Electric Machine Winding Insulation Layout With Variable Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current insulation systems for electric motors in electric vehicles apply uniform insulation thickness, leading to over-insulation and excessive material usage, increasing costs and thermal resistance, which reduces thermal efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive insulation system with varying insulation thickness for different winding types, where the first insulation section has a uniform thickness and the second insulation section has a greater thickness, arranged circumferentially to optimize material usage and reduce thermal resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If uniform insulation thickness is applied to all conductors, then insulation reliability is improved, but material cost and thermal resistance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation reliabilityVSAvoidinsulation material usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different insulation thicknesses to different conductor types based on their specific voltage requirements. High voltage conductors receive thicker insulation (first insulation layer) while low voltage conductors receive thinner insulation (second insulation layer), optimizing material usage while maintaining adequate insulation reliability for each conductor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If uniform insulation thickness is applied to all conductors, then insulation reliability is improved, but thermal efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation reliabilityVSAvoidthermal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces insulation thickness for low voltage conductors where thick insulation is not required for reliability, thereby reducing thermal resistance in those areas. This local optimization allows heat to dissipate more efficiently from conductors that do not require thick insulation for electrical safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If greater insulation thickness is applied, then insulation reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies thick insulation only to high voltage conductors where it is necessary for safety and reliability, while using thinner insulation for low voltage conductors. This selective approach reduces the total amount of expensive insulation material required, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If greater insulation thickness is applied, then insulation reliability is improved, but thermal resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation reliabilityVSAvoidthermal resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent minimizes insulation thickness where high voltage stress is absent, reducing thermal resistance in those regions. By concentrating thick insulation only where electrically necessary and using thinner insulation elsewhere, the overall thermal path resistance is reduced while maintaining electrical reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4318892A1Insulation system for an electric machine
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4318892A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4318892A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4318892A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An insulation system (10) configured for use in an electric machine (100) includes at least one first insulation section (20) including at least one first insulation element (22), the first insulation element being configured to be applied to at least a portion of a first winding type (112) of a plurality of windings (110), and the first insulation element having a first insulation thickness, and at least one second insulation section (40) including at least one second insulation element (42), the second insulation element being configured to be applied to at least a portion of a second winding type (114) of the plurality of windings, and the second insulation element having a second insulation thickness greater than the first insulation thickness of the first insulation element, wherein the first insulation section is arranged adjacent the second insulation section in a circumferential direction.