Motor Heat Sink Segmentation for Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive apparatuses for electric power steering systems face issues with simultaneous failure of power supply systems due to thermal interference between semiconductor modules, leading to increased size and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A drive apparatus with a cylindrical motor case and a heat sink having column-shaped parts for separate placement of semiconductor modules, each corresponding to a power supply system, ensuring balanced heat radiation and reduced thermal interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If semiconductor modules are arranged close together to reduce apparatus size, then device compactness is improved, but thermal interference between modules increases causing simultaneous failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink is divided into multiple independent heat radiation blocks (first heat radiation block and second heat radiation block) that are separated from each other. Each semiconductor module is mounted on a separate heat radiation block, creating thermal isolation between different power supply systems. This segmentation allows the apparatus to maintain compact overall size while preventing thermal interference between modules, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and reliability.
2Device complexity
If semiconductor modules are mounted on a common metal substrate to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal coupling between modules increases causing simultaneous failure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single common metal substrate that would thermally couple all semiconductor modules, the invention segments the heat dissipation structure into multiple separate heat radiation blocks. Each block is independently mounted to the motor case, creating thermal isolation while maintaining structural simplicity. This approach reduces device complexity by avoiding complex thermal management systems while simultaneously improving reliability through thermal decoupling.
3Volume of moving object
If semiconductor modules are arranged in a compact configuration, then heat dissipation surface area is reduced worsening heat dissipation efficiency, but apparatus size is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the axial dimension of the motor case by extending heat radiation blocks in the axial direction rather than only in the radial direction. This dimensional approach allows multiple heat radiation blocks to be arranged along the axial length, providing sufficient heat dissipation surface area while maintaining compact radial dimensions. The result is effective heat dissipation without increasing the overall apparatus footprint.
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 enhances reliability by preventing simultaneous failure of power supply systems, reduces the apparatus size, and improves heat dissipation efficiency, thereby enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the electric power steering system.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink arranged in an axial direction of the motor case and having a plurality of column-shaped parts separated one another
Data Source
AI summary
A heat sink has two heat radiation blocks. The heat radiation block is formed in a wide column shape. The heat radiation block has connection parts at both ends. The connection parts have respective holes formed to pass through in the axial direction of a motor. One screw is inserted in one connection part and threaded into a motor case. The other screw is inserted in the other connection part and threaded into the motor case together with a cover. A power module forming an inverter circuit of each of two power supply systems is arranged on each heat radiation blocks.