DETAILED ACTION
This Office Action is in response to applicant’s communication filed on 11.27.24. In view of this communication, claims 1-19 are now pending in this application.
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims.
Claim 1 recites ““ first variable-layer lines” and “second variable-layer lines” which are not shown in drawing with element references.
No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Objections
Claims below are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 7 recites “wherein the connecting wire is wound” should be corrected to “wherein the connecting wire is configured to be wound as it is a product claim. Examiner requests thorough review for similar corrections elsewhere.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
Claims below are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claims 1 recites the limitations “ first variable-layer lines” and “second variable-layer lines”. Specification for e.g., Para 0068 recites “N first winding parts” and “N-1 first variable lines” and “ first variable layer line connects two adjacent first winding parts” but there is no clarification with drawing reference as to which parts are being referred and the numerical relationship derivation. Further claims 2 and 3 recites “first variable pitch unit” and “second variable pitch unit” which do not have basis on the claims upon which they depend. In order to further prosecution, Examiner is interpreting variable-layer lines as the portion of the hairpin that is outside core slot and connecting the portions that is within the slots. Further, Examiner interprets “first variable pitch unit” and “second variable pitch unit” and “ first variable-layer lines” and “second variable-layer lines” all to be same.
Claims 2-19 are rejected due to their dependency on Claim 1.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 1-19 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action.
Relevant prior art no 1 is Jiang et al(CN115498794A English translation), hereinafter Jiang.
Regarding Claim 1, Jiang discloses (Figs 3,7-11) a stator assembly (Fig 3), applied to a motor [Abstract] , comprising a stator core (10) and a multi-phase winding (20) [0005] , wherein the stator core is provided with a plurality of stator slots (11) along a circumferential direction of the stator core, and each of the stator slots has M slot-layers (Fig 7) arranged along a radial direction of the stator core, and M is an even number greater than or equal to 4 (Fig 7 discloses 6);
each phase of the winding comprises at least two parallel branches (Figs 8-9), and each of the branches comprises a first coil group , a second coil group, and a connecting wire for connecting the first coil group and the second coil group [0070 discloses multiple coil groups first through third which are all connected together as they form the coil arrangement for first parallel branch Para 0074];
the first coil group comprises N first winding parts and N-1 first variable-layer lines, and the N first winding parts (F1) are sequentially arranged along the radial direction (Fig 10) of the stator core, wherein N=M/2 (6/2 =3); each of the first winding parts is correspondingly arranged in two adjacent layers of the slot-layers(Fig 10 discloses F1 and adjacent is relative), and the first winding part is configured as follows: in corresponding two layers of the slot-layers, the first winding part is formed by connecting a plurality of coil sets in series along a first direction [0074 discloses counter-clockwise] on a circumference of the stator core, each coil set comprises one or two of a first cross-layer unit (any of the connections for e.g., between slot 10 and slot 2 is cross layer as it goes from Layer 1 to Layer 2) and a first variable-pitch unit (0074 discloses “,one short-pitch hairpin coil with a span of 8, four full-pitch hairpin coils with a span of 9, and one long-pitch hairpin coil with a span of 10”] and at least one coil set of the plurality of coil sets comprises the first cross-layer unit and the first variable-pitch unit [0074]; a span y [0074 discloses “full-pitch hairpin coils with a span of 9”] of the first cross-layer unit is set as a pole pitch (9) of the motor, and a span of the first variable-pitch unit is greater (10) than or less than (8) the pole pitch (9) of the motor; each first variable-layer line (V1) connects two adjacent first winding parts (Fig 10) , and a span y1 of the first variable-layer line is set as: y-2≤y1≤y+2 (8≤9≤10);
Jiang does not disclose the rest of the limitations. In Jiang there are 3 coil groups in each parallel branch that are connected in series, however all three have a combination of different spans as disclosed in Para 0074 “Similarly, the arrangement of the first parallel branch of phase U in the second coil group and the third coil group is the same as that in the first coil group. In particular, the L4 layer flat wire conductor of slot 19 is directly welded to the L5 layer flat wire conductor of slot 10 at the welding end to achieve the switching from the second coil group to the third coil group. The first parallel branch passes through one short-pitch hairpin coil with a span of 8, four full-pitch hairpin coils with a span of 9, and one long-pitch hairpin coil with a span of 10 in the third coil group”. However instant recitation is for a fixed span for second coil group second variable layer line same as motor pole pitch. Even if the recitation regarding connecting wire can be read by Jiang using the second coil group, the recitation regarding span is not read by Jiang.
