Active Shock Absorber Control Unit Integration for Shorter HV Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to improve the safety and configuration of electrical connections or components in active shock absorber devices for motor vehicles, particularly focusing on dimensions and reliability, to enhance their performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
The shock absorber device incorporates an AC electric motor with a conversion assembly that transforms the motor's torque or force into a damping or actuating force, using a compact control unit and wiring configuration to ensure efficient and safe operation, with a control unit integrated near the spring support to minimize wire length and reduce the risk of short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control unit is integrated near the spring support to minimize wire length, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is integrated directly into the spring support structure, merging two previously separate components (control unit and spring support) into a single unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses connecting these components, thereby reducing wire length and potential failure points while maintaining manageable complexity through functional consolidation.
2Reliability
If the wire length is minimized by integrating the control unit, then the risk of short circuits is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the control unit into the spring support, the patent reduces wire length and associated short circuit risks. The manufacturing complexity is managed through modular design approaches where the integrated control unit can be pre-assembled and tested as a module before final installation, balancing reliability improvements with manufacturing feasibility.
3Reliability
If a compact control unit configuration is used, then the safety is improved, but the conversion assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion assembly utilizes a nested structure where the motor is positioned within or adjacent to the integrated control unit, which itself is integrated into the spring support. This nesting arrangement achieves compact configuration for safety while managing complexity through hierarchical organization of components, where each nested level performs a specific function.
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 results in a compact, safe, and reliable shock absorber device that effectively manages high-voltage electrical signals, providing improved safety and reduced risk of malfunctions while maintaining efficient force application and control.
Implementation Method 1
an AC electric motor (16), in particular an asynchronous motor, supplied with a high-voltage electric signal, i.e., an electric signal with a voltage greater than or equal to 36 volts, more preferably greater than or equal to 48 volts
Implementation Method 2
a conversion assembly (18) configured to use the torque or the force provided by the motor transforming it into a force applied to the shaft (13) and, more particularly, directed along the axis (K)
Implementation Method 3
During the relative movement of the shaft, the piston cooperates with a fluid wherein the piston is immersed inside the external casing, thus damping the movement of the shaft itself
Data Source
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AI summary
A shock absorber device (6) for a motor vehicle (1) includes a spring support (7), a spring (8), a damping device (9) configured to exert a damping force, a control unit (20),an electric motor (16) electrically connected to the control unit (20) and controllable by the control unit (20) through a power supply signal emitted by the control unit (20), such that the electric motor provides a torque or a force corresponding to the power supply signal, and conversion means (18) configured to control the damping device (9) turning the torque or force outputted into a further force corresponding to the torque or force outputted and exerted by means of the damping device (9), wherein the control unit (20) is configured to receive a first control signal indicative of a target value for the further force and to provide the power supply signal as a function of the first control signal, such that the power supply signal corresponds to the target value for the further force, the control unit (20) being coupled to the spring support (7) in a fixed position relative to the spring support (7).