Electric Pump Grounding Contact for Integrated EMC and ESD Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric pumps in automobiles face challenges in creating compact electrical grounding connections for Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electro Static Discharge (ESD) paths, leading to complex assemblies that increase time and cost.

Innovation Solution

An electric pump design incorporating a contact element made of one conductor that integrates EMC and ESD paths by electrically connecting the stator, grounding lead of the control substrate, and the conductive housing, using a contact element with multiple bases that are elastically deformable to provide mechanical support and simplify assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate grounding connections are provided for EMC and ESD paths, then reliable electromagnetic compatibility and static discharge protection are achieved, but device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate EMC grounding connection and ESD grounding connection into a single integrated grounding connection. The grounding element has a first contact region for EMC grounding and a second contact region for ESD grounding, both connected through a common grounding path to the housing, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining grounding reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both EMC grounding and ESD grounding paths, connects to different contact regions (stator for EMC, control substrate for ESD), and interfaces with the conductive housing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate grounding components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate grounding components are used for EMC and ESD paths, then comprehensive electrical grounding is achieved, but the space occupied and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical groundingVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple grounding components into a single integrated grounding element that provides both EMC and ESD grounding functions. This consolidation reduces the total volume occupied by grounding components while maintaining comprehensive electrical grounding coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If complex grounding connections are implemented for EMC and ESD paths, then complete electromagnetic compatibility and static discharge protection are achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding protectionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple grounding operations into a single assembly step where the integrated grounding element is installed once to establish both EMC and ESD grounding paths simultaneously, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining complete grounding protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding element is designed with pre-formed contact regions and grounding paths that are prepared during manufacturing. The first contact region, second contact region, and grounding path are all pre-configured, allowing for rapid installation without requiring complex assembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design reduces space, manufacturing, and assembly costs by creating an integrated grounding path that simplifies assembly and improves mechanical support, while effectively managing electromagnetic interference and static discharge.

Implementation Method 1

the contact element electrically connects the stator, the grounding lead of the control substrate and the conductive material of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the contact element is configured to be elastically deformable that stores the energy and dampen the mechanical vibration thereby improving a mechanical press fitting contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4654446A1An electric pump with a contact element for electrical grouding
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP4654446A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4654446A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP4654446A1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

The present subject matter relates to an electric pump (100) for automobile including a driving device (10), a pump device (50), a control substrate (30), a housing (111) and a contact element (20). The driving device (10) having a rotor (12) rotatable about an axis X and a stator (11). The pump device (50) is driven by the driving device (10). The housing (111) is accommodating at least the driving device (10), the control substrate (30) and the pump device (50), the housing (111) being formed at least of a conductive material. The control substrate (30) with a drive circuit for controlling the driving device (10) and a grounding lead. Further, the contact element (20) made of one conductor electrically connects the stator (11), the grounding lead of the control substrate (30) and the conductive material of the housing (111).