Electric Power Steering Drive Apparatus Connector Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power steering systems face challenges in minimizing wiring space due to the need for long wirings and increased size caused by folded terminals connecting substrates.
Innovation Solution
A drive apparatus is designed with substrates and connectors arranged in non-overlapping regions, allowing connector terminals and motor lines to extend straight and connect directly, minimizing wiring space and reducing impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If terminals are folded from outside the substrate to connect with the substrate, then connection is achieved, but wiring space increases and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar substrate connection to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Substrates are arranged in multiple layers along the vertical direction, with connectors extending between layers. This dimensional change allows terminals to connect directly through the stack without folding, eliminating the need for lateral wiring space while maintaining connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of folding terminals outward from the substrate surface (conventional approach), the patent inverts the connection approach by having connectors extend inward between stacked substrates. The terminals are positioned to connect directly to the opposite substrate through the intermediate space, reversing the traditional folding direction and eliminating wiring space occupation.
2Ease of operation
If terminals are folded to connect substrates, then connection is achieved, but wiring length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges substrates in a vertical stack with connectors extending along the vertical dimension. This eliminates the need for long lateral wirings required by folded terminal configurations. The direct vertical connection path between stacked substrates significantly reduces wiring length compared to the folded path that must traverse lateral space.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrates are pre-positioned in a stacked configuration with connectors oriented to extend directly between them. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for post-assembly folding or routing of long wirings, as the connection path is established in advance through the compact vertical stack, minimizing wiring length from the outset.
3Area of stationary object
If substrates are overlapped to reduce space, then compactness improves, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall connection space into distinct non-overlapped regions for different connectors. Each connector has its own dedicated region between specific substrates, preventing wiring interference and complexity. This segmentation allows multiple connectors to coexist in a compact stacked arrangement without creating complex intertwined wirings, as each connector's path is spatially separated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific non-overlapped regions for different connector types or functions. Instead of uniform substrate overlap, each local region is designed with appropriate spacing and connector placement to minimize wiring complexity while maintaining overall compactness. This localized optimization allows compact stacking without sacrificing wiring simplicity in critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power steering apparatus includes a motor, a controller including electrical components mounted on a substrate, and a connector unit including a cover that includes a first connector and a second connector, the first and second connectors connecting power and signals, in which each of the first connector and the second connector comprises a power supply part and a signal connection part, each of the power terminal and the signal terminal extend from the substrate in an axial direction of the motor, each of the power terminal and the signal terminal extend through the cover, each of the first connector and the second connector are arranged within a silhouette of the motor along the axial direction of the motor, each of the first connector and the second connector comprises an opening positioned on a side of the cover opposite the motor in the axial direction of the motor, the first connector and the second connector connect to and disconnect from the harness in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the motor, and a portion of each of the power terminal and the signal terminal that extends from the cover toward the substrate in the axial direction has a substantially straight shape.