Electric Power Steering Control Unit Thermal Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electric power steering apparatus in vehicles, particularly those with narrow widths like ATVs, faces instability due to heating from nearby radiators, which restricts motor output and affects operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus positions at least part of the control unit and heat sink on the opposite side of the radiator, with the rack housing sandwiched between them, acting as a heat shield to block direct hot air and heat transfer, thereby maintaining stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the electric power steering apparatus is arranged at the rear side of the radiator, then the vehicle layout is compact and space is saved, but the control unit is heated by the radiator heat causing unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rack housing is positioned between the radiator and the control unit to serve as a heat shield. This intermediary structure blocks the direct path of heat transfer from the radiator to the control unit, thereby protecting the control unit from excessive heating while maintaining the compact vehicle layout.
2Device complexity
If the control unit is positioned close to the radiator for compact arrangement, then device complexity is reduced, but the motor output is restricted due to heating
Solution Approach 1:
The rack housing acts as a thermal barrier positioned between the radiator and the control unit. This intermediary structure prevents heat from the radiator from reaching the control unit and motor, thereby maintaining full motor output capability while allowing simple and compact arrangement of components.
3Device complexity
If the control unit is exposed to heat from the radiator, then no additional heat shielding components are needed, but the temperature increase causes restricted motor output and unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rack housing serves multiple functions: it accommodates the rack shaft and simultaneously acts as a heat shield for the control unit. By making the existing rack housing multi-functional, no additional heat shielding components are needed, maintaining device simplicity while protecting against heat exposure.
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 suppresses temperature increases in the control unit and heat sink, ensuring consistent and stable operation of the electric power steering apparatus even when a heat source like a radiator is nearby.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the control unit is arranged on an opposite side from the heat source such that a rack housing is sandwiched between at least the part of the control unit and the heat source
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power steering apparatus arranged in the vicinity of a heat source mounted on a vehicle includes: a rack shaft that turns a road wheel; an output shaft provided with a pinion gear engaged with a rack gear of the rack shaft; a worm wheel provided on the output shaft; a worm shaft engaged with the worm wheel; an electric motor that drives the worm shaft; and a controller that controls driving of the electric motor, and wherein at least a part of the controller is arranged on the opposite side of the heat source such that a rack housing is sandwiched between at least a part of the controller and the heat source, the rack housing accommodating the rack shaft.