Motor Control Unit Compact U-Shape Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing motor control units are bulky due to the stacking arrangement of components, which increases their size and length in the stacking direction, necessitating a miniaturization approach.

Innovation Solution

The motor control unit integrates an inverter unit and a motor unit with the control board positioned on a support board, allowing components like the control board, smoothing capacitor, and busbar to be arranged in a U-shape on the support board, and utilizing resin portions for vibration damping and improved support rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the control board is arranged in a stacking manner along with other components such as a capacitor and motor, then the control unit can be assembled, but the length of the control unit increases in the stacking direction and the overall size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidlength in stacking direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control board is erected on the support board in a direction substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction of the motor control unit, transforming the arrangement from a one-dimensional stacking layout to a multi-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows components to be distributed across different spatial planes, reducing the length in the stacking direction while maintaining assembly capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The control board is divided into a control board proper and a protruding portion that extends toward the motor. This segmentation allows the control board to wrap around and connect to motor components without requiring excessive stacking length, distributing the connection points across different locations and reducing the overall footprint in the stacking direction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of stationary object

If the control board is erected on the support board in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, then the length in the stacking direction is reduced, but the support rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength in stacking directionVSAvoidsupport rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The resin portion serves as a composite structural element that integrates multiple functions: it rigidly connects the control board to the support board while simultaneously providing vibration damping. This composite approach combines the structural support function with the vibration isolation function in a single integrated component, maintaining support rigidity despite the perpendicular arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The resin portion acts as an intermediary element between the control board and the support board. It provides a rigid connection that maintains structural integrity and support rigidity, while also serving as a vibration damping medium. This intermediary component resolves the conflict between achieving compact dimensions and maintaining structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If the control board is erected perpendicular to the support board, then the stacking length is reduced, but vibration resistance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength in stacking directionVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resin portion serves as a vibration-damping intermediary between the control board and the support board. It isolates the control board from vibrations generated by the motor while maintaining the rigid electrical connection, thereby improving vibration resistance without compromising the compact perpendicular arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin portion converts the potential harm of vibrations into a beneficial damping effect. By positioning the vibration-damping resin portion at the connection interface, it absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy, protecting the control board from vibration-induced damage while maintaining the space-efficient perpendicular configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 configuration effectively reduces the length of the motor control unit in the stacking direction, enhances support rigidity, and improves vibration resistance by damping vibrations effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a resin portion provided between the control board and the support board in the supporting portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2814145B1Motor control unit
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2814145B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2814145B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2814145B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a motor control unit obtained by integrating an inverter unit and a motor unit having a motor, the inverter unit having a control board erected on a support board.