17960164. REDUCING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING CURRENTS IN ELECTRIC MOTORS simplified abstract (GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC)

REDUCING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING CURRENTS IN ELECTRIC MOTORS

Organization Name

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor(s)

William T. Ivan of Shelby Township MI (US)

Alireza Fatemi of Canton MI (US)

Margarita P. Thompson of Livonia MI (US)

REDUCING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING CURRENTS IN ELECTRIC MOTORS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17960164 titled 'REDUCING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING CURRENTS IN ELECTRIC MOTORS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes electric motors and apparatuses for discharging an electric charge buildup on the rotor.

• The apparatus includes a grounding brush with an elliptical surface attached to the axial end of the motor shaft.
• A spring is used to maintain contact between the brush and the case, allowing current flow through the case to discharge the charge buildup on the stator.
• The system ground provided by the case helps discharge the charge buildup due to parasitic capacitance between the stator and rotor.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in various electric motor systems where charge buildup on the rotor needs to be discharged to prevent damage and ensure efficient operation.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of electric charge buildup on the rotor, which can lead to inefficiencies, damage, and malfunctions in electric motor systems.

Benefits

The use of the grounding brush and spring system helps maintain the performance and longevity of electric motors by effectively discharging charge buildup on the rotor.

Potential Commercial Applications

This technology could be beneficial in industries that rely on electric motors, such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and robotics.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be similar systems used in other types of electric machinery to discharge charge buildup on rotating components.

How does the elliptical surface of the grounding brush help in discharging the electric charge buildup on the rotor?

The elliptical surface of the grounding brush provides a larger contact area with the axial end of the motor shaft, allowing for efficient current flow to discharge the charge buildup.

What materials are typically used for the grounding brush and spring in such electric motor apparatuses?

The materials used for the grounding brush and spring must be conductive and durable to ensure effective and long-lasting operation of the discharging system.

Original Abstract Submitted

Presented are electric motors and apparatuses thereof for discharging an electric charge buildup on the rotor. In an embodiment, an electric motor apparatus includes a case, a stator arranged within the case, a rotor, a motor shaft extending longitudinally through the rotor to include an axial end, a grounding brush having an outer surface and an elliptical surface, and a spring including one portion maintaining slidable contact with the case and another portion coupled to an outer surface of the brush, the elliptical surface attached to the axial end of the motor shaft for causing a current flow via the brush through the case, which can act as system ground, for discharging an electric charge buildup on the stator due to a parasitic capacitance between the stator and rotor.