Motor Elastomer Mounting in Motorcycle EPS for Stable Gear Meshing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In straddled vehicles equipped with EPS, the dynamic thrust load applied to the motor in the up-down direction causes a change in the power transmission condition and wear condition of the gear parts, necessitating a larger component size for durability.
Innovation Solution
The EPS actuator is designed with upward and downward dynamic thrust load attenuation elastomer members to absorb and attenuate the dynamic thrust load, ensuring the rotor shaft moves within defined limits, maintaining a stable power transmission condition without increasing component size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the EPS actuator is arranged with the rotor shaft extending in the up-down direction for compact arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power transmission condition changes due to rotor shaft movement caused by dynamic thrust load
Solution Approach 1:
A thrust load attenuation elastomer member is introduced as an intermediary element between the motor and the housing. This elastomer member absorbs and attenuates the dynamic thrust load, preventing direct transmission of forces that would cause rotor shaft displacement. The elastomer acts as a compliant mediator that protects the gear meshing while allowing the compact vertical arrangement to be maintained.
2Reliability
If the component size is increased to enhance durability against dynamic thrust load, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer member changes its physical parameters (compression, tension, shear deformation) in response to dynamic thrust loads. By utilizing the elastomer's ability to undergo elastic deformation, the system can accommodate thrust-induced displacements without requiring larger structural components. The elastomer's material properties (viscoelasticity, damping characteristics) are leveraged to protect the gear system while maintaining compact dimensions.
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 allows for a compact arrangement of the EPS actuator while preventing changes in power transmission and wear conditions, enhancing durability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an upward dynamic thrust load attenuation elastomer member disposed so as to allow the rotor shaft to move in the upward direction of the straddled vehicle, and to receive and attenuate a dynamic thrust load that is applied in the upward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A straddled vehicle with electric power steering (EPS), including: a steering mechanism for mechanically transmitting manipulation of a handlebar to a front steerable wheel; and an EPS actuator applying an auxiliary steering force to the front steerable wheel. The EPS actuator has a motor and a transmission gear part. The motor includes: a rotor shaft rotatable about an axis line thereof, a rotor gear part meshed with the transmission gear part, and upward and downward dynamic thrust load attenuation elastomer members for attenuating upward and download dynamic thrust loads, respectively. The upward and downward dynamic thrust load attenuation elastomer members compress upward and downward in response to the upward and download dynamic thrust loads, respectively, with maximum compression amounts thereof respectively less than upward and downward movement allowances, and a sum thereof shorter than the rotor gear part or the transmission gear part, whichever is longer.