Electric Power Steering Controller Wiring Access via Nested Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a control board with an electric motor in power steering systems requires a connector for wiring, necessitating a work hole in the casing for connection, which needs to be reliably closed to prevent external elements and ensure proper operation.
Innovation Solution
An electric power steering apparatus with a built-in controller and connector, featuring a first casing with a work hole for wire connection and a lid member for closure, along with a second casing that houses the transmission mechanism and covers the lid member, ensuring secure mounting and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a work hole is formed in the first casing for wire connection of the controller and connector, then the wire connection operation can be performed, but the work hole needs to be closed with a lid member which complicates the mounting process and structure
Solution Approach 1:
The lid member is nested within the second casing, which is then fixed to the first casing. The cover part of the second casing covers the lid member, creating a nested structure where the lid is housed within the second casing rather than being a separate external component.
Solution Approach 2:
The second casing serves multiple functions: it houses the transmission mechanism and simultaneously provides a cover part that covers the lid member of the work hole. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate protective components.
2Reliability
If a lid member is mounted to close the work hole for wire connection, then external elements are prevented from entering, but the lid member needs to be reliably mounted which increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lid member is positioned within the second casing, which is then fixed to the first casing. This nesting arrangement provides reliable protection for the work hole while simplifying the assembly process, as the second casing acts as a protective housing for the lid member.
Solution Approach 2:
The second casing is prepared in advance with a cover part that will cover the lid member. This preliminary preparation ensures that the lid member is automatically protected when the second casing is assembled, without requiring additional mounting steps for the lid itself.
3Reliability
If the second casing covers the lid member, then the lid member is protected and reliably mounted, but the overall device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second casing combines multiple functions: it houses the transmission mechanism and simultaneously provides protective coverage for the lid member through its cover part. This merging of functions achieves reliable mounting and protection without adding separate protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The second casing serves as a multi-functional component: it acts as a housing for the transmission mechanism, provides structural support, and through its cover part, provides protection for the lid member and work hole area. This universality reduces the need for additional dedicated protective components.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric power steering apparatus (100) for assisting steering of a steered wheel. The electric power steering apparatus (100) includes an electric motor (20) with a built-in controller (21) for controlling rotation, a transmission mechanism (30) for transmitting the rotation of the electric motor (20) to the steering shaft, a connector (25) used to pull out wiring from the controller (21) to the outside, a first casing (40) in which the connector (25) and the electric motor (20) are to be mounted and which includes an work hole (41) used for a wire connection operation of the controller (21) and the connector (25), a lid member (45) for closing the work hole (41), and a second casing (50) to be fixed to the first casing (40) while housing the transmission mechanism (30) . The second casing (50) including a cover part (55) for covering the lid member (45) in a state fixed to the first casing (40) .