Electric Compressor Mounting Legs with Sacrificial Breakable Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric compressors for vehicle air conditioners are prone to damage due to external forces transmitted to the motor driving circuit, which can cause collision with surrounding objects and damage to the housing.
Innovation Solution
The electric compressor design features first and second mounting legs with distinct connecting portion strengths, where the first mounting legs are designed to break easily to absorb external forces, preventing the transmission of these forces to the second mounting leg, which is more robust, thus protecting the motor driving circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric compressor is mounted rigidly to the engine with uniform mounting legs, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but external forces are transmitted to the motor driving circuit causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different mounting legs have different connecting portion strengths. Specifically, the first mounting leg has a weaker connecting portion that breaks easily, while the second mounting leg has a stronger connecting portion that remains intact. This localized differentiation in structural properties allows the system to selectively absorb external forces at specific points, protecting the motor driving circuit without requiring complete redesign of the entire mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is segmented into multiple mounting legs with distinct functions. The first mounting leg is designed as a sacrificial element with a breakable connecting portion, while the second mounting leg serves as a permanent attachment. This segmentation allows the system to handle external forces differently at different locations, with the first leg absorbing shocks and the second leg maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the connecting portion is made strong to prevent breaking, then the mounting structure is more durable, but external forces are transmitted to the motor driving circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of external forces into a beneficial protective mechanism. By designing the first mounting leg's connecting portion to break easily, the system allows controlled failure that absorbs external forces and prevents them from reaching the motor driving circuit. The weakness of the first connecting portion becomes a protective feature rather than a defect.
Solution Approach 2:
The first mounting leg with its breakable connecting portion acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the motor driving circuit. It serves as a sacrificial mediator that absorbs harmful external forces through controlled breaking, protecting the more valuable motor driving circuit from damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the first mounting leg connects strongly to prevent breaking, then the mounting is more stable, but the motor driving circuit is exposed to external force damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different stability characteristics at different mounting locations. The second mounting leg maintains strong, stable connection for normal operation, while the first mounting leg has deliberately reduced stability with a breakable connecting portion. This localized stability differentiation allows the system to maintain overall mounting stability while providing localized protection against external forces.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric compressor to be mounted on an engine in an engine compartment of a vehicle includes a compression mechanism, an electric motor, a motor driving circuit, a housing, a first mounting leg and a second mounting leg. The housing accommodates therein the compression mechanism, the electric motor and the motor driving circuit. The first mounting leg projects from the housing at a position adjacent to the compression mechanism. The second mounting leg projects from the housing at a position adjacent to the motor driving circuit. Each of the first mounting leg and the second mounting leg includes a fastening portion to be fastened to a portion of the engine and a connecting portion that connects the fastening portion with the housing. The connecting portion of the first mounting leg is made to be broken more easily than connecting portion of the second mounting leg.