Detachable Control Unit Housing for Electric Power Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving apparatuses for electric power steering systems face challenges during the disassembly and reassembly of the control unit and motor unit, as the circuit board is exposed, leading to potential damage from extraneous materials and static electricity.
Innovation Solution
A driving apparatus design where the control unit is detachably attached to the motor unit, with connecting devices that allow terminal connections inside or outside the housing, keeping the electronic circuits covered and preventing exposure during assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the control unit is disassembled from the motor unit for replacement, then the out-of-order component can be replaced with a new one, but the circuit board becomes exposed to the outside, allowing extraneous materials to enter and potentially damaging the electronic circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is nested within the housing structure, with the circuit board terminal and motor terminal connected inside the protected environment. The housing acts as a container that holds the connector components, ensuring that the circuit board remains covered and protected during disassembly and reassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows electrical connection between the circuit board and motor terminals without requiring direct exposure of the circuit board. The connecting device with protruding and recessed portions enables tool-based connection while maintaining the protective barrier of the housing over the electronic circuit.
2Ease of operation
If the circuit board is exposed during disassembly and reassembly, then the connecting devices can access the terminals, but the electronic circuit becomes vulnerable to damage from tools and static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are nested within the housing structure, allowing terminal connections to be made inside the protected environment. The circuit board terminal and motor terminal are positioned such that they can be connected without removing the housing cover, thus protecting the electronic circuit from external threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as a protective shell that covers and protects the electronic circuit throughout the connection and disconnection processes. The housing maintains its protective function while allowing the connector to operate within the enclosed space, preventing tools and static electricity from reaching the vulnerable electronic components.
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object to provide a driving apparatus, according to which a control unit can be detachably connected to a motor unit in a condition that electronic circuits are not exposed to an outside of a housing. The electronic circuits are accommodated in the housing. A first connecting member is supported by a holder unit, which holds a motor terminal connected to a winding of a stator of the motor unit. A second connecting member is attached to the housing from the outside thereof, in such a way that a circuit-board terminal connected to the electronic circuits and the motor terminal are interposed between the first and second connecting members. As a result, the circuit-board terminal and the motor terminal are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.