Galvanic Cell Moisture Detection in Electric Motor Steering Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle steering systems with electric power assisted steering face issues with moisture detection, as current sensors are costly and ineffective in detecting small amounts of water, leading to potential motor failure and safety hazards due to corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle steering system utilizing a galvanic cell sensor formed by a non-insulated motor star point and the motor housing, with a high impedance voltmeter connected to one of the motor phases to measure the induced voltage, allowing for detection of small water ingress without the need for additional expensive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional moisture detection sensors (infrared, microwave, electrical resistance) are used, then moisture detection capability is provided, but the system becomes cost intensive and cannot detect small amounts of moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motor housing and star point serve dual functions: as structural/electrical components of the motor and as electrodes for moisture detection. The housing acts as both the motor's protective enclosure and the second electrode, while the star point serves as both the electrical neutral point and the first electrode, enabling galvanic cell formation for moisture sensing without adding dedicated sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor's own structural components (housing and star point) are utilized to perform the moisture detection function. The system uses its inherent parts to detect moisture through galvanic cell formation when water ingress occurs, eliminating the need for external sensing components and making the motor self-diagnostic for moisture contamination.
2Reliability
If additional dedicated moisture sensors are added to the motor housing, then detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motor housing and star point serve dual functions: as structural/electrical components of the motor and as electrodes for moisture detection. The housing acts as both the motor's protective enclosure and the second electrode, while the star point serves as both the electrical neutral point and the first electrode, enabling galvanic cell formation for moisture sensing without adding dedicated sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the moisture detection function with the existing motor structure by integrating the detection electrodes directly into the housing and star point. This merging of detection functionality into existing components eliminates the need for separate sensor assemblies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
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 solution effectively detects even small amounts of water ingress, preventing motor failure and ensuring driving safety by using the existing motor and housing components as part of the sensor, thus eliminating the need for additional costly sensors and providing reliable moisture detection.
Implementation Method 1
whereby in of event of water being present in the housing, the electrical sensor builds up a galvanic cell
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle steering system with a housing for a support device of the steering system with an electrical sensor device configured to detect a condition indicative of water being present in the housing, wherein the electrical sensor comprises a first electrode (15) and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode (15), wherein the first electrode (15) is formed by a non-insulated part of the support device and the second electrode is formed by the housing, whereby in event of water is present in the housing the electrical sensor builds up a galvanic cell.