Integrated Motorized Strut Control for Space and Signal Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorized strut designs for vehicle closure panels face space constraints due to externally mounted motors and controllers, and remote placement of controllers leads to signal noise issues during operation.
Innovation Solution
Integrating electronic control circuitry and motors within a housing of an electromechanical biasing member, allowing for a compact design that reduces packaging space and improves signal processing quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If motors and motor controllers are mounted on the exterior of the strut housing, then space constraints are addressed, but the strut outer envelope increases or is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor and motor controller into a single integrated assembly that is mounted within the strut housing. This combination eliminates the need for separate external mounting of control circuitry, thereby maintaining the strut's outer envelope dimensions while accommodating all necessary components internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller is positioned within the strut housing in close proximity to the motor, effectively nesting the control circuitry inside the existing structural envelope. This nesting approach allows the control components to be housed without increasing the overall strut dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If motor controllers are positioned remote from the electric motors, then space constraints are addressed, but signal noise issues occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor controller and motor into a closely integrated assembly, minimizing the distance between signal generation and execution. This close coupling reduces the length of signal pathways, thereby minimizing exposure to electromagnetic interference and reducing signal noise during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical biasing member for moving a closure panel between an open and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body is provided. The electromechanical biasing member includes a housing having an inner cavity for housing an electric motor having a motor shaft and a rotary output member rotatable relative to the housing. An extension member within the housing and engageable with the rotary output member moves the closure panel between the open and closed positions in response to driving the electric motor. Also provided is a control unit positioned within the inner cavity and configured to drive the electric motor, the control unit including at least one controller board juxtaposed to the electric motor, and a plurality of control components mounted to the at least one controller board and configured to supply a drive signal to the electric motor and receive signals representative of operation of the electric motor.