize optical signals to transmit rotor information contact-free from a rotor-mounted acquisition device to a static control device, using a light-emitting diode as a transmitter and a light detector as a receiver, with a geometric arrangement ensuring constant relative distance for reliable transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-based coupling (e.g., sliding contact) is used to transmit rotor information to the control device, then information transmission is achieved, but severe wear occurs on the components and errors are prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based coupling (sliding contacts) with an optical transmission system. A transmitter on the rotor converts electrical signals to optical signals, which are transmitted through a transparent barrier to a receiver on the stator, eliminating mechanical wear while maintaining reliable information transmission about rotor position and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (transparent barrier or window) that allows information transmission from the rotating rotor to the stationary stator without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary enables the transmission of optical signals while physically separating the moving and stationary components, preventing wear.
2Reliability
If modeling or approximation methods are used to determine rotor information, then information transmission from rotor to static section is avoided, but the results are complex and often inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex software-based modeling and approximation methods with a direct optical measurement system. Sensors on the rotor directly measure position and operational parameters, converting them to optical signals for transmission to the stator, thereby eliminating the need for complex computational algorithms while improving accuracy.
3Reliability
If optical signals are used to transmit rotor information contact-free, then wear is eliminated and accurate transmission is achieved, but a reliable geometric arrangement ensuring constant relative distance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical transmission path where the transmitter on the rotor and receiver on the stator are positioned to maintain a constant relative distance and orientation. This equipotential geometric arrangement ensures that optical signals are transmitted reliably without variation in signal strength or quality, despite the rotor's rotation.
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
Ensures accurate and wear-free transmission of rotor information, enabling effective control of electric machines in motor vehicles by overcoming inaccuracies and wear associated with previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
using a light-emitting diode as a transmitter
Implementation Method 2
a light detector as a receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An electric machine is disclosed, and may comprise a static section and a rotor rotatably mounted relative to the static section. The static section may have a control device configured to generate control signals for controlling operation of the electric machine. The rotor may have at least one acquisition device for acquiring and/or generating at least one item of rotor information relating to operation of the rotor. The control signals for controlling the operation of the electric machine may be generated depending on the at least one item of rotor information. The at least one item of rotor information may be transmittable from the at least one acquisition device to the control device via a transmitter of the rotor and a receiver of the static section. The at least one item of rotor information may be transmittable in a contact-free manner and by optical signals from the transmitter to the receiver.