Compact Temperature Sensor for Electric Vehicle Coils

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In rotating machines, especially electric vehicles, there is insufficient space to accommodate two separate temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of different coils, as existing sensors are too bulky and occupy valuable space.

Innovation Solution

A compact temperature sensor design that consolidates two coil elements into a single sensor assembly, using a housing with a resin mold to house both coil elements and a thermosensitive body, allowing for efficient space utilization and improved vibration resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate temperature sensor assemblies are provided for detecting temperature of different coils, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but occupied space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidoccupied space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate temperature sensor assemblies into a single integrated sensor assembly that can detect temperatures of multiple coils simultaneously. The sensor assembly includes a housing with multiple sensor elements positioned to contact different coil elements, thereby reducing the number of separate assemblies needed and saving installation space while maintaining the capability to monitor multiple coil temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature sensor assembly is designed with multi-functional capability to detect temperatures of multiple different coils using a single assembly. The housing contains multiple thermosensitive bodies that can simultaneously monitor temperature across different coil elements, making one sensor assembly universal for multiple measurement tasks rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors for each coil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If a compact temperature sensor design is used to save space, then occupied space is reduced, but vibration resistance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupied spaceVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly incorporates vibration-resistant design features and protective structures within the housing to cushion and protect the thermosensitive bodies from vibration damage. The housing design includes mounting structures and positioning features that secure the sensor elements firmly, preventing them from loosening or damaged under vibrational stress, thereby maintaining reliability in the compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution reduces the occupied space, enhances vibration resistance, and allows for accurate temperature detection of both coils, even in space-constrained environments, by integrating the sensor assembly for both coils into a single unit.

Implementation Method 1

A part of the thermosensitive body exposed from the housing chamber comes into contact with a surface of the coil element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3825668B1Temperature sensor
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 SHIBAURA ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3825668B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3825668B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3825668B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A temperature sensor 1 according to the present invention includes a first coil element 11 and a second coil element 12 both serving as a part of a coil of an electric apparatus, an element main body 53 that includes a thermosensitive body 54 detecting temperature of the first coil element 11 and temperature of the second coil element 12 and a pair of extraction wires 56 and 56 connected to the thermosensitive body 54, and a housing 25 that includes an electric insulating resin material and is configured to house and hold the first coil element 11, the second coil element 12, and the element main body 53.