Slim Direct-Drive Motor Venting Structure for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slim type motors face challenges in heat dissipation due to their slim structure, leading to inefficient cooling in direct drive washing machines, which restricts their application in medium-size/small-size built-in systems where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A slim type motor with a heat radiating structure featuring an annular stator support with open central portions, radially arranged ribs, and vent holes to facilitate air circulation and heat dissipation, along with a double rotor structure and bolting-couplers for assembly, allowing efficient heat transfer from the stator to the outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a slim structure is implemented to reduce motor thickness for built-in washing machines, then the motor can fit in limited installation space, but heat dissipation becomes difficult due to narrow and confined internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The stator core is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled together, creating internal channels and pathways that facilitate heat dissipation while maintaining a slim overall motor structure. The segmentation allows heat to be conducted through multiple surfaces rather than a single bulk structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat dissipation pathways are extended into the radial dimension by incorporating cooling fins and channels that protrude from the stator core surface. This transforms the heat dissipation approach from purely axial (lengthwise) to include radial (outward) directions, effectively increasing the heat exchange surface area without increasing motor thickness.
2Volume of stationary object
If a slim type motor is used in direct drive systems, then space constraints are satisfied, but heat generated by rotor-stator interaction accumulates in the narrow space
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling medium (air or fluid) is introduced as an intermediary between the heat-generating components and the motor housing. This intermediary carries heat away from the rotor-stator interaction zone through dedicated cooling channels, preventing heat accumulation in the confined space.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic cooling system is implemented using forced air circulation through channels formed in the stator support and rotor structure. The air flow is directed through high-heat-area passages to efficiently remove heat generated during operation, converting thermal energy to kinetic energy of the cooling air stream.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional motor structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but heat dissipation efficiency is insufficient for slim direct drive motors
Solution Approach 1:
The stator support and rotor structure incorporate porous or lattice-like internal geometries that provide extensive surface area for heat conduction while maintaining structural integrity. These porous structures act as heat sinks and facilitate thermal radiation and convection without requiring complex external cooling systems.
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
The motor effectively dissipates heat generated inside, improving its efficiency and allowing for a direct drive system in compact washing machines, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing performance by increasing the thickness of laminated stator cores.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor support includes a number of ribs that are arranged in a radial form from the center of rotation, and a number of vent holes that are placed in spaces respectively formed between the ribs, the ribs perform function of a fan during rotation of the rotor, and the vent holes form passages through which eddy flow of air circulates during rotation of the rotor
Implementation Method 2
heat generated from the inside of the motor to the outside of the motor
Implementation Method 3
eddy flow of air circulates during rotation of the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A slim type motor for a washing machine having a direct drive system and having a heat radiating structure includes: a stator in which stator cores around which coils are wound are disposed in an annular form in an annular stator support whose central portion is open, in order to emit heat generated in the inside of the motor to the outside; a rotor in which a number of permanent magnets are arranged in a back yoke mounted on a circular rotor support, to thus form an air gap with respect to the stator; and a rotating shaft that is coupled to the central portion of the rotor support and is driven by a torque of the rotor.