Wavy Rotary Machine Connection Layout for Compact Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrical connection systems for rotating electrical machines, such as those in hybrid vehicle alternator-starters, face challenges in minimizing bulk, allowing direct phase control, and preventing overheating, while maintaining efficient current transfer.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection device with internal and external connection members featuring a wavy shape, allowing connectors to be placed in hollows, reducing radial and axial bulk, and enabling efficient heat dissipation, while maintaining phase control capabilities through stacked and offset connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If connections are arranged on both outer and inner peripheries of the system, then the size and electrical proximity risk are reduced, but the surface area of the ring in the radial plane is reduced, leading to increased resistance and heat dissipation problems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidrisk of overheating
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional wavy configuration. The trace forms peaks and hollows in the radial plane, allowing connectors to be positioned in hollows at different radial levels. This vertical dimensionality enables both reduced footprint and maintained surface area for heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The wavy trace structure creates nested hollows within the radial profile. Connectors are nested within these hollows, allowing multiple connectors to be arranged compactly without reducing the overall radial surface area. The hollows act as nested spaces that accommodate connectors while preserving the external surface for heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid electrical connection systems with multiple conductive rings are used, then phase control is enabled, but the system complexity and footprint increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into multiple connection members, each with a simplified wavy trace structure. Instead of multiple complex stacked rings, each connection member independently provides phase control capability through its wavy trace with connectors in hollows. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each connection member with the wavy trace structure serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, enables phase control, and facilitates heat dissipation through its radial surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the ring surface area in the radial plane is reduced to accommodate connectors on both peripheries, then the footprint is minimized, but the resistance increases and current supply capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidresistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The trace is configured with peaks and hollows in the radial plane, creating a three-dimensional wavy structure. This allows the trace to maintain a large radial surface area for low resistance and effective heat dissipation, while the hollows provide vertical space for connector placement. The dimensional transition enables both compact footprint and low resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3769405B1Electric connection device for a rotary electric machine
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP3769405B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3769405B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3769405B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to an electrical connection device (300) comprising: · an internal connection member surrounding an axis X having a plot (101), and a plurality of connectors (103); · a first external connection member surrounding the axis X and being stacked axially with the internal connection member, comprising a plot (101), and a plurality of connectors (103); the device being characterized in that each plot (101) has a wavy shape forming troughs comprising internal troughs situated facing the axis X and external troughs situated on an external periphery, each connector (103) of the internal connection member being connected in an internal trough of the plot of the internal connection member and each connector (103) of the first external connection member being electrically connected in an external trough of the plot of the first external connection member.