In-Wheel Motor Seal Structure for Low-Friction Rotor Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-wheel motors face challenges in providing effective sealing between rotating and fixed components due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions, high linear speeds, and the need for durable, low-friction seals that prevent moisture and foreign substance intrusion while maintaining motor efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device for in-wheel motors featuring a large-diameter seal with surface-treated lips and a slinger structure that includes a dust cover and slinger with low-friction coatings, vanes for ventilation, and a maze-like design to prevent foreign substance intrusion and enhance heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is used between the rotor and stator, then sealing force is provided, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface treatment to the seal lip with specific roughness parameters (Ra 0.4μm to 1.6μm) and uses specific materials (polymer materials with low friction coefficients) to change the physical parameters of the seal surface, thereby reducing friction while maintaining sealing force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure where the seal lip is made of polymer material with specific properties, and the sliding surface is treated with coating layers (such as DLC coating) to create a composite structure that combines sealing capability with low friction and wear resistance
2Reliability
If a seal is used between the rotor and stator, then sealing force is provided, but durability decreases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameters by applying surface treatment with specific roughness values and using heat treatment to improve the material properties of the seal lip, thereby enhancing wear resistance and durability while maintaining sealing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies surface treatment and coating layers beforehand to the seal lip to create a protective layer that cushions against wear during operation, extending the service life of the seal
3Reliability
If the seal diameter is increased, then sealing performance is improved, but friction increases due to high linear speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting polymer materials with low friction coefficients and applying surface treatments to reduce the friction coefficient, thereby compensating for the increased friction caused by larger diameter and higher linear speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies surface treatment specifically to the seal lip sliding surface where friction occurs, creating a low-friction zone at the critical contact area while maintaining the overall seal structure
4Force
If surface treatment is applied to reduce friction, then friction is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular surface treatment parameters (roughness Ra 0.4μm to 1.6μm, coating thickness 1μm to 10μm) that can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes, balancing friction reduction with manufacturing feasibility
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 sealing device improves durability, reduces friction, and enhances motor efficiency by preventing wear and heat-related damage, thereby improving the fuel efficiency of electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lip is surface treated
Implementation Method 2
slinger structure that includes a dust cover and slinger with low-friction coatings, vanes for ventilation, and a maze-like design to prevent foreign substance intrusion and enhance heat dissipation
Implementation Method 3
slinger with low-friction coatings
Data Source
AI summary
An in-wheel motor includes a stator, a rotor rotatably disposed relative to the stator, and a seal connected to the stator and disposed to be in contact with a part of the rotor. In particular, the part of the rotor includes a coated surface, and the seal may be made of a low friction material and a low wear material.