Stator Stiffening Element with Cooling Windows for Vibration Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric machines in hybrid vehicles face damage from vibrations introduced by internal combustion engines, and existing shielding solutions impair cooling of stator coils, particularly when the switching ring mount is not integrated with the stator coils.

Innovation Solution

A stiffening element is provided that extends radially along the stator coils with window openings for cooling fluid circulation, allowing for secure attachment of the switching ring mount to the stator without an integral design, thereby reducing vibration loads and maintaining effective cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shielding plate is arranged between the stator and housing to protect against vibrations, then vibration protection is improved, but cooling of the stator coils is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration protectionVSAvoidcooling of stator coils
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding plate is segmented with openings that allow cooling fluid to pass through, dividing the plate into functional zones that simultaneously provide vibration protection and enable cooling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A stiffening element with axial extensions acts as an intermediary component between the stator and switching ring receptacle, providing vibration protection while allowing cooling fluid circulation through its结构设计

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the switching ring receptacle is not integrally formed with the stator coils, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but vibration-induced stress on electrical connections increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidvibration-induced stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening element serves as a mediator between the stator and switching ring receptacle, providing mechanical support and vibration protection to the separately manufactured receptacle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffening element combines different material properties and structural features (axial extensions for mounting, radial extensions for support, openings for cooling) to create a composite solution that addresses multiple requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution effectively reduces vibration-related damage to electrical connections and ensures adequate cooling of the stator coils, enhancing the service life and operational effectiveness of the electric machine.

Implementation Method 1

window openings in the radial extension area, thereby allowing for circulation of cooling fluid within the stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3161945B1Electric machine
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP3161945B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3161945B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3161945B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is an electric machine (1), in particular for a hybrid module of a hybrid vehicle, or for an electric vehicle, said machine comprising a stator (2) and a rotor, the stator (2) having a stator support (6) comprising stator teeth (10) that carry stator coils (12). At least one reinforcing element (26; 260) is arranged axially adjacent to the stator (2), said reinforcing element (26; 260) extending radially, at least in part, along at least one of the stator coils (12) and having at least one window (28; 280) in the radial extension region.