PNG
media_image1.png
482
452
media_image1.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image2.png
478
254
media_image2.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image3.png
344
902
media_image3.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image4.png
260
252
media_image4.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image5.png
214
530
media_image5.png
Greyscale
Relevant prior art no 2 is Rahman et al (US20140319953A1) hereinafter Rahman.
Regarding Claim 1, Rahman discloses (Figs 1-2,4) a stator assembly (Abstract), applied to a motor [Para 0016]] , comprising a stator core (21) and a multi-phase winding (24) [0007] , wherein the stator core is provided with a plurality of stator slots (20) along a circumferential direction of the stator core, and each of the stator slots has M slot-layers (Fig 1) arranged along a radial direction of the stator core, and M is an even number greater than or equal to 4 (Fig 1 discloses 6);
each phase of the winding comprises at least two parallel branches (Fig 4), and each of the branches comprises a first coil group , a second coil group, and a connecting wire (Fig 4 discloses 61 has 2 coil sets in series connected by a wire in between) for connecting the first coil group and the second coil group;
the first coil group comprises N first winding parts and N-1 first variable-layer lines, and the N first winding parts (26,28) are sequentially arranged along the radial direction (Fig 1) of the stator core, each of the first winding parts is correspondingly arranged in two adjacent layers of the slot-layers(Fig 2), and the first winding part is configured as follows: in corresponding two layers of the slot-layers, the first winding part is formed by connecting a plurality of coil sets in series along a first direction [Fig 2 discloses a direction] on a circumference of the stator core, each coil set comprises one or two of a first cross-layer unit (Para 0022 discloses usage of short pitch, long pitch and full pitch coils) and at least one coil set of the plurality of coil sets comprises the first cross-layer unit and the first variable-pitch unit [0022]; a span y [0022 discloses “full-pitched coil”] of the first cross-layer unit is set as a pole pitch of the motor, and a span of the first variable-pitch unit is greater (0022) than or less than (0022) the pole pitch (9) of the motor; each first variable-layer line connects two adjacent first winding parts (adjacent is relative and all coils are connected) , and a span y1 of the first variable-layer line is set as: y-2≤y1≤y+2 (Para 0023 discloses “In one example, the first, second and third numbers are 8, 10 and 9 slots, respectively );
Rahman does not disclose the rest of the limitations. In Rahman, Fig 5 discloses a parallel and series connection wherein two coil sets are connected in series for each parallel branch, however there is no explicit disclosure of either of coil sets having a fixed span as recited in instant claim. Further, there is also no explicit disclosure of a second direction of current of one coil set relative to other coil set as recited in instant claim.
PNG
media_image6.png
280
412
media_image6.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image7.png
380
744
media_image7.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image8.png
394
464
media_image8.png
Greyscale
Relevant prior art no 3 is Yu et al (CN114301199A English translation) hereinafter Yu.
