Shaped Claw Pole Segments Reducing Flux Leakage and Drag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing claw pole field systems in electric machines face inefficiencies due to mechanical load and drag, as well as pole-to-pole flux leakage, which affect the generation and consistency of electric current across varying speeds.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates claw pole segments with radial projecting members, axial outer and inner surfaces, and recessed side surfaces that shift the mass moment of inertia inwardly, reducing mechanical load and drag, and feature a variable gap dimension between segments to minimize flux leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional uniform gap claw pole design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but pole-to-pole flux leakage increases and current generation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent generation efficiencyVSAvoidclaw pole segment geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the gap dimensions between claw pole segments - using tighter gaps in critical areas and wider gaps in non-critical areas. This selective gap variation optimizes flux leakage reduction where needed while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, directly addressing the contradiction between efficiency improvement and geometric complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If claw pole segments with inward shifted mass moment of inertia are used, then mechanical load and drag are reduced, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical load and dragVSAvoidclaw pole segment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the claw pole into multiple independent segments with specific geometric features (recessed portions, varying gap dimensions) that collectively shift the mass moment of inertia inward. This segmentation allows the complex inertia optimization to be achieved through modular design, reducing the overall mechanical load and drag while managing structural complexity through standardized segment components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-generated harmful factors

If variable gap dimension between segments is implemented, then flux leakage is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole-to-pole flux leakageVSAvoidgap dimension control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the gap dimensions between claw pole segments according to a predetermined pattern. This controlled parameter variation optimizes flux leakage reduction while establishing clear manufacturing specifications, balancing the need for precision with achievable manufacturing capabilities through defined gap parameter ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the operational efficiency by reducing pole deflection and flux leakage, allowing for increased current generation and maintaining output consistency across a broader speed range with reduced conductive material usage.

Implementation Method 1

recessed side surfaces that shift the mass moment of inertia inwardly, reducing mechanical load and drag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoment of Inertia: Moment of Inertia

Implementation Method 2

feature a variable gap dimension between segments to minimize flux leakage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux leakage: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

Rotation of the claw pole field system within a stator winding may produce an electric current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10879750B2Claw pole having shaped claw pole segments
Publication Date: 2020.12.29 PHINIA TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US10879750B2 patent drawing
  • US10879750B2 patent drawing
  • US10879750B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A claw pole member for an electric machine including a plurality of claw pole segments. Each of the plurality of claw pole segments includes a radial projecting member, an axial outer surface extending to a cantilevered end portion, and an axial inner surface extending axially outwardly of the radial projecting member to a cantilevered end section. A first side surface extends between the axial outer surface and the axial inner surface from the radial projecting member to the cantilevered end portion and the cantilevered end section, and a second side surface extends between the axial outer surface and the axial inner surface from the radial projecting member to the cantilevered end portion and the cantilevered end section. The first and second side surfaces define a taper of the claw pole segment. Each of the first and second side surfaces includes a recessed portion that extends into the claw pole segment.