Longitudinal Sealing Member for Position Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric superchargers, integrating a position sensor close to the engine is challenging due to sealing constraints and the proximity of motor phase inputs to the axis of rotation, making it difficult to establish a sealed electrical connection between the electric machine and its electronic control device.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a connection device with a sealing member that houses the position sensor, extending mainly along the longitudinal direction of the connection device, ensuring a sealed contact and allowing the sensor to be positioned close to the rotation shaft for accurate detection, while maintaining the seal between the electric machine and electronic control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the position sensor is integrated close to the rotation shaft for accurate detection, then measurement precision is improved, but sealing constraints and device complexity worsen due to the difficulty of establishing sealed electrical connections in that location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the position sensor from a radial arrangement (close to the rotation shaft) to a longitudinal arrangement (along the axis of rotation). This dimensional change allows the sensor to be integrated into the sealing member without compromising sealing integrity, as the longitudinal placement aligns with the natural sealing interface between the electric machine and electronic control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member serves as an intermediary structure that houses the position sensor while maintaining the seal between the electric machine and electronic control device. By integrating the sensor within the sealing member itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures that would compromise the seal.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the position sensor is positioned radially close to the rotation shaft, then detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to particles, dust, and gases from the electric machine
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor is nested within the housing of the sealing member, which acts as a protective enclosure. This nested arrangement shields the sensor from particles, dust, and gases emanating from the electric machine while still allowing the sensor to detect the position of the rotation shaft through the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member housing serves as an intermediary barrier between the position sensor and the contaminated environment. It allows the sensor to function without direct exposure to harmful particles and gases while maintaining detection capability through the housing structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connection device extends mainly along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability worsens due to the difficulty of integrating the position sensor and maintaining seals
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the seal between the electric machine and electronic control device, houses the position sensor, and maintains the structural connection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the sealing member mainly in the longitudinal direction (along the rotation axis) rather than perpendicular to it. This dimensional reorientation allows the sensor to be integrated along the axis of rotation, improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturability through alignment with the natural sealing interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (6) comprising: - a connection device (7) for electrically connecting an electric machine and an electronic control device for the machine, - a sealing element (12) for being hermetically attached to the connection device (7), said sealing element (12) comprising a housing (120) having a position sensor for measuring a position of the electric machine, said housing (120) being configured to extend mainly along a longitudinal direction of the connection device (7) when said sealing element (12) is attached to the connection device (7).