Electric Power Steering Motor with Distributed Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power steering systems have a less flexible and space-intensive design, requiring significant installation space due to the centralized arrangement of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The electric machine and electronic arrangement form a compact, flexible assembly unit with the electronic components distributed on multiple sides of the electric apparatus, allowing for a redundant and highly integrated design that eliminates the need for a separate ECU and uses the motor housing as a heatsink for thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electronic arrangement is arranged on a single side of the electric machine, then the assembly structure is simple, but the installation space requirement increases and design flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic arrangement is segmented into multiple independent control units, with each unit arranged on different sides of the electric machine. This segmentation allows the system to achieve compact spatial distribution while maintaining simple individual unit structures, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional single-side layout to a three-dimensional multi-side distribution around the electric machine. This dimensional change enables more efficient space utilization and reduces the overall installation footprint while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic arrangement is distributed on multiple sides of the electric machine, then the design flexibility and space efficiency improve, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic arrangement is divided into multiple independent control units that can be separately assembled and positioned on different sides of the electric machine. This segmentation provides design flexibility while keeping each individual unit simple, thereby managing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control unit is designed with universal mounting capabilities and standardized interfaces, allowing them to be flexibly positioned on different sides of the electric machine. This universality enables design flexibility without proportionally increasing assembly complexity, as the same basic unit design is reused in different configurations.
3Device complexity
If a separate ECU is used for controlling the electric machine, then the control function is clear and simple, but the overall assembly size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions previously separated into distinct ECUs are merged into integrated control units that are directly coupled to the electric machine. This merging eliminates the need for separate ECU housings and connections, reducing overall assembly size while maintaining clear control functionality through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units are designed to perform multiple functions (control, monitoring, and communication) within a single integrated package, eliminating the need for separate dedicated ECUs for each function. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and overall assembly size while preserving clear control architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables a compact, flexible, and space-saving installation of the electric power steering system, improving assembly efficiency and reliability by distributing command and power electronics around the motor, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
heat conductively connected to the housing of the electric machine
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electric apparatus (10) for an electric power steering system (5) of a vehicle (1), comprising: - at least one electric machine (20), - an electronic arrangement (30) at least for controlling the at least one electric machine (20), wherein the at least one electric machine (20) and the electronic arrangement (30) form a single common assembly unit for being mounted on the vehicle (1).