Electric Compressor Electrical Box Angular Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric compressors for motor vehicles face installation constraints due to fixed angular configurations, limiting their versatility and compatibility with different vehicle types and engine architectures.

Innovation Solution

The electric compressor features adjustable fixing means, allowing the electrical box to be assembled in multiple angular configurations relative to the casing's longitudinal axis, utilizing centering pins and receiving orifices to define various positions and orientations, enabling flexible installation on diverse vehicle platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical box is fixed to the casing in a fixed angular configuration, then the assembly is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different vehicle types and installation constraints is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle typesVSAvoidfixing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism transitions from a static, fixed angular configuration to a dynamic system that allows the electrical box to be positioned at multiple discrete angular orientations (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) relative to the casing, enabling adaptation to different vehicle installation constraints while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism is segmented into discrete positioning options using features such as multiple receiving orifices, indexing pins, or detent mechanisms that allow the electrical box to be fixed at specific angular intervals, providing versatility without requiring a completely continuous adjustment system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple angular configurations are provided for the electrical box, then the versatility and ease of installation are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidfixing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism incorporates pre-defined angular positions with corresponding receiving features (such as indexed orifices, pins, or detents) that guide and automatically position the electrical box at the correct orientation during assembly, eliminating the need for complex measurement and alignment procedures by the installer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary indexing mechanism or positioning feature is introduced between the electrical box and casing that automatically establishes the correct angular relationship, simplifying the installation process while managing the complexity through a dedicated positioning subsystem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical box and casing are fixed together with radial elements, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the adaptability to different installation arrangements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular configuration flexibilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism serves multiple functions: it maintains structural integrity through secure attachment while simultaneously providing adaptability to multiple angular configurations, achieving both strength and versatility through features like indexed receiving orifices or multi-position detent mechanisms that are integrated into the radial fixing elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3453878B1Electric compressor for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 VALEO JAPAN CO LTD
  • EP3453878B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453878B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453878B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric compressor (500) of a refrigerant fluid (700) for a motor vehicle, the electric compressor (500) comprising (i) a casing (1) housing a refrigerant fluid compression mechanism (700) and an electric motor (11) for actuating the compression mechanism, (ii) an electrical box (2) housing a control module (20) for controlling the electric motor (11) and (iii) means for fixing said electrical box (2) on the casing (1) so as to be able to assemble said electrical box (2) on said casing (1) in at least two different angular configurations with respect to a longitudinal axis (Z) of the electric compressor (500).