ATV Power Steering Shield for Motor Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of electric motors in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is degraded due to direct exposure to heated air from radiators, leading to uncomfortable steering and reduced auxiliary rotational force for power steering systems.
Innovation Solution
A shield member is positioned between the radiator and electric motor to protect the motor from heated air, preventing performance degradation and ensuring comfortable steering by redirecting heated air away from the electric motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electric motor is positioned immediately behind the radiator to save space and simplify structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the motor performance degrades due to direct exposure to heated air
Solution Approach 1:
A shield member is introduced as an intermediary component between the radiator and electric motor. This shield redirects the heated air flow away from the motor while maintaining the compact rearward positioning of the motor behind the radiator, thus preserving both space efficiency and motor performance
Solution Approach 2:
The space between the radiator and motor is segmented by introducing the shield member, which divides the air flow path. This allows the heated air to be directed through designated channels away from the motor, separating the thermal management function from the motor cooling requirement
2Ease of operation
If the electric motor is positioned at the front portion of the vehicle to receive auxiliary rotational force for steering, then the power steering effectiveness is improved, but the motor is exposed to heated air from the radiator causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member acts as a mediator that protects the electric motor from heated air while allowing the motor to remain in its effective position for power steering. The shield creates a protective barrier that redirects hot air flow without interfering with the motor's mechanical function
3Temperature
If the radiator is positioned at the front to easily receive wind for cooling, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the heated air directly contacts the electric motor behind it causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member converts the harmful heated air flow into a beneficial directed flow pattern. By redirecting the hot air through specific pathways, the shield ensures efficient heat dissipation from the radiator while preventing thermal damage to the motor, thus benefiting from both cooling efficiency and thermal protection
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 shield member effectively prevents performance degradation of the electric motor, maintaining the auxiliary rotational force and enhancing driver comfort by shielding the motor from heated air and debris.
Implementation Method 1
the shield member is positioned between the radiator and electric motor to protect the motor from heated air... redirecting heated air away from the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
An all terrain vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a steering shaft rotatably supported by the vehicle body frame, a power steering device including an electric motor, the power steering device being configured to exert an auxiliary rotational force to the steering shaft by a driving power generated in the electric motor, a radiator disposed in front of the electric motor, and a shield member mounted to the vehicle body frame and positioned between the radiator and the electric motor to cover the electric motor from a forward direction.