Regarding Claim 1, Yu discloses (Figs 1-3) a stator assembly (Fig 1), applied to a motor [Para 0032] , comprising a stator core (11) and a multi-phase winding (12) [0065] , wherein the stator core is provided with a plurality of stator slots (11a) along a circumferential direction of the stator core, and each of the stator slots has M slot-layers (Fig 2 discloses 8) arranged along a radial direction of the stator core, and M is an even number greater than or equal to 4 (8);
each phase of the winding comprises at least two parallel branches (Fig 3), and each of the branches comprises a first coil group , a second coil group, and a connecting wire (Para 0007 discloses “Each branch winding includes multiple coil units connected in series. Among the multiple coil units, there are short-pitch hairpin coils, full-pitch hairpin coils, and long-pitch hairpin coils”) for connecting the first coil group and the second coil group;
the first coil group comprises N first winding parts and N-1 first variable-layer lines, and the N first winding parts (portions inside slot e.g., 1312) are sequentially arranged along the radial direction (Fig 2) of the stator core, each of the first winding parts is correspondingly arranged in two adjacent layers of the slot-layers(Fig 2), and the first winding part is configured as follows: in corresponding two layers of the slot-layers, the first winding part is formed by connecting a plurality of coil sets in series along a first direction [Fig 14 discloses a direction] on a circumference of the stator core, each coil set comprises one or two of a first cross-layer unit (Para 0007 discloses usage of short pitch, long pitch and full pitch coils) and at least one coil set of the plurality of coil sets comprises the first cross-layer unit and the first variable-pitch unit (Fig 14); a span y [0007 discloses “full-pitch hairpin coil”] of the first cross-layer unit is set as a pole pitch of the motor, and a span of the first variable-pitch unit is greater (0066) than or less than (0066) the pole pitch (0066) of the motor; each first variable-layer line connects two adjacent first winding parts (adjacent is relative and all coils are connected).
Yu does not explicitly disclose rest of the limitations for e.g., there is no explicit disclosure of span length of the first variable-layer unit or the second variable-layer unit or the connecting wire unit. Further there is no explicit disclosure of the second variable-layer unit having the same span as the motor pole pitch while the first variable-layer unit has varying in span.
PNG
media_image9.png
622
462
media_image9.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image10.png
528
522
media_image10.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image11.png
528
480
media_image11.png
Greyscale
Relevant prior art no 4 is Miyawaki (US20200328646A1).
Regarding Claim 1, Miyawaki discloses (Figs 1,4,6,8) a stator assembly (Fig 1), applied to a motor [Para 0001] , comprising a stator core (6) and a multi-phase winding (8) [0048] , wherein the stator core is provided with a plurality of stator slots (4) along a circumferential direction of the stator core, and each of the stator slots has M slot-layers (Fig 6 discloses 6) arranged along a radial direction of the stator core, and M is an even number greater than or equal to 4 (6);
each phase of the winding comprises at least two parallel branches (Fig 8), and each of the branches comprises a first coil group , a second coil group, and a connecting wire (Fig 8 discloses A1, A0, a1,a0,m1) for connecting the first coil group and the second coil group;
the first coil group comprises N first winding parts and N-1 first variable-layer lines, and the N first winding parts (portions inside slot e.g., 10fa) are sequentially arranged along the radial direction (Fig 4) of the stator core, each of the first winding parts is correspondingly arranged in two adjacent layers of the slot-layers(Fig 4), and the first winding part is configured as follows: in corresponding two layers of the slot-layers, the first winding part is formed by connecting a plurality of coil sets in series along a first direction [Fig 6 discloses a direction] on a circumference of the stator core, each coil set comprises one or two of a first cross-layer unit (Fig 6 discloses usage of short pitch, long pitch and full pitch coils which are also cross layer) and at least one coil set of the plurality of coil sets comprises the first cross-layer unit and the first variable-pitch unit (Fig 6); a span y [Fig 6 discloses hairpin segments with three different pitches) than or less than (Fig 6) the pole pitch (Fig 6) of the motor; each first variable-layer line connects two adjacent first winding parts (adjacent is relative and all coils are connected) and a span y1 of the first variable-layer line is set as: y-2≤y1≤y+2 (Fig 6 discloses span difference less than equal to 4 .
Miyawaki does not explicitly disclose rest of the limitations. . In Miyawaki, Fig 8 discloses a parallel and series connection wherein two coil sets are connected in series for each parallel branch, however there is no explicit disclosure of either of coil sets having a fixed span as recited in instant claim while being in a second current direction.
PNG
media_image12.png
640
490
media_image12.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image13.png
532
576
media_image13.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image14.png
312
740
media_image14.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image15.png
428
446
media_image15.png
Greyscale
In light of above, claims 1-19 are allowable subject to overcoming above claim and drawing objections and 35 U.S.C 112(b) rejection.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to VISWANATHAN SUBRAMANIAN whose telephone number is (571)272-4814. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Christopher M Koehler can be reached at 5712723560. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/VISWANATHAN SUBRAMANIAN/Examiner, Art Unit 2834
Prosecution Insights