Stator Assembly With Single-Turn Windings For High Conductor Fill

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DC motors, particularly brushless DC (BLDC) motors, face challenges in achieving small size, high power, and low cost due to labor-intensive winding processes and reduced performance in small actuation systems, leading to increased costs and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A stator assembly for a multi-phase motor with a reduced number of windings per slot, typically single turn windings, and automated interconnects to maximize conductor fill and reduce manufacturing complexity, utilizing high current, low voltage inverters with advanced power switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the number of windings per slot is increased to improve motor performance, then the motor constant and torque increase, but the manufacturing complexity and labor cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor constantVSAvoidwinding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the winding structure into discrete segments where each slot contains only 1-3 turns instead of many turns. This segmentation simplifies the winding process while maintaining motor performance through optimized conductor arrangement and interconnect technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of turns per slot from many turns to 1-3 turns. This parameter change, combined with using wider conductors and optimizing the interconnect structure, maintains the required electrical characteristics while dramatically simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the motor size is reduced to meet packaging requirements, then the volume decreases, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase due to fine wire winding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor volumeVSAvoidwinding ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the winding into 1-3 turns per slot rather than many turns, the patent makes the winding process feasible for small motors. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing processes to be used even when motor size is reduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using thin wire with many turns to achieve required conductivity in small motors, the patent inverts the approach by using wider conductors with fewer turns (1-3 turns per slot). This inversion makes manufacturing easy while maintaining electrical performance in compact motor sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Power

If traditional winding methods are used to maximize conductor fill, then the motor performance is optimized, but the production cost and manufacturing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor fillVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the winding into 1-3 turns per slot, which can be rapidly manufactured using automated processes. This segmentation maintains high conductor fill through optimized conductor width and arrangement while enabling fast production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the turns per slot parameter to 1-3 and adjusting conductor width accordingly, the patent achieves high conductor fill without labor-intensive winding. This parameter change enables automated manufacturing while maintaining optimal electrical characteristics.

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 approach enables the production of small, high-performance motors with reduced manufacturing costs and improved reliability by maximizing stator fill and leveraging advanced inverter technology, suitable for small actuation systems without sacrificing performance.

Implementation Method 1

The windings are wound within the slots and around the teeth to define respective magnetic poles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7495363B2Maximum conductor motor and method of making same
Publication Date: 2009.02.24 RAYTHEON CO
  • US7495363B2 patent drawing
  • US7495363B2 patent drawing
  • US7495363B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A stator assembly is provided for a multi-phase motor. The stator assembly includes a stator with a plurality of teeth and a plurality of slots defined between the teeth. In addition, the stator assembly includes a plurality of windings representing respective phases of the multi-phase motor. The windings are wound within the slots and around the teeth to define respective magnetic poles. Further, each slot includes no more than a single turn or small number of turns of any given one of the plurality of windings.