Integrated Motor Steering Compressor Electromagnetic Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of electric power steering and compressor systems in vehicles increases the number of parts, leading to higher costs and weight, which is not adequately reduced by existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
An electric actuator-integrated system that combines the power sources and control parts of an electric-hydraulic power steering system and a compressor using an integrated motor, hydraulic pump, and power controlling means, such as an electromagnetic clutch, to share rotational force and reduce the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If electric power steering and compressor systems are integrated, then the number of parts and weight are reduced, but the complexity of power distribution and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric motor for power steering and the compressor motor into a single integrated motor unit. This merging of previously separate power sources reduces the total number of components and system weight, while the electromagnetic clutch mechanism manages the shared power distribution between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated motor serves multiple functions by providing rotational force to both the hydraulic pump for power steering and the compressor for air conditioning. The electromagnetic clutch enables this universal power source to selectively drive different components based on operational requirements, reducing the need for separate dedicated motors.
2Reliability
If separate motors and controllers are used for power steering and compressor, then system functionality is ensured, but cost and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate motors and control systems into a unified integrated motor assembly with shared control electronics. This consolidation maintains the functional reliability of both power steering and compressor operations while significantly reducing the cumulative weight and cost of multiple independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic clutch acts as an intermediary device that enables a single motor to reliably power both the hydraulic pump and compressor. This mediator component ensures proper power distribution and isolation between the two functions, maintaining system reliability without requiring separate dedicated motors for each function.
3Device complexity
If existing integration methods using two clutches are employed, then some part reduction is achieved, but the reduction is not satisfactory and complexity remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the power transmission control from two separate clutches into a single electromagnetic clutch mechanism. This merging of control elements reduces the total part count and simplifies the manufacturing process, while still achieving effective power distribution and isolation between the power steering and compressor functions.
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 integration reduces the number of parts and weight, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the functionality of both the power steering and compressor systems, including the air conditioning function.
Implementation Method 1
The power controlling means may include an electromagnetic clutch which turns on/off depending on whether or not a current is induced
Data Source
AI summary
An electric actuator-integrated electric power steering system may include an integrated motor which provides rotational force, a hydraulic pump connected to one end of the integrated motor and supplied with the rotational force from the integrated motor to pump working fluid that is used to transmit steering force, and an electric actuator connected to the other end of the integrated motor via a power controlling means. The electric actuator may operate when the rotational force is transmitted to the electric actuator and whether the rotational force from the integrated motor is transmitted to or cut off from the electric actuator may depend on an operation of the power controlling means.