Electric Compressor Alignment for EV Steering Wheel Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles, the absence of engine vibrations to mask air conditioning compressor vibrations results in noticeable steering wheel vibrations due to excitation of roll and pitch modes by the compressor, which is coupled to the electric motor.
Innovation Solution
The electric compressor is aligned with the yaw rotational mode of the electric traction motor, minimizing excitation of roll and pitch modes by primarily exciting the yaw mode, using non-elastomeric mounts and adjusting elastomeric mounts to decouple rotational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the electric compressor is coupled to the electric traction motor through non-elastomeric mounts, then the compressor can be securely mounted, but vibrations are transferred to the steering wheel and become noticeable to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastomeric mounts as an intermediary element between the electric compressor and the electric traction motor. These mounts serve as a mediator that allows secure mounting while simultaneously isolating vibrations, preventing their transfer to the steering wheel. The elastomeric material properties enable both mechanical support and vibration damping in the same component.
2Volume of moving object
If the electric compressor is oriented to excite roll and pitch modes of the electric motor, then the compressor can be compactly arranged, but noticeable vibrations are generated at the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by selectively exciting specific rotational modes (yaw mode) of the electric motor while avoiding others (roll and pitch modes). By controlling which dynamic modes are activated through precise compressor orientation, the system achieves compact arrangement without generating noticeable steering wheel vibrations. This selective mode excitation optimizes the dynamic behavior of the motor-compressor system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electric compressor is aligned with the yaw rotational mode of the electric traction motor, then steering wheel vibrations are reduced, but the compressor orientation becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameters of the electric compressor relative to the electric traction motor to align with the yaw rotational mode. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the system reduces steering wheel vibrations. The specific angular orientation becomes a controlled parameter that optimizes vibration reduction while maintaining functional requirements.
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
This alignment significantly reduces steering wheel vibrations by focusing on the yaw mode, thereby minimizing overall vibrational output.
Implementation Method 1
coupled to the electric traction motor through a plurality of non-elastomeric mounts
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric mounts or hydraulic mounts couple the electric motor to the frame
Implementation Method 3
The electric compressor is configured to generate axial force in an axial direction and radial forces in a radial direction
Implementation Method 4
The electric compressor is configured to generate axial force in an axial direction and radial forces in a radial direction. The electric compressor is coupled to the electric traction motor such that the axial direction is aligned with the Z-axis that corresponds to the yaw rotational mode of the electric traction motor, which reduces vibrational output to the steering wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An electrified vehicle includes an electrified powertrain including a battery system configured to power an electric traction motor to generate drive torque, a frame supporting the electric traction motor, a steering wheel, and a thermal system configured to provide cooling to the electrified vehicle. The thermal system includes a coolant loop with an electric compressor. The electric traction motor includes roll, pitch, and yaw rotational modes corresponding to an X-Y-Z coordinate system. The electric compressor is configured to generate axial force in an axial direction and radial forces in a radial direction. The electric compressor is coupled to the electric traction motor such that the axial direction is aligned with the Z-axis that corresponds to the yaw rotational mode to thereby excite the yaw rotational mode of the electric traction motor, which reduces vibrational output to the steering wheel.