Integrated Coolant Temperature Sensor in Electric Machine Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric machines face challenges in efficiently managing coolant temperature, leading to potential overheating and increased operational costs due to separate temperature sensors and wiring harnesses, which complicate monitoring and adjustment of coolant flow.
Innovation Solution
An integrated coolant temperature sensor within the electric machine monitors coolant temperature, allowing for real-time adjustments to coolant flow, reducing the need for additional wiring and enhancing operational efficiency by determining the required cooling based on measured temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate temperature sensors and wiring harnesses are used to monitor coolant temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is achieved, but device complexity and number of potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the temperature sensor directly into the coolant system component (such as the thermostat housing or coolant pump), eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and external sensor mounting. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete parts and connection points, thereby reducing device complexity and potential failure points while maintaining reliable temperature monitoring capability
2Temperature
If coolant flow is continuously maintained at high levels for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption by pumps and fans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated temperature sensor provides real-time temperature data that feeds back to the control system, enabling dynamic adjustment of coolant flow rate. When temperature readings indicate adequate cooling, the system reduces pump and fan operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control when needed
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 improves machine reliability and efficiency by optimizing coolant flow, reducing the load on auxiliary devices and eliminating the need for external connections, thereby enhancing overall operating efficiency and reducing potential failure points.
Implementation Method 1
A coolant temperature sensor is arranged within the housing and exposed to the flow of coolant. The coolant temperature sensor configured and disposed to detect a temperature of the coolant in the housing.
Implementation Method 2
The coolant temperature sensor configured and disposed to detect a temperature of the coolant in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electric machine including a housing, a stator mounted within the housing, a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing relative to the stator, and a coolant system fluidly connected to the housing. The coolant system delivers a flow of coolant through the housing. A coolant temperature sensor is arranged within the housing and exposed to the flow of coolant. The coolant temperature sensor configured and disposed to detect a temperature of the coolant in the housing.